Zamboanga City News March 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.

Zambo conducts training for parents of “special children”

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANA CITY - Recognizing the “special needs” of “special children”, the city government’s Gender and Development (GAD) focal point recently conducted a training for members of the Zamboanga City Federation of Parents of Children with Special Needs (ZCFPCSN) at the Centro Pastoral, Paseo del Mar, this city.

Public Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias said the activity was aimed at ensuring protection, rights and privileges of children with special needs.

“Children with special needs, like any other children, have the right to live freely through quality education with the support and guidance of their parents and relatives.”

During the training, topics discussed include Republic Act 9442 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and LTO provisions for PWDs specifically the allocation of a special reservation space for PWDs in every public utility vehicle in the city and throughout Zamboanga Peninsula.

Speakers were Commission on Human Rights (CHR) -9 PWD focal person Atty. Cristina Jimenez and Abdelshan Amilassan, acting chief of the Operations Division, Land Transportation Office (LTO)-9.

The training was successfully carried out in collaboration with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) through the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Unit (PDAU).

P7.2-M smuggled rice seized in Zambo City

By Roel Pareño (The Philippine Star)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Members of the Philippine Navy intercepted a motorboat loaded with 8,000 sacks of rice as they were patrolling the waters off this city Friday night, officials said yesterday.

The sacks of rice, estimated to be worth P7.2 million, were seized from the M/L Indah Jehan by elements of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) at around 10 p.m., said Rear Admiral Jesus Millan, NFWM commander.

Millan said the boat was owned by a certain Abdul Baki and skippered by Orlando Chugabia. He said the naval patrol boat DF322 spotted the watercraft heading toward the shore.

During a search operation, the Navy men discovered 8,000 sacks of rice, each sack weighing 25 kilos, aboard the Indah Jehan.

The shipment and the boat were turned-over yesterday to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper documentation and filing of charges.

Millan said the recent apprehension was part of an intensified maritime security operation of NFWM to help the BOC curb rice smuggling in this city.

NHA starts distribution of home materials to Zambo siege victims

(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/RSM

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 29 (PNA) -- A total of 30 families have received P30,000 worth of home materials to land title holder-families displaced by the siege in September of 2013 in this city.

The National Housing Authority (NHA) together with the city government’s Housing and Land Management Division Office (HLMDO) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) started Friday afternoon the distribution of P30,000 worth of home materials assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are land title holders.

HLMDO chief Rodrigo Pagotaisidro said the ceremonial distribution was held at the barangay hall of Sta. Catalina, one of the affected barangays.

Pagotaisidro said that 20 of the 30 family-beneficiaries are from Barangay Sta. Catalina while the remaining 10 families are residents of Barangay Sta. Barbara.

Pagotaisidro said that the family-beneficiaries must legally own the house or land.

The family-beneficiaries received a coupon that entitles them (for each landowner/homeowner) to 14 bags of cement, 2 cubic meters (Cu. M.) sand, 3 Cu. M. gravel, 12 pieces (10mm x 6.0 m) deformed bars, 3 kilograms. (No. 16) Galvanize Iron (G.I.) tie wire, 15 pcs. (1/4 x 4’ x 8’) ordinary plywood, 60 pcs. (2” x 2” x 8’) good lumber, 40 pcs. (2” x 3” x 8’) good lumber, 12 (GA 26 X 10’) corrugated G. I. sheets, 2 (GA 26 X 8’) plain G.I. sheets, 4 kgs. of 4-inch Common Wire (C.W.) nails, 4 kgs. of 3-inch C.W. nails, 2 kgs. of 2-inch C.W. nails, 2 kgs. of 1-inch C.W. nails and 4 kgs. of 2-inch umbrella nails, all worth 30,000.

Pagotaisidro stressed that conversion of housing materials to cash is not allowed and that each beneficiary will just present the coupon to the supplier, the Yuscom Construction Supply in Barangay Canelar, which in turn will deliver the home materials to the housing sites.

The Home Materials Assistance is a program under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) Plan for IDPs whose homes were burned in fire incidents during the seige in September 2013.

Pagotaisidro said Friday’s activity was only ceremonial and the succeeding distribution of home materials assistance will be done once the complete list of landowners is ready and verified.

Aside from Pagotaisidro, also present during the distribution of home materials assistance Friday were Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde, city caretaker in the absence of Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, NHA District Manager Al-Kwarizmi Indanan, NHA-BAC chairperson Architect Ma. Alma Valenciano, DPWH engineers and the barangay officials of Sta. Catalina and Sta. Barbara.

PhilHealth launches ALAGA KA program

(rsjabay)

The Philhealth Regional Office-IX, in collaboration with the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development and City Government of Zamboanga, launches its newest program “Alaga ka Para sa Maayos na Buhay ” (Alamin at Gamitin para sa Kalusugan).

This event which was simultaneously held on March 24, 2014 in 17 regions nationwide, aims to empower Philhealth indigent members under the National Household Targeting System (NHTS) by properly instructing them on how to avail of the basic health services at the rural health unit or health centers where they are assigned.

In Zamboanga City, about 500 indentified NHTS members from barangay Guiwan, Tetuan, Tugbungan, Sto. Niño, Camino Nuevo, Kasanyangan, Sta Catalina, Sta. Barbara, Mariki, Rio Hondo and Talon-talon of this city attended the launching program held at Zamboanga City Coliseum, Tetuan, Zamboanga City. The activity will be replicated in three other provinces in Region 9.

However, the highlight of the program was the message given by the President of Philippines, Benigno Simeon Aquino III to all 14.7 million families under the NHTS nationwide regarding the expanded health care benefit given by PhilHealth. Also, the president called on all Local Government Unit to support the objective of the Alaga ka program to eventually attain universal health care.

Philhealth’s Regional Vice-President, Romeo D. Alberto along with Mayor Beng Clamaco-Salazar, District II Representative Hon. Lilia Macrohon Nuño and other Regional Directors and official representatives from DSWD, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippines Statistics Authority, Zamboanga City Medical Center, City Health Office and Philippine Information Agency led the ceremonial signing in the commitment wall signifying their support on the program and in token of their advocacy on this multi-sector activity.

Zambo City joins Earth Hour observance

(PNA), PDS/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Mar 27 (PNA) --The City of Zamboanga will be turning off its lights on Saturday in support to the worldwide observance of the Earth Hour.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, through an executive order issued Wednesday, has enjoined all constituents, national offices, agencies, and government institutions, business sectors, civic organizations, and the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Zamcelco), to support the observance of the Earth Hour 2014.

Salazar said the lights of all city government buildings, major landmarks, and street lights within the jurisdiction of this city will be turned off from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday as a reaffirmation of this city’s commitment to support and participate in the global call to action to address energy efficiency, conservation, and climate change.

The Earth Hour Philippines is spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DoE) and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) in collaboration with the Green Army and the SWITCH Movement.

This year marks this city’s participation to the global initiative for the 7th year running.

The Earth Hour is a worldwide grassroots movement which encourages people, communities, organizations and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol of commitment to the planet.

The Earth Hour began as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia in 2007.

Since then the event has grown to engage more than 7,000 cities and towns worldwide.

BFP holds ‘Fire Olympics 2014’

By Eugene A. Lasprilla

The Volunteer Fire Brigade (VFB) of the Petron Corporation triumphed over the other participants in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Regional Office 9 and Zamboanga City Fire District (ZCFD) Fire Olympics 2014 held at the Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial School grounds in Governor Ramos Avenue, this city, last Saturday.

District Fire Marshall Superintendent Dominador Zabala Jr. told Zamboanga Today that the over-all championship went to the Volunteer Fire Brigade of Petron Corporation. The first runner-up is Manicahan Barangay Volunteer Fire Brigade, YL/NY Fishing Corp. is 2nd runner-up, and the Tetuan Barangay is 3rd runner-up.

Zabala said four local Volunteer Fire Brigade teams coming from the barangays and industrial sectors showed-off their capabilities and expertise in different firefighting activities.

Zabala added that the competition had four events that included Fire Extinguisher Relay, Bucket Relay, Hose Laying and Replacement of Busted Hose.

He added that the annual “Fire Olympics” is part of the various activities during the observance of Fire Prevention Month in March.

“The activity aims to promote camaraderie, unity and teamwork among VFB members and to further enhance their skills, maintain stamina to make the fire volunteers efficient and effective during fire fighting operations,” Zabala said.

The winners will receive prizes and recognition during the culmination of the “Fire Prevention Month” on March 31, 2014.

The opening program was graced by City Councilor Roel Natividad, as the guest of honor and speaker.

“As always, we are appealing to the general public to be extra fire-safety conscious and help prevent the occurrence of fire incident as well as to make everyday a fire prevention day to avoid losses of lives and properties,” Zabala reiterated.

DTI sets 2-day visual merchandising seminar in Zamboanga City

(PNA), LAM/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 25 (PNA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is holding a two-day visual merchandising seminar for store owners, sales managers, and visual merchandisers in this southern port city.

DTI provincial director, Engr. Rolando Acuña, said Tuesday that the seminar, which will be held on Thursday until Friday, will enhance the capability and competitiveness of the local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Acuña said experts on product and creative designs had been tapped by the agency as resource persons and facilitators for the two-day seminar.

Acuña said that topics and modules to be tackled include a lecture on the importance of visual merchandising as a strategic marketing tool, and a review and update on the current and upcoming design and color trends in fashion, home decors and accessories.

He said the second day of the seminar shall be devoted to workshops on story boards and booth design. Participants shall be divided into groups to come up with a mock up model store design and a window display store design. The DTI will provide the workshop materials.

"This seminar is actually just one of several trainings and seminars we have lined up this year under the DTI's SME Roving Academy (SMERA) program. This is intended to improve the capability and enhance the competitiveness of our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)," he said.

"Our MSMEs should take advantage of this opportunity as this kind of seminar is not offered very often in the region," he added.

He said that registration to attend the seminar is free but participation is strictly on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Interested participants are advised to contact DTI-Zamboanga City Office through telephone numbers (062)991-27-04 to 05 and look for Ms. Rovie Manzanares, Ms. Dinah Villena or Ms. Kathy Jusay for reservation and confirmation.

DOLE’s internship program to benefit 200 high school graduates in Zambo City

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Mar 24 (PNA) -–At least 200 high school graduates are set to benefit from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Government Internship Program (GIP) in this city.

DOLE Zamboanga Labor and Employment Officer Ian Lahi said 100 of the 200 beneficiaries will come from this city’s first district while the remaining 100 from the second district.

Lahi said that DOLE has allocated P7 million for the implementation of GIP this year in this city.

He said the beneficiaries will work for six months starting next month and each of them will receive a salary of 210 a day.

The GIP is aimed to provide opportunities for young workers to serve the general public through the projects and services of government agencies and offices at both local and national level.

“Through the program, they will appreciate the world of work. They will be deployed in government offices wherein they can learn while earning,” Lahi said.

GAD leads training for PWD parents

By Henry Salac

The City Government’s Gender and Development Focal Point has initiated the conduct of a training for parents with special child/children intended to ensure protection, rights and privileges of children with special needs.

Held at the Centrol Pastoral in Paseo del Mar the other day, the training was participated by members of the Zamboanga City Federation of Parents of Children with Special Needs.

The GAD, which is spearheaded by the City Human Resource and Management Office (CHRMO) believes that children with special needs have the right to live freely and independently through quality education with the support of their parents and relatives.

The activity was held in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) through the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Unit (PDAU).

Commission on Human Rights -9 PWD Focal Person Atty. Cristina Jimenez discussed in length PWD’s rights and privileges based on Republic Act 9442 otherwise known as “An Act Amending Republic Act 7277 otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and for other purposes”.

Abdelshan Amilassan, OIC-Chief of the Operations Division of the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-9 on the other hand explained about LTO provisions for PWDs specifically the allocation of a special reservation space for PWDs in every PUJs in the city and throughout Zamboanga Peninsula.

Zambo City Veterinarian’s office steps up campaign against stray dogs

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 22 (PNA) –- The Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet) has tapped the barangays as it has stepped up the campaign to clear the streets of stray dogs.

City Veterinarian Dr. Mario Arriola said the campaign is aimed to reduce if not eradicate cases of dog bites and rabies in this city.

Arriola said they have so far caught 190 stray dogs last month with the assistance of the barangays.

Arriola said that 115 of the 190 stray dogs were caught by the dog-catching team of Barangay Tetuan while Barangay Talon-Talon caught 44.

He said the rest were caught by the dog-catching team in Tumaga, Sta. Maria and San Roque that caught 15, 10 and six, respectively.

Meanwhile, Arriola’s office continues to conduct immunization in the barangays as the OCVet is leading the observance of the Rabies Awareness Month in this city.

The observance of the Rabies Awareness Month kicked off March 5.

Housing project for displaced families in Zambo to start end of March

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The city government of Zamboanga has formally endorsed the housing plan for the displaced families here to the National Housing Authority (NHA) to have it started by the end of this month or middle of April, Engr. Rodrigo S. Sicat, city planning officer, said in a press briefing.

“The city government has approved the design of the first phase of Mariki Village consisting of 520 housing on stilts; 172 loftable duplex units for Paniran resettlement area; and another 47 loftable duplex units for Martha Home Owners Association Subdivision... It was already endorsed to NHA-Manila for approval and awarding of contracts to contractors for construction by end of March or middle of April the latest,” Engr. Sicat reported.

As approved in the Zamboanga Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction Plan (Z3R), the NHA, Sicat said, has targeted 7,248 families for housing assistance up to the end of 2015, 3,241 of these are housing on stilts and 2,346 housing on land. The housing on stilts alone will cost P784.7 million, Engr. Sicat pointed out.

Sicat added that aside from the housing construction, 1,661 families will also be receiving P30 thousand worth of material assistance for the construction of their houses under the Housing Materials Assistance Program (HOMA) for a total of P49.83 million. NHA is just awaiting the resolution from the City Council for the release of the fund.

“The City Legal Office now has the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the city government and the NHA for the housing materials assistance program. The release of the P49.83 million by NHA depends on the availability of Sangguniang Panlungsod resolution,” he explained.

He said the target delivery of this assistance is from March to April.

“Beneficiaries will be given coupon to claim materials from a designated hardware or store,” Sicat concluded.


DOST sets two-day disaster preparedness workshop in Zambo City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 20 (PNA) -– The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in partnership with four other government agencies is set to hold a two-day seminar workshop on disaster preparedness in this city.

DOST Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said the seminar is in response to the order of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to conduct necessary disaster management actions ahead of the June typhoon season.

Manzano said the seminar workshop dubbed as “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safety Communities” will be held on April 7 and 8 in this city.

Manzano said the seminar will be held in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

She said the seminar workshop is part of the nationwide campaign of DOST and the other four government agencies to help local government units (LGUs) develop science-and-scenario-based early action plans for multi-hazards across time scales.

Among the resource speakers on the two-day seminar workshop are DOST Sec. Mario Montejo, DND-Office of the Civil Defense Deputy Administrator Romeo Fajardo, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) Administrator Dr. Vicente Manalo, DOST-Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) Program leader Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay, DOST-Disaster Risk Exposure Assessment for Mitigation (DREAM) Program leader Dr. Enrico Paringit, and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Dr. Renato Solidum.

PRC sets Second Chapter Administrators League National Convention in Zambo

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 19 (PNA) -– The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is scheduled to hold Thursday its Second Chapter Administrators League National Convention in this city.

PRC-Zamboanga City Chapter Administrator Victor Liozo, Jr. said that more than 100 administrators and staffs from the different PRC-chapters are expected to attend the activity.

Liozo said the convention is anchored on the theme “United and committed chapter administrator in pursuit of excellence.”

He said the resource speakers for the event include PRC-Tarlac Chapter Administrator Luciano Paras Jr., PRC-Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang and broadcaster Anthony Pangilinan.

He said they will discuss about developments and improvements as well as elect officers of the chapter administrators’ league.

Zamboanga City preparing for World TB Day observance

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 18 (PNA) -- The City Health Office is making the necessary preparations for the observance of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24.

The World TB Day observance is designed to raise public awareness about the global epidemic of TB and efforts to eliminate the disease.

City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos said part of the activities in this city is the “Marcha Contra TB” (March against TB) set to be held on Monday.

Agbulos said the march will start from the gymnasium of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) to the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex “where we will have all the services for TB.”

Agbulos said among the services for TB that will be held at the sports complex are free consultations, free X-ray and sputum examination, "to include other testing like HIV (human immuno virus) because it is very closely related with TB.”

“All these things (consultations) shall be done inside the evacuation camps at the sports complex,” he said.

City Hall records show there are still 2,441 families comprising of 13,174 individuals that are still housed at the sports complex.

They are among the thousands of families that were displaced by the September 2013 standoff in this city.

Agbulos said that this year’s World TB Day observance is anchored on the theme “Prevent TB cases in the community.”

Meanwhile, Agbulos announced that his office registered last year a 94 percent cure rate of TB and a case detection rate of 91 percent.

Agbulos said that his office, through the different health centers in the barangays, distribute anti-TB medicines for free to people found positive of the disease.

“Buntis Congress” benefits 300 IDPs

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Close to 300 pregnant women participated in the “Buntis Congress” of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 9 held recently at the DSWD conference room.

DSWD in a news statement said, this year’s Buntis Congress is specifically focused on pregnant internally displaced persons (IDPs) - victims of the Zamboanga crisis last year who are up to now housed at the JFE Sports Complex grandstand.

The Buntis Congress was aimed at orienting the participants on women’s health and other concerns related to childbirth and childcare.

During the said congress, Dr. Gracia Gacrama, in-house medical officer conducted lectures related to pregnancy and childbirth. An open forum was also conducted with the participants asking questions and sharing tips about pregnancy.

Good hygiene, eating a well-balanced-diet and ensuring daily light exercises are also among the topics taken up.

Meanwhile, DSWD-FO IX Director Zenaida Arevalo assured the participants of free medical services for IDPs. She advised the women to bring their access cards every time they come for free medical services at the Zamboanga City Medical Center as proof that they are indeed IDPs.

The Social Welfare office also distributed to the participants gift packs containing baby/infant wear, ‘malong’, canned goods, energy biscuits, a pair of slippers, sleeping mats and hygiene kit. The pregnant women also brought home with them 25 kilos of rice (each) from Tzu-Chi Foundation. The Buntis Congress is one of the activities lined up for the women’s month celebration.

This year’s women’s month celebration is anchored on the theme, “Juana: Ang Tatag mo ay Tatag natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong”, which aims to highlight the strength and resilience of Filipino women who have shown courage and support after surpassing trials and difficulties brought about by the numerous calamities.

Pope names Kidapawan bishop as Zamboanga archbishop

(LBG, GMA News)

Pope Francis has appointed a new archbishop for Zamboanga archdiocese in Mindanao, the Vatican disclosed Saturday evening.

Vatican Radio said the Pope named Bishop Romulo dela Cruz the new archbishop of Zamboanga in the southern Philippines.

"At the time of the announcement, Bishop dela Cruz was heading the Diocese of Kidapawan," it added.

The report said dela Cruz was born in Balasan on June 24, 1947, and received his priestly formation at the Grand Seminary in Davao City.

He had further studies at the Summer Institute on Pastoral Counseling in Quezon City, and at the Institute on Religious Formation in St. Louis in the United States.

Dela Cruz was ordained to the Archdiocese of Cotabato on December 8, 1972.

From 1976 to 1983, he served as rector of Notre Dame Archdiocesan Seminary in Cotabato, after which he was named vicar general.

In 1987, he was named coadjutor bishop of Isabela and ordained to the episcopate in 1988, then became the ordinary in 1989.

Dela Cruz was named coadjutor at San José de Antigue in 2001, and became the ordinary in 2002. He was named Kidapawan bishop in 2008.

Zambo City set to implement P69-M infra projects

By R.G. Antonet A. Go [(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/RGAAG/RSM]

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 15 (PNA) -– The city government is set to implement some P69.6 million worth of infrastructure projects in this city.

This was announced by City Assessor’s Office chief Erwin Bernardo, chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), saying they have already bidded out 49 infrastructure projects worth P69,656,860 in January this year.

Bernardo said projects that were bidded out include the construction of school buildings, drainage systems, farm-to-market roads and other infrastructure projects.

Bernardo said they are now on the evaluation and post qualification process to determine the winning bidders of the projects bidded out by BAC.

He said among the things they are evaluating is whether the contractors, who would emerge as the winning bidders are of good standing, to ensure the project will be completed on time.

He said the process is in compliance with Procurement Act 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act.

He said they will notify the winning bidder who will later be issued a notice to proceed “so that they can start implementing the projects.”

5 Indians firms signify interest to invest at ZAMBOECOZONE

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 14 (PNA) -- Owners and officials of five Indian companies have signified their interest to pour in investments at the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority and Freeport (ZAMBOECOZONE) in this city.

ZAMBOECOZONE chairman and administrator Christopher Lawrence Arnuco said the proponents were among the contingent from the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) who attended the recent ZAMBOECOZONE-sponsored business forum in Makati City.

Arnuco said the prospective Indian investors include the following: Jobships.com, seafarers services; Ozzy Business Consulting Ltd., agribusiness consultancy; Ivory Education Pvt. Ltd. and International Professional Financial Careers Academy Pvt. Ltd., education; and Huechem Textiles Pvt. Ltd., garments industry.

Arnuco said the road show type business forum, dubbed, “Invest Mindanao; Invest Zamboanga ECOZONE: Zamboanga ECOZONE Authority and Freeport and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Business Forum,” was a concerted effort of ZAMBOECOZONE, local government, and the regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Board of Investments (BOI).

He said the forum aspired to showcase Zamboanga Peninsula, particularly this city with ZAMBOEOCOZONE in focus.

During the series of presentations, NEDA Assistant Regional director Susan Valerio exhibited the Economic Profile and the statistical data supporting the phenomenal growth of this region.

Arnuco said that Valerio cited at the forum that Zamboanga Peninsula was the fastest growing region in the country in 2013 with a 12.4 percent increase in Regional Gross Domestic Product.

Grace Aduca, a representative from the DTI regional office, presented the Industry Profile of Region-9’s champion products, which include rubber, seaweeds, coconut, processed fish, mango, and abaca.

City Tourism Officer Sarita Hernandez on behalf of Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar gave an overview of this city and what Asia’s Latin City has to offer investors and tourist alike.

ZAMBOECOZONE Deputy Administrator for Planning and Operations Michael Angelo Carbon gave the ZAMBOECOZONE’s promotional briefing which presented it as the Gateway to the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA.)

Carbon also expounded on the particulars and advantages of the ZAMBOECOZONE, and highlighted the privileges and incentives to be had in the zone.

Arnuco said the affair was graced by the First Secretary of the Indian Embassy in the Philippines, N. Ram Prasad.

Heading the FICCI delegate was Mr. Kapil Rampal, Director of Ivory Education Pvt. and Santosh Nautiyal , Deputy Director of FICCI.

Arnuco said that several queries and concerns were raised regarding the economic, financial and business processes of doing business in this city and in the ZAMBOECOZONE during the business-to-business (B2B) matching and open forum.

Zambo studes complete USAID, city-gov’t-sponsored peace journalism training

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Fifteen college students from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) have completed a peace journalism training last Friday (March 7), which was made possible by the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Engage Project in partnership with the City Government of Zamboanga.

The training, which lasted for ten to twenty days, taught the students certain techniques/methods of interviewing as well as conducting research and writing their pieces through the mentoring of veteran local journalists such as Frencie Carreon of the Philippine South Angle, Julie Alipala of Philippine Daily Inquirer and Darwin Wee of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

Vanessa Mora, a mass communications major from ADZU, who was assigned to have an on-the-job exposure with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) said that seeing how a journalist actually works through immersion in the field made her feel more confident to join the ranks in the future after she graduates. “We covered some activities, and I realized that it is important to be exposed to the realities in the field this early to give us a grasp of what it actually feels like,” she said.

During the seminar’s culmination program held at a local restaurant last Friday, Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco-Salazar congratulated the students for completing the training and encouraged the young journalists to be objective in their work in the near future.

“There are a lot of negative things that happen to our city especially during these times, but do not be discouraged. There are a lot of good things that happen here, all we need to do is write about them for our people to be aware. Please be true to your work as journalists,” Mayor Climaco-Salazar said.

Meanwhile, Lee Forsythe, General Development Officer for Mindanao of the USAID said that there is something wonderful with peace journalism. “Through writing about peace, you are changing the perspective of those who read your story. If we write about peace, we are inspired to be pro-peace. But if all we see is war, because all we write about is war, then people will probably only always think about war. Let’s write about peace,” Forsythe said.

Jules Benitez, seminar facilitator of USAID-Engage explained that the seminar’s objective is to infuse the practice of responsible journalism in the city, especially among the youth through a “peace perspective”. He added that this is a pilot endeavor with the city government, and hopes that there will be more similar activities in the future.

Sheila Covarrubias, city information officer emphasized to the participants: “we need a new breed of journalists, and you can do a lot to contribute to build back a better Zamboanga through responsible and sensitive writing.”

Zambo is hotspot for birding, says int’l bird expert

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 12 (PIA) --- Birders, or bird-watchers from all over the world are interested to visit Zamboanga because of the presence of a great variety of species here, said an international birding expert during a bird-watching trip at the Zamboanga City State College of Marine Science and Technology (ZCSCMST) fishpond in Rio Hondo.

Mark Wallbank, a birder from the United Kingdom said that there are approximately 185 different species that are either migrants or residents, and this is a good reason why many birders want to personally visit the area.

Wallbank is one of about a hundred local and international birders who were in the city from February 27 to March 1 for the 9th Philippine Bird Festival made possible by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

“One reason why the birds migrate here is because the environment is so wonderful,” explained Wallbank to high school students who participated in the bird-watching trip.

“The birds like Zamboanga so much,” quipped Wallbank.

One specie known as the great and little egrets, which are considerably large white birds have nested in good numbers in the area.

“These birds are originally from China and have come here to mate, mainly because they like the weather and environment. The eggs will eventually hatch here,” Wallbank said.

In one hour, the bird enthusiasts were delighted to spot and identify 20 different species.

The Philippines has about 670 different species of birds. Zamboanga’s species make up about 28% of the total.

Activities for the bird festival included a parade on February 27 leading to Paseo del Mar, and various bird-watching trips at the Intake Watershed, Bog Lake and Mount Baluno until March 1.

Zambo Peninsula 2013 fisheries production up by 1.77%

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 11 (PNA) – The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) announced that the fisheries production of Zamboanga Peninsula marked an improvement of 1.77 percent in 2013 representing an increase of 341,579 metric tons (MT) from that in 2012.

NSCB-Zamboanga Peninsula head Mewchun Pamaran made this announcement Tuesday, citing Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) data that 2013’s fisheries production of the region reached 19,641,524 MT, which is higher by 341,579 MT than year 2012's 19,299,945 MT.

Pamaran said this came about as the production in commercial fisheries and municipal fisheries showed an increase of 2.04 percent and 3.86 percent, respectively.

However, Pamaran said that the aquaculture production has decreased by 1.86 percent from 4,400,475 MT in 2012 to 4,318,812 MT in 2013 or with a difference of 81,663 MT.

Pamaran said that commercial fishermen produced 8,507,010 MT of fish in 2013 or 169,713 MT higher than the 2012 record of 8,337,297 MT.

She said this came about after Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Sur have registered an increase in commercial fisheries production by 2.51 percent and 5.21 percent, respectively, although Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay marked a decline in production.

Pamaran added that commercial fisheries accounted for 43 percent of the total fisheries production.

She said that the municipal fisheries production was estimated at 6,815,702 MT in 2013. It also exhibited an upward trend marking an increase of 253,529 MT from the previous year of 6,562,173 MT.

The provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay have registered an increase in the production of municipal fisheries by 9.07 percent and 16.32 percent, respectively, Pamaran said.

Pamaran said that municipal fisheries accounted for about 35 percent of the total fisheries production.

Meanwhile, Pamaran said that the aquaculture production here in the Zamboanga Peninsula was 4,318,812 MT in 2013.

Pamaran said that the aquaculture production indicated a decrease of 1.86 percent contrary to the production in commercial and municipal fisheries.

Pamaran added that aquaculture accounted for 22 percent of the total fisheries production in 2013.


City distributes handheld radios to boost communication, mobility, security

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Fourteen barangays including island villages of the city recently received handheld radio sets from the city government for faster communication and mobility in times of crisis and security threats.

“The initial recipients of the handheld radio sets are barangays in District 1 and island villages of District 2, where peace and order situation is volatile considering their distance from the city proper,” Vic Larato of the City Information Office (CIO) said.

Five radio sets per barangay was distributed at the City Hall conference room. The recipients are barangays Labuan, Patalon, Sinubong, Pamucutan, La Paz and Limpapa in the east coast, and the 8 island barangays of Landang Laum, Landang Gua, Tumalutab, Tigtabon, Pangapuyan, Pasilmanta, Manalipa and Busay.

The handheld radios will help capacitate the barangay officials in responding to any emergencies in terms of communication and mobility.

Larato said Mayor Cimaco hopes that with the radios, the barangay officials will become more proactive in responding to security problems in their areas, by relaying correct and verified information to the authorities the fastest time possible.

Zambo sanitary landfill Phase 1 project completed

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Mar 9 (PNA) --The construction of this city’s sanitary landfill Phase 1 has been completed and ready for use.

City Engineer Luis Vicente Despalo said that they are only waiting for the formal turnover of the project to start using the facility.

Despalo said the Phase 1 of the sanitary landfill comes in two contracts worth P75 million.

The first contract involved the amount of P65 million for the construction of the first cell, lining facility, leachate collection and treatment facility.

The second contract worth P10 million is for site development to include administration building, roads, fence, and drainage system.

Despalo said the Phase 1 of the sanitary landfill composed of cell number one that has an area of two hectares.

Despalo said the first cell would be filled up in three years time providing sufficient time for the construction of the second cell.

The entire sanitary landfill has a total area of 10.6 hectares and will consist of four cells which can accommodate this city’s solid waste disposal for a period of 10 years.

The cost of the entire project is P300 million.

Zambo needs P3-M for cloud seeding operation

By R.G. Antonet A. Go [(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/RGAAG/RSM]

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 8 (PNA) -– The Office of the City Agriculturist has requested Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar to allocate P3 million funds for the conduct of cloud seeding operations in the city.

The cloud seeding operation is aimed at inducing rainfall to cushion the effect of the dry spell besetting the city.

Carlito Rubares, the supervising agriculturist at the Office of the City Agriculture, said the funds once approved and allocated would enable them to conduct 31 sorties to drop into the clouds a total of 15,500 kilograms of iodized salt.

Rubares added at least 500 kilograms of iodized salt will be dropped in each sortie into the seedable clouds to induce rains.

Rubares said the cloud seeding will be conducted in coordination of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM).

He said the conduct of cloud seeding is an option to induce rain to cushion the effect of the dry spell hitting this city.

The dry spell prompted the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) to imposed water rationing starting Thursday in this city.

Eng’r. Arnulfo Alfonso, ZCWD’s Technical Services Group Head, earlier said cloud seeding would mitigate the problem of water supply shortage.

300 IDPs get updates on Zambo rehab plan

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - In response to the pressing need of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) for accurate and timely information regarding recovery and rehabilitation initiatives, the City Government of Zamboanga provided some 300 IDPs and camp leaders updates on the ongoing rehabilitation plan for Zamboanga City.

The information caravan conducted March 6 at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex included brief discussions regarding shelter, livelihood, social and health services, as well as the status of the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Rehabilitation (Z3R) plan.

The IDPs actively participated in the open forum in which they aired their concerns and queries.

Sheila Covarrubias, City Information Officer said the information caravan conducted yesterday was the first out of a series of planned caravans set for the different evacuation centers and transitory sites.

Present during the caravan were the representatives from the City Government, the National Housing Authority (NHA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), providing some updates on the ongoing rehabilitation plan for Zamboanga City.

In her message during the information caravan, Mayor Beng Climaco appealed to IDPs to help and cooperate as the city government continues to explore all options to address the problems and concerns brought about by the September conflict and the subsequent humanitarian crisis that followed.

Coast guard gets 18 modern motorboats

By Nonong Santiago

The Philippine Coast Guard yesterday morning inaugurated at least 18 newly acquired modern motor boats at the grandstand of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao at Upper Calarian, this city.

Coast Guard District Commander Southwestern Mindanao, Commodore Leopoldo Laroya who led the inaugural rites, called his men to use the speedboats proficiently in their fight against criminality, piracy and other coast guard related activities at sea.

Laroya said the modern motor boats were purchased by their head office, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), purposely to augment their fighting capabilities and security patrol in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Zamboanga Coast Guard Station Commander Lt. Junior Grade Jomark Ange disclosed that of the 18 motor launches, at least five will remain in Zamboanga City while the rest will be distributed to Pagadian City, Cotabato City, Bongao, Jolo, Mapun and Basilan Province.

According to Ange, the multi-role patrol boats will not only be used solely to fight crimes but also for search and rescue as well as environmental protection and other coast guard related operations.

He said aside from the speedboats, the DOTC also turned over one big truck to them for the purpose of transporting the speedboats to other areas in times of emergencies and towing purposes.

Phivolcs installs new, modern intensity meter at Zambo Seismic Station

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 5 (PNA) -– The Zamboanga Seismic Station of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is now equipped with a new and modern intensity meter, a Phivolcs official announced Wednesday.

Phivolcs-Zamboanga City officer-in-charge Allan Rommel Labayog said the P1 million intensity meter was installed Tuesday at local seismic station in Barangay Sta. Maria, this city.

Labayog said the installation of the new and modern intensity meter boosts the capability of the Zamboanga Seismic Station in terms of measuring earthquake intensity and its waveform.

Labayog said that the Phivolcs central office as well as those in other areas could immediately get data from the Zamboanga Seismic Station since the intensity meter is connected on-line through the internet.

He said the new and modern intensity meter replaces the old and less technologically advanced equipment they have in this city.

He said the intensity meter was acquired with the assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

He said that Phivolcs is also planning to install modern intensity meters in Isabela City, Basilan and in Tawi-Tawi.

DOE holds info drive vs. illegal coal mining

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - In the effort to curb the proliferation of illegal coal mining in Zamboanga Peninsula, the Department of Energy (DOE) has conducted an Information, Education and Communication Campaign on the Guidelines on the Accreditation of Coal Traders and Registration of Coal End Users” on Feb. 27 at the Garden Orchid Hotel here.

The activity was participated in by local coal mining stakeholders, line agencies including the Philippine National Police (PNP).

DOE Undersecretary Ramon Allan V. Roca emphasized that illegal mining spawns several other problems including the use of unsafe methods of mining, the denudation of protected forest areas and especially the exploitation of children in their illegal operations.

“We need your cooperation to stop illegal mining and child labor. If you continue to buy coal from illegal traders, you are becoming part of child exploitation. These children carry the coals on their backs, like carabaos,” explained DOE’s coal division chief Engr. Nenito Jariel Jr.

In addition to the above-mentioned issues, another effect of illegal mining is the loss of revenue for the local government units.

“The total LGU returns for the last 5 years in coal mining is P22,899,304. More can be earned, but because of illegal mining, LGUs are deprived of their income,” explained Jariel. “Illegal miners never remit, ang laki ng nawawala sa inyo (much has been lost from you).”

Meanwhile, Director Rino Abad of the Energy Resource Development Bureau (ERDB) said: “Ang daming illegal operators na yumayaman. Di sila nagbabayad ng tax, walang mga permit. Di sumusunod sa mining guidelines.”

(Many illegal operators have enriched themselves. They don’t pay taxes and have no permits. They don’t follow the mining guidelines.)

“If we continue to patronize them, magkawatak-watak ang (it would break up the) oil industry; as a result, legitimate operators and mining actors will be discouraged and put up business,” Abad explained.

“Once there is too much illegal mining in a province, a ban will be imposed upon the area. Once a ban will be imposed, end-users will have to import, at higher prices. Lahat po tayo maaapektuhan (All will be affected).”

“We are appealing for all stakeholders, the LGU partners and law enforcement agencies to take part in the advocacy and prevention of illegal coal mining,” Undecseretary Roca told the participants.

Tzu Chi- rebuilding lives with great love

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - She was among the crowd, patiently sitting in the corner of the Tzu Chi Eye Center with her son clutching on to her. She was warmly talking to her child as he got quite impatient and started to cry.

Are you nervous? An older child sitting beside her asks the woman, and she just gave him a gentle smile.

How old is he? I asked the woman, she replied “one ma’am.”

I learned that Manang Lita (not her real name) came in with her one year old son for herniorrhaphy, a surgical operation for the correction of hernia.

Lita, who was nervous and at the same time thankful, said, if it wasn’t for this opportunity, her family probably wouldn’t be able to give her son immediate medical attention as they cannot afford such operation.

“Ang laki talaga ng pasalamat namin mam sa Tzu Chi, sa libreng operasyon, sana patuloy sila sa pagtulong sa gaya naming mahihirap.”

(We are really grateful to the Tzu Chi for giving free surgical services and I hope it will continue extending help to the poor like us.)

Tzu Chi …. restores hope, rebuild lives with great love

Manang Lita was one of the hundreds of patients who receive great love and compassion from Tzu Chi foundation through the foundation’s surgical medical mission.

Leonisa Dapiosan, senior nurse of the Tzu Chi Eye Center said a medical team travelled all the way from Manila for the surgical medical mission conducted Feb. 28 to Mach 01 here In Zamboanga.

The medical team from Manila was composed of 18 members that included surgical doctors, anesthesiologist and OR nurses who arrived here Thursday for the conduct of free herniorrhaphy and thyroidectomy.

Dapiosan said, hundreds of indigent patients from all over the region availed themselves of the free surgical operations of the two-day medical surgical mission of the foundation.

“Marami from Zamboanga City, meron din from Sibugay, Dapitan, Dipolog and Basilan,” (Many are from Zamboanga City, some are from Sibugay, Dapitan, Dipolog and Basilan) said Dapiosan, referring to the patients.

Sense of fulfillment

Staff nurse Jun of Tzu Chi-Zamboanga said in previous years, medical surgical mission was conducted every quarter of the year, but now, due to declining number of goiter and hernia cases, the conduct of the mission was reduced to twice a year. “It’s not because dahil marami nang ayaw na magpa opera, we realized na siguro mas nababawasan na ang kaso ng goiter at hernia, kaya pa konti ng pa konti ang nagpapa opera,” (It’s not because they don’t want to be operated on, but we realized that the cases of goiters and hernia are really going down, so the number of those who want to avail of the medical services is also getting fewer) Jun said.

“Because of this, nagkakaroon kami ng self-fulfillment , one evidence doon is kokonti na lang ang mga kaso na nakikita namin that’s why we also extend services to neighboring provinces like Ipil, Dipolog, some parts of Sibugay Province, General Santos City and as far as Tabaco Albay just to conduct surgical mission,” Jun explained.

(Because of this, we got self-fulfillment. One evidence of this is that the number of cases was going down, that’s why we also extend services to neighboring provinces like Ipil, Dipolog, some parts of Sibugay province, General Santos City and as far as Tabaco, Albay just to conduct the surgical mission.)

Aside from the medical surgical mission, Tzu Chi Zamboanga also does free eye check-up and cataract operation and free prosthesis program.

“We have now maker of prosthesis and the manufacturing facility is very accessible here in Zamboanga City, that’s why we no longer need to conduct medical mission for prosthesis because we could directly refer our patients to the manufacturer because it can be made here,” Jun pointed out.

Proof of Zambo post-siege build-back? Successful bird fest hosting and win in regional athletic meet

(Philippines News Agency)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The two-day 9th Philippine Bird Festival that drew big delegations from different parts of Asia and the city’s winning the Regional Athletic Meet in Dipolog City are proof that the city is on its way to recovering from the Zamboanga siege in September 2013, Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said.

“Let us stand united and give better future to the children,” Salazar said after the elementary pupils from six public schools competed in the field demonstrations, featuring their colorful bird-inspired costume and props at Paseo del Mar.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) organized the event that opened Friday afternoon.

For his part, DOT Assistant Secretary Arturo Bungcato, Jr. shared DOT’s significant gains in its campaign to bring in foreign tourism, stressing that as of the latest count about 4.7 million foreign tourists visited the country last year which translated to USD4 billion in revenues.

“Tourism as an engine of growth is not only felt in Manila but all in many urban areas like Zamboanga City and the conduct of the Bird Fest in Zamboanga is very historic as DOT is now implementing the National Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan,” Bungcato said.

He said the Bird Festival was very significant to this city’s efforts of finding peace.

“Because birds are messengers virtues the human beings should emulate; birds are messengers of freedom as they fly anywhere anytime they want to; birds are messengers of hope as their presence indicates the environment and ecology are in perfect shape and; birds are messengers of peace,” Bungcato said.

A record from DOT regional office showed that the activity has attracted 70-strong contingents from different parts of the country and Southeast Asia.

The contingents came from the Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network, Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, Malaysian Nature Society, Wild Bird Society of Taipei, Amazing Journey Asia Media (Malaysia), Snarovski Optik (Singapore), Katala Foundation, Haribon Foundation, Birdwatch Palawan, Penagmannaki (Negros Oriental), Philippine Native Plant Society, Polillo Island Biodiversity Conservation, Earth Island Institute, Save Freedom Movement, City of Balanga, Province of Bataab, and 30 participants from the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines.

Highlighting the opening of the festival was the field demo competition participated in by pupils from Tetuan Central School, Catalina Vda de Jalon Elementary School, Boalan Elementary School, Sta. Maria Central School, and the Zamboanga East and West Central Schools combined.

Only one grand winner will be chosen for a prize of P20,000 while the non-winning schools will receive P5,000 consolation.

The most lively participant will receive P10,000.

Zamboanga City regains ZPRAA title

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 1 (PNA) -- The Zamboanga City delegation regained the championship title in the 2014 Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Meet despite the lack of adequate training facilities due to the standoff last September.

This year’s ZPRAA Meet was held from February 23 to 28 in Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte province.

The 731-strong Zamboanga City athletic delegation obtained 240.67 points in the elementary level and 333 points in the secondary level or a total of 537.67 points making it the overall champion in both levels.

“We are happy to inform you that we regain the championship in both levels,” City Schools Division Superintendent Pedro Melchor Natividad said.

Last year, Zamboanga City ranked second in both elementary and secondary levels in ZPRAA Meet.

Coming in second is Zamboanga del Sur, last year’s overall champion, with a total haul of 435 points- 159.50 for the elementary level and 275.5 points for the secondary level.

Third placer is Zamboanga del Norte with a total of 433.67 points- 235.67 for the elementary level and 198 for the secondary level.

Dipolog City came in fourth with 179 points for the elementary level and 252.67 points for the secondary level or a total of 431.67 points.

Sibugay Province came in fifth with 270.5 points, 157 points of which for the elementary level and 113.5 points for the secondary level.

Pagadian City is 6th placer with 256.5 points--145 points for the elementary level and 111 for the secondary level.

Isabela City ranked 7th with 148.34 points, 83.67 of which for the elementary level and 64.67 points for the secondary level while Dapitan tailed with 111.67 total points –49 points of which for the elementary level and 62.67 points for the secondary level.

Natividad said Zamboanga City hauled highest points in baseball (boys), basketball (boys), softball (girls), swimming-boys and taekwondo (boys and girls) in the elementary level and in arnis boys, athletics (boys and girls), basketball (boys), swimming (boys and girls), table tennis (girls) and taekwondo (girls) in the secondary level.

He said that it is providential that this city has regained the title even if the athletes were not able to use the sports complex, which has been converted to an evacuation center by families displaced by the September 2013 siege.

The sports complex still houses at present more than 3,000 families waiting for their transfer to the transitory sites and permanent homes in siege-affected areas.

“True to our words, stand up Zamboanga the athletes gave their best to regain the ZPRAA throne even though we don’t have a sports complex,” Natividad said.

The local athletes have utilize the grounds at the Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School when they trained in preparation for the participation in ZPRAA.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has commended this city’s delegation headed by Natividad saying Zamboanga’s victory is proof that Zamboangueños are resilient and determined to rise above the challenges.

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