Zamboanga City News May 2017

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

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.

DTI monitors prize freeze compliance in Zambo City

By Teofilo P. Garcia Jr. (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 30 - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here has organized three monitoring teams to ensure compliance with the prize freeze following the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

The prize freeze is pursuant to Republic Act 7581, otherwise known as the Price Act of the Philippines, which states that automatic price control shall take effect in areas declared under State of Calamity, State of Emergency, State of Rebellion, State of War, and suspension of the privilege of writ of habeas corpus.

Ceferino Rubio , DTI provincial director, said Tuesday each of the three monitoring teams have designated areas -- east coast, west coast and central -- to watch the prizes of basic and prime commodities.

Rubio said the focus of the monitoring teams are the business establishments located in the growth centers of this city.

“All businessmen are compliant with the prize freeze. We haven’t encounter violation so far but the enforcement is continuing until after the martial law,” he said.

He said they have furnished copies of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) informing the business stakeholders of the prize freeze that is in effect.

He said they will also come up with an information material concerning the prize freeze, which will be posted in barangay halls so that the residents will be properly informed.

The basic commodities stipulated under R.A. 7581 are rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh, dried fish and other marine products, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh and processed milk, fresh vegetables, root crops, sugar, canned fish and other processed marine products, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread, salt, drugs classified as essential by Department of Health, firewood, and charcoal.

The prime commodities include fresh fruits, dried pork, dried beef and poultry meat, fresh dairy products not falling under basic commodities, onions and garlic, fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides, poultry, swine and cattle feeds, veterinary products for poultry, swine and cattle, drugs not classified as essential by DOH, plywood, ply board, nipa shingles, sawali, flour, processed and canned pork, processed and canned beef and poultry meat, noodles, vinegar, patis (fish sauce), soy sauce, toilet soap, paper and school supplies, cement, clinker and G.I. sheets, hollow blocks, construction nails, batteries, electrical supplies and light bulbs, and steel wires.

Violation of R.A. 7581 is punishable by imprisonment of not less than a year but not more than 10 years.

Penalties shall also be imposed on violators starting from PHP5,000.00 to PHP1 million under Rule XII of R.A. 7581, depending on the gravity of the violation.

Checkpoints to continue amid residents complaints

By Liza Jocson

Fixed and random checkpoints will continue amid complaints aired by residents on long queues brought about by the strict implementation of the ‘No ID No Entry’ policy in Zamboanga city.

Authorities have reportedly met last Saturday in the face of numerous complaints about the long queues of vehicles in checkpoints brought about by strict inspection procedures.

The long line of vehicles in checkpoints was observed after the implementation of the No ID, No Entry policy which resulted to a more detailed inspection of vehicles and its passengers.

Some affected residents interviewed by DZT expressed their support for strict measures recommended by authorities.

They however said that the new policy should have been reviewed prior to implementation.

Several complained of having their schedules disrupted because of the ‘No ID No Entry’ policy.

In a press release from City Hall, Zamboanga Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco- Salazar and police and military authorities appealed for understanding as they try to implement the policy as part of stringent security measures following the siege in Marawi city.

DOT studies ASEAN air connectivity

By Allen Abastillas

Tourism and business officials conducted its 2nd Consultative meeting on the possibility of improving air connectivity among the different ASEAN countries at a local hotel yesterday.

DOT-9 Regional Director Butch Blanco disclosed that the purpose of the meeting is to come up with plans and programs on opening of airlanes between the Philippines, China and Malaysia.

Discussions focused on opening flights from Zamboanga city to Malaysia and from China to Zamboanga city and vice versa.

There was also a suggestion to open flights from Clark Airport to Zamboanga.

Guidelines will be prepared as soon as suggestions are received from concerned sectors.

The program followed the recent opening of trips between Davao City and Indonesia.

506 hired-on-the-spot in DOLE’s Jobs Fair

(ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay/With reports from Karen Claire Q. Grafia-DOLE9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 9 (DOLE9) successfully conducted the Jobs Fair with the theme “Matatag na Trabaho at Kabuhayan tungo sa Progresibong Pagbabago” at the Western Mindanao State University and KCC Mall de Zamboanga which offered 24, 653 vacancies for both local (2,274) and overseas (21,689) employment recently.

DOLE9 Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo said thousands of workers and jobseekers flocked to the two locations which were both convenient and accessible to a total of 3,651 jobseekers.

Assistant Secretary Joji A. Aragon of DOLE’s Legal, Legislative and International Affairs Cluster graced the occasion and delivered Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III’s message during the opening program.

Representatives from the Management and Labor Sector also gave their inspirational messages. Mr. Edwin To of the Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Incorporated emphasized the importance of employees’ attitude towards work since they play a significant role in the dynamics of a business work environment.

On the other hand, Mr. Jose J. Suan of the Philippine Integrated Industries Labor Union - Trade Union Congress of The Phils (PIILU-TUCP) aired the laborers’ demands and needs toward a healthier working environment.

Out of the registered jobseekers, 1,310 were reported as qualified of which 912 were able to undergo interview with the employers.

Region 9 surpassed the 17% target for HOTS this year with an outstanding 55% which translated to 506 hired-on-the-spot applicants.

Forty (40) soon to be employed applicants dubbed as near-hires will only need to undergo further interview and submit lacking documents to be gainfully employed in their chosen field of work.

While most applicants chose to be gainfully employed, around 134 of them were referred to TESDA for Skills Training to further equip them with skills needed to land a suitable job or livelihood.

Aside from the job fairs, other activities were also held to mark the occasion: Livelihood Fair, Diskwento Fair, Business Orientation & Consultation, Release of Livelihood Checks and Starter Kits, Medical Mission and Bloodletting, One-Stop-Shop, DOLE Clinics, Raffles, Sports Fest, Talentadong Obrero and skills demo.

Zamboanga City enforces 'No ID, no entry' policy

(ABS-CBN News with reports from Jewel Reyes)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The local government has ordered the implementation of a "No ID, no entry" policy, effective immediately, as part of security measures in the city.

The order was recommended to Mayor Beng Climaco by Task Force Zamboanga, a public advisory from the local government said.

"The public, particularly travelers are advised to always carry identification documents or any proof of identity at all times," the advisory said.

Although no curfew has been implemented, some barangays are contemplating setting one in place in their respective areas, authorities said.

Security was tightened in Zamboanga City earlier this week, following the declaration of martial law in Mindanao on Tuesday night. Climaco expressed full support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration.

Colonel Leonen Nicolas, commander of Task Force Zamboanga, said there would be no changes in their security procedures, especially in security checkpoints. However, the public should expect a more thorough inspection and search. ABS-CBN News

ZCMC to offer specialty centers to patients

By RG Antonet Go (RGAAGo)

The Zamboanga City Medical Center is set to offer new specialty centers this year to offer more specialized services to patients.

Dr. Romeo Ong, ZCMC Chief of Hospital, said that among the specialized centers to be accommodated by the hospital are the following: A Cancer Center; Centers for Heart, Lung, Brain, Trauma, Reproductive Health, Neonatology, Burn and Biomarine Technology.

At present, patients needing specialized services still go to Manila or Cebu for treatment.

The centers are expected to be fully operational by 2019.

Services will include trained doctors and equipment for each of the centers.

In preparation for this, at least 20 doctors are now training and will be graduating before the centers open.

Ong said that ZCMC was chosen by the Department of Health to house the centers due to its strategic location and its capability.

The opening of centers is also part of the Philippine Development Plan.

Zamboanga City Gov’t backs water impoundment project

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

ZAMBOANGA City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said on Monday, May 22, that the local government is fully committed to the proposed water impoundment project as a way of helping water security and resiliency in the city.

This, as an initial amount of P10 million has been included in the 2017 supplemental budget to help fund the feasibility study for the proposed water impoundment project being pushed by the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) that will cost P50 million.

“We support this project as an offshoot of USAid-Be Secure assistance,” Salazar said, adding that a China-based company, China Energy has also submitted a letter of intent to the ZCWD for the conduct of the feasibility study and construction of the water impoundment project.

She cited the urgent need to have the water impounding dam given the threats brought about by climate change caused by global warming.

“Based on a Be Secure study, several years from now there will be scarcity of water and the only solution is to put up a water impoundment project,” she said.

2-day ‘Balik Eskwela Diskwento’ Bonanza set

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

A TWO-DAY “Balik Eskwela Diskwento Bonanza” is set on May 30 to 31 to provide the opportunities to parents and students buy school supplies at discounted prices.

Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Director Ceferino Rubio said during the event, school supplies that include bags, uniforms, and shoes, will be sold as discounted prices ranging from 10 to 50 percent.

It will be held at the Plaza Pershing, which will be participated by some 25 local business establishments.

The conduct of the diskwento bonanza is a regular program of DTI to help parents and students lessen expenses in time for the opening of classes in June.

Rubio said the department is closely monitoring the prices of basic and prime commodities, including school supplies, to ensure these are sold based on the suggested retail price.

Bellas y Flores showcases Zamboanguenño creativity

By Sheila Covarrubias

The City Government-sponsored Bellas y Flores festival Saturday afternoon showcased Zamboangueno creativity, beauty and artistic ingenuity.

Eight of the best and most talented fashion designers in the city pitched their elements-themed gowns and colorful arcos for the 15th Bellas y Flores, the local version of Santacruzan, considered as the Queen of may festivities and the most colorful event dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The event kicked off with a parade from Ledesma Street to Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar where the program and announcement of winners followed. The competition covered 3 categories: gown competition, prettiest senorita and arco competition.

Mayor Beng Climaco, who opened the program expressed gratitude to the participants for continuously sharing their talents and creativity and for putting the city in the map because of their creations.

Designer Geronie Labora with his gown creation dubbed ‘marijada’ bested 7 other contestants in the gown competition. Second place was Federico Navarro with his ‘floriao’ creation and third place Joshua Feliciano with his ‘aurora’ creation.

The Prettiest Señorita title went to Victoria Anne Guingona with Bellatrix Tan garnering the second place and Jeromei Thea Fabrigas getting the third place. Jonard Bazan was adjudged first place in the arco competition with Dennis Vanessa Asuncion as second place nad Gerry Carpio taking third place.

The annual Festival de las Bellas y Flores is an activity that seeks to preserve the cultural heritage of Zamboanga City while showcasing Zamboangueño creativity and craftsmanship. It is one of the two culminating highlights of the 2017 Summer Festival activities initiated by the City Government.

The summer festival will be concluding with the much-awaited “Danza Verano” on Saturday, May 27 at Camp Atilano in Pasonanca. The Summer Learn to play a sports which began May 1 will wrap up on May 31.

Zamboanga school receives P40-M building project

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Ayala Central School marked the culmination of the National School Maintenance Week commonly known as “Brigada Eskwela” with the turnover of P40 million school building project.

First district Representative Celso Lobregat led over the weekend (May 20) the turnover of the four-storey 20-classroom project to the Ayala Central School in time for the opening of the school year 2017-2018.

“I have a good and inspiring feeling every time I come to Ayala Central School,” Lobregat said as he recounted the transformation of the school campus during the time he was the city mayor until his present term as first district representative.

The Ayala Central School now has a total of 116 classrooms. The school is located in the village of Ayala.

Of the total, 84 classrooms consisting of six buildings, including the newest four-storey, 20-classroom, were built through the initiative of Lobregat.

The newly-completed school building was constructed through funds the Philippine Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).

Dr. Ronald Abaa, Ayala Central School principal, expressed his gratitude to Lobregat and Pagcor “for giving the huge gift” in time for the culmination of the “Brigada Eskwela” program.

Abaa said the newly-constructed four-storey school building will “will greatly resolve our classroom problem among our thousands of students.” The school has 5,309 students.

The completion of the new school building project has brought down the classroom-student ratio to 1:45. The previous classroom-student ratio has reached 1:56.

Abaa said the new building will be utilized by the Grade VI students for them to have a conducive learning environment before they graduate from the Ayala Central School.

DTI sets two-day 'Diskwento Bonanza' in Zamboanga City

(TPGJR/R.G. Antonet A. Go/PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 19 (PNA) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has scheduled the conduct of a two-day "Balik Eskwela Diskwento Bonanza" from May 30 to 31 in this city.

Ceferino Rubio, DTI provincial director, on Friday said school supplies, bags, uniforms and shoes will be sold at discounted prices ranging from 10 to 50 percent.

Rubio said around 25 local business establishments are set to participate in the Balik Eskwela Diskwento Bonanza.

It will be held at the historic Plaza Pershing located within the commercial center of this city.

The conduct of the diskwento bonanza is a regular program of DTI to help parents and students lessen the expenses in time for the opening of classes in June.

Meanwhile, Rubio disclosed they are closely monitoring the prices of basic and prime commodities, including school supplies, to ensure these are sold based on the suggested retail price.

He said so far they have not monitored any price movement of basic and prime commodities.

City launches ‘Garantisadong Pambata’ program

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

ZAMBOANGA City Government on Monday, May 15, launched of the “Garantisadong Pambata” (GP) program to reduce childhood illness and deaths in this city.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar spearheaded the launching of the GP program in line with her priority thrust on Security Health and Education program.

City Health Office Chief Rodelin Agbulos joined Salazar in the program launching.

Agbulos said the GP program is a campaign to support various health programs aimed at reducing childhood deaths and illnesses by promoting positive child care behavior among parents and child caregivers.

The City Government did not however release the figures concerning the local childhood deaths and illness.

Agbulos said the GP program is jointly undertaken by the Department of Health and the local government unit and seeks to give children below five years old the health services they need.

He said the launching of the program coincided with the quarterly meeting Monday of the Local Nutrition Council chaired by Salazar.

Salazar lauded the GP program stressing it will help ensure a healthy future for the children.

Local farmers to benefit from DA-Mackay Green Energy partnership in banagrass production

By Dominic I. Sanchez (ALT/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City with reports from Kimberly Yusay, OJT)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 17 (PIA) – The recent Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office IX and Mackay Green Energy (MGE) Incorporated held on May 15 promises to help farmers especially in far flung communities in enhancing their livelihood through the production of banagrass.

Mafae Yunon Belasco, Public Relations and Marketing Director of MGE Inc. said, “the process will be like this: We will provide the samplings and the fertilizers to the local farmers and when harvest season arrives, which is about every four months, we will also buy the produce from them.”

“We will make sure that the plantation of banagrass will not rival with the land being used in rice production and other local crops. There are tons of fields especially in far flung areas that are not used and we will make sure to utilize that,” Melba Wee, Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director of DA IX added.

According to Ron Grow, Chief Operations Officer of Mackay Energy Incorporated, there is a high demand for BanaGrass all over the globe and they chose the Philippines because its climate is well suited for BanaGrass production. The plantation is being carefully planned in partnership with the Department of Agriculture.

BanaGrass is a hybrid of Pennisetum Purpureum and Pennisetum Americanum and can produce Biomass Fuel, High Grade Animal Feed Stock, Charcoal, Green Coal, Bio Coal and Bio-Chemicals.

Zamboanga City to commemorate ‘Dia de Heneral Alvarez’

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Zamboanga City Government will spearhead activities on Thursday, May 18, to commemorate the “Dia de Heneral Vicente Alvarez,” a Zamboangueño revolutionary hero.

The ceremony will kick off with a mass at 6:30 a.m. at the Fort Pilar Shrine to be followed by the wreath laying ceremony at 7:30 a.m. at Plaza Vicente Alarez (former Plaza Roma).

A neo-ethnic dance will cap the commemoration at 8:30 a.m. at historic Plaza Pershing.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the Dia de Heneral Vicente Alvarez marks the day when Alvarez led the fight for sovereignty resulting to the surrender of Spanish forces under then Governor General Diego de los Rios on May 18, 1899 at Fort Pilar.

More than 200,000 students expected this June

By RG Antonet Go (RGAAGo)

The Department of Education is preparing for the entry of more than 200,000 students in the different public schools in Zamboanga city for the opening of classes in June.

Alhadzmar A Lantaka, DepEd Division Senior Education Program Specialist, said that they are expecting the following for this school year: 16,671 kindergarten students, 129,912 grade one to six; 58,232 grade 7 to 10 and 9,470 for senior high school.

The Department of Education is projecting a 2.5 increase in the number of students this year.

Preparations include the cleaning of class rooms and school premises with the Brigada Escuela, expected to kick off on Monday.

The office is also expecting 40,000 chairs coming from the local government through the Special Education Fund.

NHA sets completion of Zamboanga recovery houses in June

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE National Housing Authority (NHA) hopes to physically complete all housing projects under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) program by the end of June this year.

NHA District Manager Al-Khwarizmi Indanan, however, said the actual awarding and turnover of all housing units to beneficiaries will span through September this year.

Indanan reported an 85 to 90 percent completion rate in the Z3R housing projects as of last week when 240 houses on stilts were turned over to Sama Dilaut families at Sitio Hongkong in the village of Rio Hondo.

With the Rio Hondo awarding on May 9, the total number of houses awarded to beneficiaries has reached over 4,000 out of the more than 6,000 housing units targeted for construction under Z3R, according to Indanan.

He said that this week, another 566 houses on stilts will be turned over to beneficiaries in Valle Vista Phase II fully completing the phase II project site.

Ongoing project site is Valle Vista Phase IV with 917 units while Valle Vista Phase III with 840 units is set to be awarded to winning contractor.

The phase IV, Indanan said, is an additional project per request of the Local Inter-Agency Committee to accommodate siege-affected house sharers, who are second priority in the Z3R beneficiary selection.

City govt allocates P10.6-M for security, janitors

By Vic Larato

The city government of Zamboanga has appropriated the amount of P10.6-million in its upcoming supplemental budget for the salary increase of private security and janitorial services.

City Budget Officer Ferdinando Alvarez announced during the press briefing Monday that the supplemental budget includes an allocation of P8.7-million for security services and P1.9-million for janitorial services to conform to the minimum wage order of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The city government currently has a total of 191 security and 81 janitors from different private agencies.

The controversy came about after it was found out the city government’s contracts for private security and janitorial services were below the minimum wage rates pegged by the DOLE.

However, City General Services Officer Engr. Rene dela Cruz explained that the DOLE issued the new minimum wage order in October 2016 but the city government prepared the budget as early as July.

Hence, he said the city is paying the old salary rate. “But, we have now included in the supplemental budget additional appropriation for the salary adjustment of security and janitorial services to conform to DOLE’s new wage order.

DTI to launch 'OTOP NextGen' in Region 9

(TPGJR/Darwin Wally T. Wee/PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 12 (PNA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday announced it will launch an upgraded program for micro and small entrepreneurs (MSEs) so they will become more competitive.

In a statement, DTI regional director Sitti Amina Jain said existing MSEs, which have earlier availed the agency’s services through the "One Town, One Product" (OTOP) program, will be assessed to determine what other assistance the DTI will provide them.

Dubbed as OTOP NEXTGEN (Next Generation), the upgraded program aims to maximize local products’ full potential for bigger markets.

“OTOP NextGen is the improved version of the first generation implemented in 2003. This time, there will be a comprehensive re-mapping and inventory of existing and potential OTOP products in all of the regions in the country,” Jain said.

A two-day intensive session will be conducted starting next Tuesday in this city. It is expected to gather 60 micro and small entrepreneurs from across the region.

“Part of the OTOP NextGen strategy is the conduct of the Screening, Assessment, and Triage (SAT) session where we will be undertaking diagnostic assessment of the various products of our MSEs. The assessment will serve as our basis in coming up with interventions specific to the needs of our MSEs so we can improve and strengthen the competitiveness of their products in the market,” Jain said.

Among the OTOP products here in Region 9 are seaweed, mango, rubber, coconut, processed fish and abaca.

Jain said the interventions include product development, prototyping, technology updating, training and mentoring, access to finance, access to marketing platforms and promotions, brand equity and development, intellectual property assistance, standards development and compliance, among others.

She said the OTOP NextGen is not only for the existing OTOP producers but it also aims to tap new potential products associated only to the region or the country.

“This program also seeks to develop new products that are unique to us here in the region or the Philippines. So when we promote such products outside the country, it will be branded or identified as ‘ZamPen (Zamboanga Peninsula) or Philippine product.’ As mandated to us, we will be helping our MSEs until their products hit it big in the market, both domestic and international,” Jain said.

The session that will be conducted by the Triage Team is composed of DTI personnel coming from the Design Center of the Philippines, Regional Operations Group, Project Management Unit, and Export Management Bureau; and also from partner government agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Department of Science and Technology.

OTOP Philippines is a government program that supports micro, small, and medium enterprises to manufacture, offer, and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents.

Zamboanga City receives P4.6M from PCSO

By Bong Garcia

THE local Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has turned over P4.6 million to the City Government of Zamboanga representing the five percent share from the proceeds of its operations in the city.

The fund will augment the local government’s fund for medical assistance to indigent residents.

PCSO-Zamboanga head Raul Regondola handed over to Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar the P4.6 million check.

Salazar said the fund will be used for charity purposes particularly assistance to persons in crisis situations to include payment of hospital bills, burial assistance and other cash assistance to indigent families who seek help from the city government.

300 PMA cadets set to visit Zamboanga City

By Teofilo P. Garcia Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 10 (PNA) - Three hundred Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets are arriving here for a five-day tour starting tomorrow, Thursday, as part of the "PMA Southern Cruise."

The arriving PMA cadets are third year students or second class cadets who are scheduled to graduate in 2018.

A series of activities, including courtesy visits at the City Hall, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command, Edwin Andrews Air Base, Task Force Zamboanga and Police Regional Office-9, have been lined up for the cadets during their visit in the city.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Westmincom information officer, said there will be an interaction with students and silent drill when the PMA cadets will visit Camp Navarro on Friday, May 12.

There will be another silent drill to be held at the Paseo del Mar, where the cadets will showcase their finest movements in military marching and formation.

The cadets' other activities include the launching of "host parents" program, media guesting and booth displays in malls, among others.

The Southern Cruise is an annual activity intended to promote the PMA in the different areas of the country, as the academy seeks to recruit the best, brightest and fittest applicants for the military service.

Rio Olympic medalist starts building gymnasium in Zambo

(TPGJR/RGAAG/PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 9 (PNA) - Rio Olympics weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz has allocated PHP5 million for the construction of a weightlifting gymnasium here.

The groundbreaking of the project was held Monday in Barangay Mampang, where Hidilyn hails.

The gymnasium was designed by Architect Errold Intong while the construction is being handled by Jecel Arch Builders.

Allen Jayfrus Diaz, a weightlifting coach and a cousin of the Olympic medalist, said the construction of the gymnasium was expected to be completed in August this year.

Weightlifting athletes and other sports enthusiasts witnessed the groundbreaking of the project.

The gymnasium will be a one-storey building with complete weightlifting facilities. It will be open to the public for use for a fee in the morning. It will be used for training by weightlifting athletes in the afternoon.

Hidilyn is coming home in August to lead the inauguration of the gymnasium.

She is currently preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Hidilyn bagged the silver medal in the 53-kilogram female category of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Zambo LGU to establish Youth Council

(RGAAGo)

The city government of Zamboanga is planning to establish a Youth Development Council that will serve as a Secretariat to focus on youth concerns.

The Council is expected to coordinate and collaborate with different government agencies regarding youth-oriented affairs.

The creation of the Youth Development Council is reportedly included among the Executive-Legislative Agenda of the local government unit in concurrence with the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The executive department is currently preparing a draft to be submitted to the legislative council for the passage of an ordinance that will legitimize the plan.

The Youth Development Council aims to bring together different specialized groups representing the different sub sectors of young people.

This includes the Sangguniang Kabataan, the out of school youth, LGBT, church-based organizations, indigenous people and young professionals.

Zamboanga: A cultural destination

By Reuel John F. Lumawag

YEARS of bad publicity has put shade to the uniqueness and beauty of Zamboanga City, the Latin City of Asia.

However, efforts by the tourism sector has somehow helped put light into this vibrant city.

Zamboanga City presents a unique cultural tourism experience for its visitors. We see here the blending of Western, Spanish and indigenous influences in their architecture and people. The language spoken here, Chavacano, is a Spanish-based creole language, which is considered as one of the oldest creole languages in the world.

Among Asia's Latin City's iconic historic monuments that highlight its cultural diversity and beauty are the Zamboanga City Hall and the Fort Pilar, both of which have been standing for hundreds of years.

Zamboanga City Hall is one of the icons of Zamboanga City that highlights its cultural diversity.

The Spanish-influenced building was constructed in 1905 by the Federal Government of the United States and completed in 1907.

Since 1907, the historic building served as the seat of different governing bodies; starting as the official residence of the US Military Governor of the Moro Province until 1913. Then it served the seat of the then Department of Mindanao and Sulu from 1914 to 1920. In 1921 it was the seat of government of the Zamboanga Province. In 1937, it served as the seat of the city government of Zamboanga up until now.

Much older than the Zamboanga City Hall is the 17th century defense fortress, Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza), also known as Fort Pilar.

The fortress, which was constructed by the Spanish colonial government, highlights the city's cultural influences and heritage.

In the past four centuries, the fort is rich with history dating back to the time of the Spaniards to the American Colonial Period to World War II.

Pilar Fort then became a defense fortress and now serves as a regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines. A historical monument protecting the history of our nation.

Zamboangueños come here to not only visit the museum but to also pray at the Marian Shrine beside the fort.

Another cultural highlight of the city is the Yakan Weaving Village, which showcases the beautiful woven fabrics and products of the Yakan tribe.

Evelynda Otong, a fourth generation Yakan weaver, said their tribe originally came from Basilan. However, some of them moved to Zamboanga city in 1973.

"Nung 1973, nag evacuate lolo ko dito para maghanap buhay kasi magulo sa Basilan (In 1973, my grandfather evacuated here (Zamboanga City) to look for a job because it was chaotic in Basilan then)," she said.

When they first arrived here, their tribe settled in Cawa-cawa then they transferred to their current location in Calarian.

Otong, who started weaving at seven years old, said the patterns taught to them is passed down from generation to generation. She said they have more than 30 patterns that they follow.

"The Yakan people are nature lovers. Most our patterns are coming from nature like carabao eyes, leaf, diamond, mountains, crabs, fish, and owls," she said.

However, she said they are not the only ones weaving their colorful and unique fabric. Otong said they also serve as a center for Yakan woven products coming from Basilan. She said it is their counterparts in Basilan who are able to cater to bulk orders.

Otong said the Yakan woven fabric was also featured in the Mindanao Tapestry Show, one of the auxiliary events of the 65th Miss Universe Pageant last January.

She said as early as now, she is passing on her knowledge to her 11-year-old daughter.

"Bilang fourth generation (weaver), sisiguraduhin ko na marunong sila (As a fourth generation (weaver), I will make sure they (younger generation) know. Only Yakan can make their patterns," Otong said.

Zamboanga City may not be the first place for some tourists to visit. However, the Latin City of Asia offers a unique cultural experience to visitors coming here.

200 join SSS Pensioner's Day in Zambo

(TPGJR/RGAAG/PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 5 (PNA) - The Social Security System (SSS) reminded pensioners Friday to comply with the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) to ensure continuous payment of pensions.

Napoleon Rabanal II, SSS Western Mindanao senior communication analyst, made the reminder during the holding of the SSS Pensioner's Day at a local shopping mall.

The non-compliance of ACOP is the main reason why there are times the SSS is suspending the release of pensions.

The ACOP is a measure the SSS has adopted to ensure that pensioners are still alive and are the ones receiving the pensions.

With the measure, Rabanal said the pensioners are required to visit the SSS office once a year to fill up the ACOP form to ensure they are still living so they can continue to receive the pension due them.

A total of 200 pensioners attended the SSS Pensioner's Day, a thanksgiving and a get together activity. The event is held simultaneously nationwide.

The pensioners were afforded free medical check-up during the event.

Senior citizens group receive P1.7-M project

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Zamboanga City Government has turned over the newly-completed P1.7-million Senior Citizen Center in the village of Sinubong on Thursday, May 2.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, who led the turnover of the project, urged the beneficiaries to maximize utilization of the building adding that the City Government has prepared a functional center that will serve as “a place to meet, to discuss and to learn.”

The project was constructed by the Benchmark Engineering and Construction at a total cost of P1,710,223.72. The site covers a total area of 58.40 square meters.

The project was turned over to Sinubong Chairman Rolando Soler and consequently to Senior Citizen Association President Mariano Torcuator, Jr.

The project is in line with the city’s infrastructure program and continuous support to the elderly sector.

The village of Sinubong is located 26 kilometers west of the city.

School gets P990,000 water system project

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Zamboanga City Government has turned over closed to a million peso worth of water system project to the Don Gregorio Evangelista Memorial School (Don Gems) in the village of Sta. Catalina.

The turn-over of the project was spearheaded by Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar in line with the City Government’s advocacy on education and water resiliency.

Costing a little over P990,000, the water system project included one unit each of the cistern tank, concrete overhead tank, pressure tank and centrifugal pump that will be providing the water needs of the students in Don Gems.

Salazar hoped the project, which was the priority request of the Don Gems administration, would satisfy the water needs of the school children and the teachers as well.

The project was turned over to the Sta. Catalina Barangay Council headed by Chairperson Emran Boy Arabi and eventually to the DON GEMS administration.

Salazar said the project forms part of her administration’s thrust on infrastructure and development as well as support to education and advocacy on water resiliency.

Summer sports camp reels off in Zamboanga City

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

OVER 2,000 young boys and girls with ages eight to 15 have signed up for the month-long Summer Learn to Play a Sport program that reeled off Monday, May 1.

The summer sports camp, which is part of the City Government's sports development program, aims to teach the participants the basics and principles of their chosen sports discipline for free.

In her message during the opening program, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the summer sports program has been proven to be a success, citing the numerous athletes who have won medals in national and international sports competitions.

Salazar urged the parents to take the opportunity and enroll their children in the summer camp to hone the children's talents and capabilities and eventually become productive citizens in the future.

Dr. Cecil Atilano, City Sports director, said registration of participants will continue until this week for those who failed to beat the April 30 deadline.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Zamboanga_City_News_May_2017&oldid=1032572"