Zamboanga City News May 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.

BSP-Zambo exchanges Php 1.3-M NDS to NGC since January

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has exchanged a total of Php 1,307,775 worth of New Design Series (NDS) to New Generation Currency (NGC) since January this year in this city.

Noelle Angela Pamaran, BSP-Zamboanga research analyst, told the Philippines News Agency that the amount was exchanged by 365 individuals who do not have any bank account.

The NDS notes are no longer being used in a day-to-day spending by the public but can still be exchanged to NGC at any bank or with the BSP although its demonetization is effective January 1, 2017.

The NDS that were exchanged with the BSP as of the following denominations and corresponding amount: 510 of PhP1,000 bills (PhP510,000); 459 of PhP200 (PhP91,800); 1,046 of PhP100 (P104,600); 1,947 of PhP50 (PhP97,350); 1,771 of PhP20 (PhP35,420); 2,645 of PhP10 (PhP26,450); and, 1,031 of PhP5 (PhP5,155).

The demonetization of the NDS is pursuant to Monetary Board Resolution No. 1939. The NDS has been in circulation since 1985.

The NDS was demonetized to safeguard the integrity of the Philippine banknotes.

The NGC, which is in circulation since 2010, will replace the NDS.

Pamaran said those who want to exchange their NDS to NGC can visit them from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays or any bank near them.

Zambo City adopts 4-year drought contingency plan

(PNA), BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 30 (PNA) -- The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has approved a four-year drought contingency plan aimed to reduce the impact of dry spell in the future.

The plan, which as approved on May 27, was drafted by a technical working group (TWG) during a workshop organized by the city government and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, city disaster risk reduction and management officer, said the plan is this city’s drought response to ensure that critical water needs are met during El Niño minimizing the impacts of drought to the economy, society and the environment.

This city particularly the agriculture sector was hard hit by the El Niño phenomenon with damages to crops and fisheries reaching over PHP24 million.

Apolinario said the contingency plan was developed in such a way that it can be updated every four years. It would serve as the tactical plan of this city to lessen the impact of drought in the years to come.

The plan is a result of a CDRRMC resolution approved in January.

The CDRRMC is composed of representatives from national and local agencies including the police and military.

Meanwhile, the city government in cooperation with national agencies have stepped up measures to assist the drought-stricken farmers through the implementation of cash-for-work and food-for-work programs, making available irrigation equipment such as drilling rigs, distribution of bags of rice as well as fertilizers, seedlings and fingerlings among others.

Zambo water firm eases up rationing scheme

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) --The Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) has slowly eased up the rationing although the water elevation at its reservoir remain below the normal level.

Leonardo Rey Vasquez, ZCWD general manager, said on Friday the move came as this city has experienced rains the past few days.

Vasquez said the water level at ZCWD’s diversion dam has reached 74.08 meters, which is lower by just .12 meters from the normal elevation of 74.20 meters.

“We already have extra water. So, we prolong the water service in areas where we can extend as it is illogical for us to keep the water,” Vasquez told the Philippines News Agency (PNA).

He said they are expecting the water supply to normalize by the middle of June although they are hoping it will be earlier.

The implementation of the rationing scheme started on January 8 as the water elevation dropped below normal level due to the prolonged drought brought by the El Niño phenomenon.

A thanksgiving mass was held on Friday at the ZCWD diversion dam. Fr. Michael Ufana celebrated the mass, which was attended by the employees of the water firm.

“This thanksgiving mass is a way of thanking the creator for the rain which we experienced the past days,” he said.

Zamboanga City to have 3 new national high schools

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) –- This city will have three new national high schools as President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has signed into law three House Bills authored by first district Rep. Celso Lobregat.

Lobregat said the measures, Republic Act Nos. 10835, 10836 and 10812, were signed by President Aquino on May 11.

R.A. No. 10835 is “an act separating the Ayala National High School–Tulungatung Annex in Barangay Tulungatung from the Ayala National High School, converting it into an independent national high school to be known as Tulungatung National High School and appropriating funds therefor.”

R.A No. 10836 is “an act separating the Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School (DPLMHS)–Pasonanca Annex in Barangay Pasonanca from the DPLMHS, converting it into an independent national high school to be known as Pasonanca National High School and appropriating funds therefor.”

R.A No. 10812 is “an act establishing a national high school in Barangay San Roque to be known as San Roque National High School and appropriating funds therefor.”

As provided in the law, for the Pasonanca and Tulungatung National High Schools, since there are existing annexes and the mode is separation, all personnel, assets, liabilities and records of the DPLMHS–Pasonanca Annex and Ayala National High School–Tulungatung Annex are hereby transferred to and absorbed by the Pasonanca and Tulungatung National High Schools, respectively.

The Department of Education (DepEd) secretary shall immediately include in the DepEd’s program the operationalization of the Pasonanca and Tulungatung National High Schools, the initial funding of which shall be charged against the current year’s appropriation of the DPLMHS–Pasonanca Annex and Ayala National High School–Tulungatung Annex respectively.

Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continued operation of the school shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

On the other hand, Lobregat said the DepEd secretary shall immediately include in the DepEd’s program the operationalization of San Roque National School, the funding of which shall be included in the annual GAA since it is mere establishment of school.

Lobregat said the DepEd secretary shall issue rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purpose of the said Acts. Same shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Lobregat said Barangays Pasonanca, Tulungatung and San Roque will benefit from the new National High Schools with the enactment of the three laws.

Lobregat thanked the President for signing into law the three measures.

He also thanked House Committee on Basic Education and Culture Chairperson Kimi Cojuangco and Senate Education, Arts and Culture Chairperson Pia Cayetano for approving the said measures in their respective committee in the House of the Representatives and the Senate.

Lobregat, who was re-elected to serve on his second term, said he will continuously prioritize education in his agenda for the next Congress.

Zamboanga City joins National Flag Day celebration

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 27 (PNA) -– This city will join the observance of National Flag Day on Saturday, May 28, in a fitting ceremony set at 7 a.m. at the Rizal Monument with Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar spearheading the event.

The National Flag Day celebration will kick off with a parade by the members of the Knights of Columbus (KOC) at 6 a.m. from Mayor Jaldon to the Rizal Monument in front of City Hall.

The National Flag Day activity is organized by the Nuestra Señora Virgen del Pilar Assembly (Fourth Degree in the Philippines) in cooperation with the KOC.

The event marks the day when the Philippine flag was first unfurled after the Philippine Revolutionary Army headed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo defeated the Spanish forces in the Battle of Alapan in Cavite on May 18, 1898.

Salazar urged the general public to prominently display the Philippine flag in their residences, offices and places of business starting Saturday, May 28.

The display of the flag is in solidarity with the nationwide observance of National Flag Day to commemorate the date the national symbol was first unfurled on Philippine soil.

The observance of the National Flag Day is pursuant to Republic Act 8491 otherwise known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

The period from May 28 to June 12 of each year is declared as Flag Days, during which period all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions of learning and private homes are enjoined to display the flag pursuant to Section 26 of R.A 8491.

DSWD allocates PHP1.5-M for rice aid to Zambo drought-hit farmers

(PNA), BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 26 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allocated PHP1.5 million for the Food-for-Work program that will benefit around 2,000 drought-stricken farmers in this city.

Atty. Araceli Solamillo, DSWD regional director, said they started distributing rice on Wednesday to 466 farmers in this city who have been severely affected by the prolonged drought brought about by El Niño phenomenon.

The beneficiary-farmers are from the following barangays: Bunguiao, 238; Sangali, 49; and Dulian, 179. The rice was distributed through the Crisis Intervention Unit.

Solamillo said that each of the beneficiaries received 25 kilos of rice in exchange for 10 days of work doing community projects, such as repair and reconstruction of community facilities, clean-up and garbage collection, among others.

“We are grateful to the DSWD because this sack of rice is really a big help to us since we did not have any harvest and income since the drought started,” Rodora Santos, one of the farmer-beneficiaries, said upon receiving the temporary aid.

Solamillo said they are set to complete the distribution of rice within this month as augmentation assistance to drought-stricken families.

She said the beneficiaries of the Food-for-Work program were identified by the Office of the City Agriculture (OCA).

Meanwhile, she announced that the other 3,000 identified farmers in this city will be recipients of the Cash-for-Work program.

DTI-Zambo releases price guide for school supplies

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 25 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade Industry (DTI) has begun its campaign in ensuring reasonable prices and ample stock of school supplies listed of basic necessities and prime commodities under Republic Act 7581 otherwise known as the Price Act with the opening of school year 2016-2017 is fast approaching.

DTI’s “Gabay sa Presyo ng School Supplies” offers a wide variety of brands of school supplies giving consumers more choices in buying said goods and aims to assist the consumers on their purchase as well as the retailers on their distribution and sale.

Grace Aduca, DTI-Zamboanga City Office’ consumer protection division chief, on Wednesday said that among the school supplies included in the price guide are bondpaper, notebook, pad paper, crayon, pencil, ballpen, eraser, and sharpener.

Aduca said the guide also includes the Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) for these school supplies that were issued by manufacturers to retailers “so as to ensure market share and fair competition in the market.”

Aduca said these prices factor in the production cost, distribution cost, and profit margins of retailers and distributors.

“The SRPs are measured by the manufacturers of the products at a price level that is deemed fair for both the consumers and retailers,” Aduca said.

“For this year, the prices of school supplies are generally stable. Majority of school supplies retained their prices last year. However, some brands increased their prices due to increase in FOREX and cost of raw materials like color pigment for crayons and wood slab for pencil,” she added.

She said that retailers and manufacturers are enjoined to comply with the 2016 Price Guide.

DTI warns that those who will be found to be selling above the prices indicated in the price guide will be issued with Show Cause Orders and those proven to have committed illegal acts of price manipulation shall suffer the applicable penalty under the Price Act and other pertinent laws.

“A more than 10 percent increase from the SRP is a prima facie proof of profiteering which is punishable under the Price Act,” Aduca warned.

Aduca said they will continue to intensify its price monitoring to check the reasonableness of prices and the availability of supply of school supplies.

She said the 2016 “Gabay sa Presyo ng School Supplies” will be posted in selected supermarkets to guide the consumers.

She urged consumers to report retailers selling above the prices indicated in the guide with the DTI office near their area.

DOT calls for accreditation of tourism enterprises in Region 9

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 24 (PNA) -– The Department of Tourism (DOT) has urged local government units (LGUs) to require all tourism establishments within their respective areas to be accredited with the DOT to benefit from the programs of the agency.

Mary June Bugante, DOT regional director, made the call as she noted there are still several establishments, especially primary tourism enterprises, operating in the region that are not accredited with the agency.

Bugante said there are 77 DOT-accredited tourism enterprises here in Region 9 and of the total, 40 are located in this city.

“We are appealing to the LGUs if they could pass an ordinance to require, especially primary tourism enterprises, to be accredited with our office,” Bugante said.

At present, she said the reason there are still several tourism establishments that don’t have accreditation with the DOT is because it is not part of the requirements to manage such establishments.

The primary tourism enterprises include: hotels; resorts; apartment-hotel (apartelle); tourist inn; pension house; motels; ecolodge and homestay.

Other establishments that may be accredited with the DOT are as follows: travel and tour agencies; medical concierge; tertiary hospitals; spa; ambulatory clinic; department stores; agri-tourism farm site; restaurants; museums; galleries; tourist recreational facility; and, rest areas.

A DOT-accredited tourism establishment can avail of the following benefits: endorsement to Commission on Elections (Comelec) for exemption from liquor ban during election-related events (for Accommodation Establishments and Restaurants); endorsement to Embassies and Travel Trade Association/s for utilization of establishment’s facilities and services; priority to DOT training programs;

Issuance of DOT identification ID card to bona fide employees; endorsement to international and domestic airports (if appropriate) for issuance of access pass to qualified personnel (for Tour Operators and Accommodation Establishments); qualification for exemption from the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) (for Tourist Land Transport Vehicles Only); and, endorsement to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Bard for issuance of Tourist Transport Franchise (for Tourist Land Transport Vehicles).

Bugante said DOT accreditation is a certificate issued by the department recognizing the holder as having complied with its minimum standards in the operation of the establishment concerned which shall ensure the safety, comfort, and convenience of tourists.

DTI set to release PHP11-M project assistance to Zambo, Isabela farmers groups

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 23 (PNA) -– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Project, is scheduled to turnover PHP11 million worth of equipments to farmer-cooperatives in this city and in nearby Isabela City.

Eng’r. Rolando Acuña, DTI provincial director, told the Philippines News Agency that first to receive SSF project is the United Workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multipurpose Cooperative (UWARBMPC) of Isabela City.

Acuña said the UWARBMPC will receive black pepper processing equipment, which will be turned over on Tuesday, May 24.

Acuña said the Sinoropan Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) of Barangay Vitali, this city and the Vitali Fiber group of farmers will receive rubber processing and Abaca decorticating equipments on June 6.

On June 7, two local association of farmers known as the Dulian Upland Farmers Association Multipurpose Cooperative (DUFARMCO) of Barangay Dulian-Upper Bunguiao and Cassava Farmers Association of Barangay Lubigan will receive coconut and cassava processing equipments.

Acuña said they will turn over on June 8 a mobile cooling tank with refrigerator trailer to the Zamboanga Dairy Cattle Association (ZADACA in Barangay Ayala, this city.

He said the SSF is a flagship project of the DTI aimed at improving the quality and productivity of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by addressing the gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain “of our priority industry clusters through the provision of processing or manufacturing equipment, tools and machinery.”

“We started this program way back in 2013, the SSF is providing equipments in our SME associations, cooperative, and it works like common service facility where all members can make use of the facility,” he added.

The equipments are given for free through the SSF with an aim to improve the beneficiaries’ quality of products, increase the production, and competitiveness in the market.

However, Acuña said the beneficiaries of the SSF projects are required to come up with an operational manual of the equipments given them to include its maintenance and users.

Zamboanga City readies for school opening

By Bong Garcia

ZAMBOANGA City Acting Mayor Cesar Iturralde said the City Government is taking urgent steps related to school opening preparations in line with the priority thrust on security, health and education of the Salazar administration.

This, as the City Government want to make sure that everything is in place to ensure a hassle-free and safe school opening on June 13.

Iturralde, assisted by OIC City Administrator and concurrent chief of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, initially met with members of the City Traffic Management Committee to discuss about measures to address the mounting traffic problems in the city.

The Police Traffic Division has recommended various schemes in various streets leading to major schools in the downtown area as well as those outside the seven-kilometer radius to ease traffic during the school opening.

Iturralde said these schemes should be enforced at least a week or two before the June 13 opening of classes to make people aware of the new traffic rules.

Iturralde is also set to convene a meeting with other stakeholders to discuss about the school opening preparations to include representatives from the Division of City Schools, village officials and tanods and others to tackle issues concerning security, school infrastructures, textbooks and teachers among others.

PSA: Zambo City posts 1.26% annual growth rate

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 21 (PNA) – This city registered a population of 861,799 in August 2015, posting 1.26 percent annual growth rate in the last five years from 807,129 in 2010, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data show.

Dr. Mewchun Pamaran, PSA regional director, in an interview with the Philippines News Agency, attributed the population growth to new births and migration of people from other provinces to this city.

People migrate to this city to send their children to schools, especially in college. Others look for stable job.

This city is the home to almost 10 higher education institutions that include one government-owned university and two private-owned universities that offer different baccalaureate courses.

Pamaran said the population of the entire region has increased to 3,629,783 as of August 2015 from 3,407,353 in 2010, marking an annual growth rate of 1.21 percent.

The PSA on Thursday officially released the results of its August 2015 Census on Population to guide government agencies on their plans and programs.

Pamaran said the next Census of Population is scheduled to be held on 2020.

Two young Filipina advocates join global leaders in Denmark

(PLAN PHILIPPINES)

MANILA - Two Filipina youth advocates from Zamboanga City in Mindanao, southern Philippines are joining Plan International at the 4th Women Deliver Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, to help drive discussions and solutions needed to deliver the promises the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have made to girls, particularly those in conflict areas who are most vulnerable.

Rosie, 19, and Fahada, 16, will speak about their advocacies on girls’ rights to world leaders and leading organizations with girls’ and women’s rights programmes. Both have first hand experiences on armed conflict, including suspension of classes for several months during the Zamboanga siege in 2013.

Following a 12-month Plan International-led empowerment programme, equipping girls as advocates to embed girls’ rights within the SDGs, Rosie and Fahada were chosen to represent their peers at Women Deliver, which takes places from May 16-19.

Rosie campaigns on issues such as girls’ rights, education in emergencies, teenage pregnancy, and violence.

“In areas where there is armed conflict, it is hard for young girls to go to school. How can they go to school when they don’t feel safe? When their school has been bombed or get attacked either on their way to school or going home? The peace-building process has to be in place for these areas, such as ours, for us not to be afraid to go to school,” Rosie says.

During the Zamboanga siege, Rosie’s house became an evacuation center. “We heard the explosions and we all just dropped on the ground,” she says.

Rosie’s campaign work took her to the World Education Forum (WEF) in Korea last year, where she spoke to key global influencers such as UN special adviser Amina Mohammed and Alice Albright, CEO of the Global Partnership for Education, about the importance of education for all children. In particular, she highlighted the barriers girls face when trying to access education.

“Education is important for us living in conflict areas. It helps us rise above the situation and secure a better future for ourselves and our future children. That is the only way development can be achieved in our communities,” Rosie says.

Aside from issues on education in emergencies, both also share that injustice is happening in their community. “Girls are abused in many ways – I have friends who are victims of sexual violence. Now, they are teenage mothers,” Fahada says.

As a Plan International youth advocate, Fahada is keen to raise awareness about violence, inequality, and barriers to education.

Fahada isn’t afraid to speak up for girls’ rights, having travelled to last year’s UN General Assembly, a historic moment that saw the launch of the SDGs.

During the assembly, Fahada met UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, singer Shakira, Pakistani activist for female education Malala, and fellow girl advocates. She even shared a panel with Michelle Obama to launch the First Lady’s 62 Million Girls education campaign.

Since returning to the Philippines, Fahada is still sharing her experiences at school and through local organizations - and she’s determined to speak up for girls’ rights once again.

“Because of teenage pregnancy, girls are losing their passion in education. And as an advocate, I want to serve as an inspiration and be the voice of the girls to lessen violence and stop teenage pregnancy,” Fahada says.

Fahada takes her role as a girls’ rights advocate seriously and sees herself as a “voice for their rights.” She’s also keen to speak out on issues such as education, health, teenage pregnancy, and the related issue of early marriage, which she says is a huge problem in her community. To prepare for her role at Women Deliver, Fahada researched on what issues are important to girls as well as interviewed teenage mothers in her community to find out the impact motherhood is having on their education.

At the Women Deliver conference, Plan International’s CEO Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen will be setting out how the Because I am a Girl movement will work towards creating a world that values girls, promotes their rights, and ends injustice as Plan International and its partners will be launching a new global initiative to drive and track SDGs implementation for women and girls.

The Women Deliver Conference is the largest gathering of policy makers, experts, dignitaries, activists, members of civil society and business leaders in a decade for girls’ and women’s rights, health, and well being, following the launch of SDGs.

DTI holds 4-day Balik Eskwela Diskwento Caravan in Zambo City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 19 (PNA) -– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is spearheading the conduct of four-day Balik Eskwela Diskwento Caravan with focus in rural areas in this city.

Eng’r Rolando Acuña, DTI provincial director, said the caravan kicked-off on Tuesday in Barangay Ayala, 16.50 kilometers west of City Hall.

The next day, the caravan was held in Barangay Cawit, 13.35 kilometers also west of City Hall.

On Thursday, Acuña said the caravan is being held in Barangay Sangali, 25.34 kilometers east of City Hall as the activity shifted to this city’s east coast.

Acuña said the Balik Eskwela Diskwento Caravan will culminate on Friday in Barangay Culianan, 13 kilometers east of City Hall.

He said the conduct of Diskwento Caravan is DTI’s way of bringing basic and prime commodities to include school supplies, uniforms, bags and shoes etc. at discounted prices easy and more accessible to low income earners in time for the opening of classes.

He said basic necessities and prime commodities as well as school supplies are sold at discounted prices by local department stores and distributors.

He added that at least 10 percent discount is given by participating stores and distributors.

He said this year’s Balik Eskwela Diskwento Caravan is being held outside the city proper in order to reach “our intended beneficiaries, the low income earners.”

Italian donates health, day care center

By Sheila Covarrubias

Mayor Beng Climaco on Sunday expressed profound gratitude to Italian philanthropist Eligio Ogionni for his act of generosity in donating a health and day center in Barangay Sinunuc that is in line with her administration’s thrust on Security Health and Education (SHE).

Considered very unique and a state of the art facility, the 6-bed capacity health center is now a birthing center aside from providing other health care services.

Ogionni hoped that his donation will be of big help to the residents of Sinunuc, as they struggle to improve their daily life. He said the health and day care center is only part of his humanitarian mission and is in line with the maxim “we should leave some good footprints in this world”.

The donation was made possible through the efforts of Italian priests assigned at the Sinunuc Parish and the Barangay Council headed by Chairperson Pilarica Ledesma.

The health and day care center is located at the government complex where the Sinunuc barangay hall, police station and elementary and high schools.

Present during the turnover ceremony were District I Cong. Celso Lobregat, City Health officer Dr. Rodel Agbulos, Councilor Myra Abubakar, Lord’s Transfiguration Parish Priest Fr. Nebio Vigano, Silsillah Dialogue Movement head Fr. Sebastiano D’ Ambra, Sinunuc Barangay Council officials led by Ledesma, health workers and representatives from various sectors and other guests from Italy.

Farmers to get emergency employment aid

By Bong Garcia (Sunnex)

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) is set to extend emergency employment assistance to some 820 farmers affected by the prolonged drought brought by the El Niño phenomenon in Zamboanga City.

Engineer Wesly Tan, Dole-Zamboanga field office chief, said the agency's central office has authorized them to set aside funds from the integrated livelihood allocation for the implementation of the program in the city.

Tan said the emergency employment assistance program will be implemented in coordination with the Office of the City Agriculture.

Those who are set to benefit from Dole's emergency employment program are upland farmers and are not beneficiaries of similar assistance from other government agencies, he added.

Tan said the beneficiaries of the program will be employed for a period of 10 days with P280 daily salary. They are also entitled to insurance and will receive personal protective equipment. Their work will include cleaning of drainage and irrigation canals.

Tan said the Office of the City Agriculture is tasked to provide the work assignment and supervise the work.

Zamboanga City has been placed under state of calamity due to the prolonged drought brought by the El Niño, which has so far damaged some P24-million worth of agricultural products and affected 6,000 farmers.

8th Dia de Gen. Vicente Alvarez set on May 18

By Sheila Covarrubias

The City Government has set a series of activities on Wednesday, May 18 in commemoration of Dia de Gen. Vicente Alvarez in honor of Zamboangueño revolutionary hero Gen. Vicente Alvarez who led the fight for sovereignty resulting to the surrender of Spanish forces in 1899 at Fort Pilar.

Mayor Beng Climaco together with relatives of the Zamboangueno hero will spearhead the simple yet meaningful event institutionalized through City Ordinance 334 naming Plaza Roma situated at the Corner of Don Pablo Lorenzo St., Zaragoza St. and Gen. Alvarez St. as Plaza Vicente S. Alvarez and setting May 18 of every year as Dia de Gen. Vicente S. Alvarez in recognition of Alvarez’ feats.

The event will kick off with a commemorative mass at 7am at the Fort Pilar Shrine followed by a program at the Plaza Vicente Alvarez at 8am. The commemorative rites will culminate with the 1st neo-ethnic dance competition set at 9am at Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar.

Dia de General Vicente Alvarez marks the day when Alvarez led the fight for sovereignty resulting to the surrender of Spanish forces led by Gov. General Diego de los Rios on May 18, 1899 at Fort Pilar. It is now the 8th year since the commemoration was institutionalized.

The observance is intended to drum up awareness on the contributions and the heroism of Gen. Vicente Alvarez.

The activity forms part of the 2016 Summer Festival activities in Zamboanga.

Another batch of farmers receive aid from DSWD

(Sun.Star Zamboanga)

THE second batch of farmer-beneficiaries for the cash-for-work program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) commenced on Tuesday, the Office of the City Agriculturist reported.

Teodulo Adora, assistant city agriculturist, said that 1,500 farmers will be provided the allotted remuneration for their work in cleaning irrigation canals, desilting rivers, planting mangrove propagules, and repairing farm-to-market road infrastructures.

Under the program, Adora said the beneficiaries are set to receive P210 daily for a 10-day work period.

The first batch of the program covered 1,500 farmers and officially wrapped up on May 9.

Adora said that payment for the first batch of beneficiaries is now being processed.

The DSWD, in partnership with the Office of the City Agriculturist and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), identified 6,000 farmers in Zamboanga City as needing immediate support following the dry spell that damaged over P24 million worth of crops.

Meanwhile, assistance for the remaining 3,000 drought-stricken farmers is currently in the pipeline.

Adora said the remaining farmers are set to receive 25 kilos of rice under the DSWD’s support and assistance program to Zamboangueño farmers.

The DSWD has allocated P6.3 million for the assistance to farmers in the city.

The Office of the City Agriculturist supervises the program, which is implemented in the different villages.

Zamboanga City readies development plan

By Bong Garcia

THE City Government of Zamboanga is now preparing to bring to reality its comprehensive development plan under the tutelage of the world-renowned urban planner, the Palafox Associates.

Re-elected City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has instructed the city department heads and chiefs of offices to review specific chapters of the interim report of Palafox Associates in the context of land use plan, profile of the city, baseline analysis to urban analysis, development framework strategies and development principles, among other chapters.

The Palafox Associates had already conducted two public consultations on the comprehensive development plan and the Zoning Ordinance, a plan that envisions to transform the city into a mega city in 25 years.

Different city department heads and division chiefs accomplished the template and prepared necessary data which were discussed during a three-day meeting that sought to review the report/presentation of the Palafox team as a result of the two public consultations held recently.

AIDS candlelight memorial set in Zamboanga City

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 13 (PNA) -- The City Health Office through the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center has lined-up activities to commemorate those who died from affliction of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, city health officer, told the Philippines News Agency the activities that will be held on Sunday include fluvial parade from Paseo del Mar to the Great Sta. Cruz Island.

Agbulos said a program that would include a prayer and lighting of candles will be held at the Sta. Cruz Island.

He said those who will participate in the activity are the Department of Health, Philippine Coastguard, Philippine Navy, students, and those actively involved in the prevention and control of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS).

He said people living with AIDS will also join the activities as well as they will give testimonies as AIDS patients.

He said they have recorded 32 deaths caused by AIDS from 1995 to April 2016 in this city.

He said the activities at the Great Sta. Cruz Island will be preceded by AIDS candlelight memorial that will be held tomorrow, Saturday, in this city.

Zamboanga City readies for rainy season

By Bong Garcia

THE City Engineer’s Office in coordination with other concerned offices is readying plans for the massive clean-up of the drainage systems, particularly in low-lying areas in downtown Zamboanga City.

City Engineer Luis Despalo said this is in preparation for the upcoming rainy reason, during which some areas in the city proper are usually flooded because most canals and sewerage systems are clogged with garbage and other refuse materials.

Despalo said personnel of the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) and the City General Services Office (CGSO) will assist in the clean-up drive.

Aside from the clean-up campaign, Despalo is also currently implementing the rehabilitation of the drainage system in the city proper, a project undertaken by a private contractor.

He revealed that his office is also pursuing the implementation of various infrastructure projects that were awarded to the different contractors before the election ban took effect on March 25.

1st Sta. Cruz Island fest slated for May

By Jasmine Mohammadsali

The City Government of Zamboanga, through the City Tourism Office, will be spearheading the 1st Sta. Cruz Island Summer Festival which will feature a line-up of activities highlighting the Sta. Cruz island, one of the City’s most premier tourist site.

The activities for the 1st Sta. Cruz Island Summer Festival, which also forms part of the Zamboanga City Summer Festival 2016 celebrations, will run for the month of May and will include the Island Treasure Hunt: Battle of the Uploads, an amateur photo contest, Sta. Cruz Island Logo competition, and the Pink Sand Sculpture competition.

The Island Treasure Hunt: Battle of the Uploads requires a team of five to take photos of Sta. Cruz Island and upload these to Facebook and Instagram. Winning team will receive P 10,000 as cash prize. Deadline for registration is May 13.

The Sta. Cruz Island Logo competition calls on Zamboangueños to design and submit the best logo design that embodies Sta. Cruz Island. Deadline for the competition is on May 19.

Meanwhile, the Pink Sand sculpture competition will see the pink sands of Sta. Cruz Island become works of art where the winning sculpture will take home cash prizes. Deadline for registration is on May 19.

Additionally, more games and prizes are set to be unveiled every weekend at Sta. Cruz Island from May 14-28.

For more information regarding the activities of the 1st Sta. Cruz Island Summer Festival, interested applicants may contact the City Tourism Office at 992-3007 or 09272835684.

Comelec proclaims winners in Zamboanga City

(PNA), BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 10 (PNA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday has proclaimed the winners with the administration’s Liberal Party (LP) capturing the top two seats in the city government.

The LP has also dominated this city’s second district, winning five of the eight city council seats.

Each political party, the LP and the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) shared four seats in the first district.

Proclaimed as winner in the mayoralty race is incumbent Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar of LP. Her running mate, incumbent Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde also won in the vice mayoralty race.

With the fresh mandate, Salazar will be serving on her second term while Iturralde on his third and last term of office.

LDP’s Celso Lobregat was re-elected to serve on his second term as first district representative while former Vice Mayor Jose Manuel Dalipe II of LP won in the second congressional district.

The winners for city councilors in the first district are as follows: Rodolfo Bayot (LP); Josephine Pareja (LP); Cesar Jimenez Sr. (LP); Elbert Atilano (LP); Charlie Mariano (LDP); Myra Paz Abubakar (LDP); Rodolfo Lim (LDP); and, Jaime Cabato Jr. (LDP).

Bayot, Pareja, Mariano, and Abubakar are first district’s incumbent city councillors.

In the second district, the winners are the following: Atty. Juan Climaco Elago II (LP); Atty. Rommel Agan (LP); Jimmy Villaflores (LP); Jihan Edding (LP); Teodyver Arquiza (LP); Lilibeth Nuño (LDP); Miguel Alavar (LDP); and, Benjamin Guingona III (LDP).

Elago, Agan, Alavar and Guingona are incumbent councilor in the second district.

The City Board of Canvassers officially proclaimed on Tuesday afternoon the winners in the May 9 elections after canvassing 100 percent of the votes cast.

The proclamation was held at the Sangguniang Panlungsod at the R.T Lim Boulevard where the BOC convened to canvass the votes Monday afternoon.

Over 400,000 voters troop to poll precincts in Zambo City

(PNA), BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 9 (PNA) – Over 400,000 registered voters trooped to the polling precincts on Monday to choose the country’s leaders for the next six years.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) records showed that 213,715 of the 412,795 registered voters will cast their votes in the first district while the remaining 199,080 in the second district.

They will elect a president, vice president, 12 senators and a partylist representative in the national level.

In the local level, they will elect a mayor, vice mayor, 16 city councilors -- eight in District I and eight in District II and representatives -- one for each district.

Atty. Stephen Roy Cañete, second district election officer, said there are a total of 115 polling clustered precincts in this city.

Cañete said that 41 of the 115 polling precincts are located in District 1 while the remaining 74 are in District II. Each precinct has three board of election inspectors (BEIs).

Cañete said for the barangays affected by the 2013 siege, the polling centers will be at the Zamboanga State college of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) for the barangays of Mariki, Rio Hondo, Sta. Barbara and Zone IV and Don Gregorio Evangelista Memorial School (DON GEMS) for Sta. Catalina and Kasanyangan barangays.

The polling precincts opened at 6:00 a.m. and will close at 5:00 p.m.

Following the official closing of the polls, the Board of Canvassers will convene at the Sangguniang Panlungsod at the R.T. Lim Boulevard to canvass the votes.

The board is composed of Cañete as chairperson with City Prosecutor Ricardo Cabaron and Division of City Schools Superintendent Pedro Melchor Natividad as members.

Meanwhile, the Comelec has designated Omar Hamja, as the election officer in the first district since Atty. Lerdo Matildo, Jr. has been reassigned to Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte.

Hamja is not new in this city since he has served as the election officer years ago when Zamboanga City was still then a lone congressional district.

No blackout on Monday elections — Zamcelco

(KS)

Zamboanga City is assured of power outage-free during Monday’s elections.

This after the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) approved on Saturday the request of Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) for its 16-megawatt modular generator sets to be connected to the Mindanaogrid.

Omar Sahi, Zamcelco board president, said Zamcelco engineers have already tested one of the gen sets that fed one megawatt into the grid.

“Finally we are free to connect our generators to the grid anytime,” Sahi said.

At present, Sahi said, the cooperative has enough supply of power from the following power suppliers like PSALM which is providing 20 megawatts, Therma Marine Inc. that gives 20, Western Mindanao Power Corporation 46 megawatts and from Mapalad which allocates 12.

“Sobra bastante ara el diamun supply de coriente que ta llega ya ma 99 megawatts. El ciudad necesita lang man 97 megawatts,” Sahi said.

He said Monday which is a holiday, big loaders such as sardines companies will not be operating their plants thus, Zamcelco’s power supply will be stable.

“El desgracia lang si tiene quien ay hace destrosa maga linya igual maga bandido ay palta gayot kita coriente,” Sahi said.

Zamboanga wage board holds consultation

By Bong Garcia (Sunnex)

THE Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-Zamboanga Peninsula (Western Mindanao) is expected to issue a new wage order on June.

Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Regional Director Sisinio Cano, who chairs the RTWPB, said they have started to conduct consultation to determine how much would be the new minimum wage in the region.

The existing minimum wage in the region is P280 daily for non-agricultural establishments based on Wage Order 18 that took effect on June 10, 2013.

The daily wage for agricultural sector ranges from P235 to P255, retail and service establishment, P260, and cottage and handicraft, P235.

The board has not issued a wage order since June 10, 2013.

Cano said the first wage consultation was held on April 22 in Isabela City.

He said the next schedules of wage consultations will be as follows: May 23 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, May 24 in Pagadian City, May 25 in Dipolog City, and May 31 in Zamboanga City.

He said the board will convene to deliberate the outcome of the consultations and a decision is expected to be released by June.

The board is composed of seven members with Cano as the chairperson being the regional director of Dole.

The other members are from the employer sector, two representatives, labor sector, two representatives, and National Economic and Development Authority and Department of Trade and Industry regional directors, vice-chairpersons.

2nd batch SPES set May 6-30

By Sheila Covarrubias

The second batch of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) composed of 1,360 high school students will begin today Friday, May 6 to 30.

This, as the first batch of 1,400 college students end their 20-day deployment also today.

Mayor Beng Climaco will keynote the orientation set at 9am today at the City Coliseum in Tetuan as representatives from the DOLE Regional and City offices and City Human Resource and Management Office will brief the students about the different aspects of the program.

The program is created under Republic Act 7323, series of 1999 as amended by RA 9547 which seeks to encourage employment during summer, through incentives granted by the Local Government Units (LGUs) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on a 60-40% sharing.

The city government has allocated P9.27 million for the SPES this year to benefit 2,760 college and high school students this year. The DOLE for its part allocated P6.18 million.

Each SPES beneficiary will receive a compensation of P280 per day or a total of P5,600 for the 20-day period program. P168 or 60% will come from the LGU while the P112.00 or 40% will be paid by the DOLE through cash vouchers.

The students are assigned to profiling/updating of household family members in areas with pocket of poverty, vulnerable to calamities and other disasters such as flashfloods and other incidents; assign in health centers/wellness to assist medical workers; assign in day care centers to assist day care workers in teaching pupils; assign in city government offices located in the barangay; assign in barangays to assist the barangay activity provided it is on official work. Should the program be clean and green- the work of students must not just be on the roadside but would include along river banks and shorelines, if there is but precautionary measures must be properly observed and the use of blade weapons are discouraged.

Considering that the program is being undertaken during the election period, the SPES beneficiaries are not allowed to engage in partisan politics such as distributing campaign materials or performing any act that may be attributed to election activities of any political party/person.

City facilitates preps for Monday elections

By Sheila Covarrubias

City Hall on Tuesday facilitated a coordinative meeting of all agencies concerned to help ensure the conduct of an orderly, peaceful and honest election on Monday, May 9.

The coordinative meeting, presided by OIC City Administrator and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Chief Dr. Elmeir Apolinario discussed all issues and concerns related to Monday polls to include security, transportation, power supply and logistics among others.

Present during the meeting were representatives from the Commission on Elections, Sangguniang Panlungsod, various City Government offices, Zamboanga City Police Office, Philippine Coast Guard, Task Force Zamboanga and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) City Office and other agencies.

Apolinario said issues such as security and transport of the election materials and the board of election tellers including its distribution and retrieval; power supply before, during and after election; personnel who will respond in times of need; the preparations in the schools that will be used as polling places; the need for watercrafts to transport the election paraphernalia and the BEIs to the islands and numerous others were tackled during the meeting.

“We try to ensure that preparations are on track to ensure that everything will be in order during the election on Monday,” the OIC city administrator said.

The local government unit takes active role during elections. The Treasurer’s Office and the General Services Office act as repository of election paraphernalia repository as well as facilitate the distribution and retrieval of the same; the SP or City Council serve as the venue for the canvassing of the ballots and the City Engineer’s Office together with the CEO will provide the manpower needed to perform the various tasks.

CAO facilitates aid to drought-hit farmers

By Claudine Uniana

The city government continues to extend assistance to farmers severely affected by dry spell resulting from the El Niño phenomenon, the strongest to hit Zamboanga in years.

City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat told members of the local media that the Cash for Work program that will help some 3,000 beneficiaries.

Under the program qualified farmers are sent in batches to clear, clean and/or desiltate rivers, irrigation canals and irrigation dams for eight (8) days in exchange for a daily wage of Php 210.

The first batch was deployed on April 26.

The Cash for Work program is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and under the supervision of the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA).

Meanwhile, the local government is awaiting the decision of the Commission on Elections on the city’s request for exemption of additional rice assistance for stricken farmers from the election ban.

Palacat further revealed that his office either has procured or is in the process of procuring rice, corn and vegetable seeds as well as organic fertilizers for distribution to Zamboangueno farmers.

Also set to be acquired and distributed are 2,000 bangus fry and 2,000 prawn fry to benefit fishpond operators.

“One DTI service” set on June 16-20

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy (ALT/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga City/with reports from Alhiyan Simihag-OJT)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 3 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-9 will be conducting a week-long consumer service dubbed, “Negosyo Konsyumer at iba pa” come June 16-20 in its training center, this city.

The Negosyo Konsyumer at iba pa (NKATBP) is one DTI service that hopes to bring the agency closer to the people in the most impactful way through the actual provision of integrated services for two to five days.

Engr. Rolando G. Acuña, Provincial Director of DTI said the program consists of service packages offered to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), consumers and all others who are interested to take part of the event.

“The program is free to all,” he noted.

Services include seminars such as product development services; land food products and gallery display which will exhibit the agency’s services; and access to finance or additional capital for business owners.

Acuña said the four-day activity will allow the participants to improve their capabilities and performance in business operation.

“To those interested participants, they can inquire here in our office personally or just check for updates in our facebook account,” he concluded.

DOLE marks 26 percent hired on the spot Labor Day Mega Jobs Fair in Zambo

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 2 (PNA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that 420 individuals, representing 26 percent of the job seekers who joined the Labor Day’s Mega Jobs Fairs were hired on the spot.

This year’s rating of 26 percent hired on the spot on Labor Day Jobs Fair was higher by six percent than that of 20 percent record of last year.

Gay Iris Tangcalagan, DOLE regional information officer, on Monday told the Philippines News Agency that 318 of the 420 job seekers were hired for local employment while the remaining 102 for overseas employment.

Tangcalagan said that a total of 2,020 job seekers joined the Labor Day Mega Jobs Fair held at the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority and Freeport (Zamboecozone) in Barangay Talisayan, 26 kilometers west of City Hall.

Tangcalagan said that 271 of the job registrants were classified as “near hires” with 211 for local employment and 60 for overseas placement.

Tangcalagan said the possibility of near hire applicants to be employed was high, explaining they were subject for further interview and required to submit additional requirements as well as to undergo examination.

This year’s 420 job seekers hired on the spot are higher by 207 than that of last year of 213.

There were 30,372 job opportunities up for grabs in this year’s Labor Day Mega Jobs Fair wherein 26,683 are for overseas employment while the remaining 3,689 for local employment.

Diskwento caravan on Labor Day

By Gyver D. Amazon

The Department of Trade and Industry- Zamboanga City Office (DTI-ZCO), in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), will hold today a Labor Day Diskwento Caravan from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at Zamboanga Ecozone and Freeport, Zamboanga City.

The conduct of Diskwento Caravan is DTI’s way of bringing basic and prime commodities to include school supplies, uniforms, bags and shoes etc. at discounted prices easy and more accessible to low income earners.

During the Labor Day Diskwento Caravan, basic necessities and prime commodities including school supplies will be sold at discounted prices by local department stores and distributors. At least ten percent (10%) discount will be given by participating stores and distributors.

“We join hands with and reiterate our support to the labor sector in the celebration of this year’s Labor Day,” declared DTI-ZCO Provincial Director Engr. Rolando G. Acuna.

“We fervently hope that this Diskwento Caravan plays a part in making the Labor Day celebration more festive and momentous for our workers and their families, thus we are inviting everyone to come to Ecozone and take advantage of this opportunity to avail of discounted goods”, said Engr. Acuna.

Aside from the Diskwento Caravan, DOLE and its partner agencies have lined up numerous activities for the Labor Day celebration such as job fair, raffle draws, games, community boodle fight, free use of Ecozone amenities, military static display, Zumba, auto cross and display, among others.

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