Zamboanga City News November 2012

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Zamboanga City - Archived News

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

Zamboanga City village gets new fire station

(PNA), LAM/TPGARCIA/PJN

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 30 (PNA) -- Response to fire calls and emergencies in Barangay Labuan, 36 kilometers west of this city and the neighboring areas will be faster and more efficient, as the city government turns over on Monday, Dec. 3, a newly-constructed fire station.

Costing P2.064 million, the fire station in Barangay Labuan will be the 15th fire station facility in this city and the 8th facility constructed under the administration of Mayor Celso Lobregat.

It has an area of 131.54 square meters and was undertaken by the Theta Construction Company.

The other fire stations constructed under the Lobregat administration are the fire stations in Quiniput, Guiwan, Boalan, all located east of this city, and Talisayan, Sinunuc, Recodo and Upper Calarian, west of this city.

A similar facility is in the offing in Barangay Sangali, 25 kilometers east of this city.

Prior to Lobregat’s administration, six fire stations were existing and these are located in the barangays of Vitali, Manicahan, Tetuan, Ayala, Sta. Maria and the Central Fire Station, which was renovated and rehabilitated during his term.

As his administration’s thrust in public safety, Lobregat will lead other officials in unveiling and turning over on Monday the fire station along with two other structures -- the newly-constructed barangay hall worth P4.2 million and center for the elderly worth P1.27 million.

The three facilities were constructed in a city government-acquired lot, now named as the Labuan barangay complex.

CROWN Award for Zamboanga City

By Dante Corteza

The Zamboanga City Nutrition Council (ZCNC) brought honor to our city last November 9, 2012 when it received the coveted CROWN (Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition) Award. The National Nutrition Council that conferred this award cited ZCNC for its exceptional implementation of nutrition programs in Zamboanga City from 2009 to 2011.

Held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila, Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat, Councilor Lilia Nuño and City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos led members of the ZCNC in receiving the CROWN award which included a plaque and a cash prize of P250, 000. The city’s score card has been consistently over the 97% record, way above the cut off which is only 90 percent.

Distinguished guests during the affair were President of the Philippines Benigno Aquino III, Department of Agriculture Proceso Alcala, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, and National Nutrition Council officials led by Health Assistant Secretary for Nutrition Maria Bernardita Flores and a representative of Secretary Mar Roxas.

Present also were Dr. Ruth Yanga who represented the Department of Education-9, Dr. Jam Marbella in charge of nutrition program at the CHO, and City Nutritionist Virgie Sagrado. They formed part of the ZCNC team.

Dr. Agbulos said that Zamboanga City will be elevated to the prestigious Hall of Fame or the so-called Roll of Honor Award once the City Nutrition Council maintains the record in the next succeeding three years (do it, Doki!). The local government will continue to fulfill its mandate and responsibility to promote the importance of health and nutrition in a bid to ensure a healthy and progressive city, he added.

Mayor Lobregat attributed the award to the hardworking men and women of the City Nutrition Council, who he said, exerted all their best efforts to reach out to the target sector. He stressed that the local government is working hard not because of the awards but because it is the mandate and obligation of the local nutrition council.

The health and well-being of each and every Zamboangueño is of paramount importance in his administration, Lobregat said. “The city government is very serious in addressing the medical and health as well as the nutritional needs of our constituents because we believe that progress is only possible if everyone is healthy,” he said.

Here cheers to the good health of our people and our city!

I hope who ever seats in the next city administration can build a city hospital where poor and indigent local people can be confined for free. The present capacity of Zamboanga Medical Center is not enough. It is always congested and charges now a minimum payment.

Zambo to ban fishing from Dec. 1 to March 1

(PNA), GHG/FMS/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 28 (PNA) -– Leaders and officials of the Labor, manufacturing, fishing fleets and other fishery sectors met on Thursday to finalize plans to reduce the effects of a dormant fishing and cannery industry following the imposition of a closed season for catching sardines starting Saturday.

The Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and allied agencies will implement the closed season for fishing sardine from Dec. 1 to March 1, 2013. A similar closed season was also imposed last year.

Labor Leader Jose Suan warned that unless something is done for the workers during the three-month fishing ban, some 35,000 workers will be jobless.

Affected by these fishing ban are workers in the city’s 11 sardine canning factories mostly located along the shorelines of Sinunuc and Ayala barangays in the west coast of the city.

While some canneries maintain their own fishing fleets, there are over a dozen fishing fleets devoted primarily to catching fresh sardines, locally called tamban” used by the canneries.

There are also dozens of dried fish processors who depend on commercial fishing for their raw materials. These dried fish processors employ thousands of workers.

Suan, who heads the Philippines Integrated Labor Union (PILU), said the three-month fishing ban coincided with the spawning season.

He denied claims that the fishing ban was imposed to save the canneries and other sectors from giving Christmas bonus to their workers.

Fishermen or those working in fishing fleets are not considered regular workers and are not paid bonuses at all. They do partake of fish catches when they go home with bags of fish each- courtesy of the fishing boat owners.

BFAR Regional Director Ahadulla Sajili has announced that among others, the bureau will be funding the tree planting projects in mangroves to provide alternative jobs for those who will be displaced during the season.

However, it was argued that only males could be employed in the mangrove replanting projects in the city. BFAR did not also reveal the funding for this project.

Most of them will be returning to their provinces during the three-month period and they can engaged in small businesses with the proper training from the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Last year the BFAR wanted to imposed the three months closed season for fishing from November to February but was prevailed upon to move the closed season to December last year to March 1, this year.

Like last year, the BFAR will deploy four patrol boats to see that the ban will be observed.

The ban covers only fishing outside the 30 kilometer municipal fishing ground.

The BFAR is also considering the possibility of canneries importing fresh sardines, but this will depend on the desire of the concerned company.

This importation of fish will also help the canneries themselves who can continue to produce canned sardines.

Fishing fleets and dried fish processors will have to wait out the three month closed season for fishing in the region down to the Sulu Archipelago and waters off the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Zambo champs Batang Pinoy 2012, WMSU bets excel

(Ekeena O. Lim, WMSU-PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE)

Zamboanga City contingent to the Batang Pinoy 2012 Mindanao Leg is the over-all champion in the different sports event held in Dapitan City last November 7 to 10.

The Zamboanga delegates garnered a total of 42 golds, 27 silvers and 25 bronzes surpassing Davao City with 40 gold medals, 27 silvers and 14 bronzes. Moreover, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU)-Integrated Laboratory High School Department delegates did well with 10 golds, 2 silvers and 2 bronze.

According to a report from the High School Department OIC-Principal, Mr. Joel C. Macasinag, WMSU representative, Vyanka Nicole Macaso fared well in the Swimming category. The said student athlete bagged golds for 200 1M, 400 1M, 200 fly, 200 free, 4x50 medley relay and silver for 200 breast.

Other remarkable students were Abdulqoahar Allian winning golds for Tennis Double and Team Event categories and a bronze medal for Tennis Single category; Al-Nafih Dahamban earning gold for Tennis Team event category and a bronze for Tennis Double category; and Carlo Silva winning 2 golds for Karatedo Kata and Kumite categories and silver for Team Kata category.

Zamboanga City holds the largest number of athletes during the said sports meet dominating the Karatedo, Athletics and lawn tennis events.

Zambo City's P1-B investment in education is biggest nationwide

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao (ALT/MVC/PIA9-ZBST/Sheila Covarrubias)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- The City Government’s over P1 billion investments on school buildings and education-related programs from 2007 up to present is the highest among all local government units in the country, Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro revealed.

In a press statement released by the City Information Office, Luistro said the support of the city government to basic education has exceeded the P1-billion mark.

“I don’t know if there is any other city that has put so much into education compared with what the Zamboanga City education sector is receiving from the local government unit,” Sec. Luistro said.

Luistro came to the city to accept four newly constructed school buildings with 48 classrooms last Saturday, November 24.

Luistro lauded the city government’s efforts to improve the education sector in the city calling it an “investment into the future.”

“You can be sure that what your mother has started, what you have continued, and what we hope other local government units and leaders will continue, will always be an investment into the future and will not be lost on the citizens of Zamboanga,” Sec. Luistro said to City Mayor Celso Lobregat and the city council.

Luistro also pointed how the city government has properly planned all its projects making sure that no political color is involved in it.

“If you notice in Zamboanga City, there is a lot of planning and there is a lot of design that is put into the classrooms and the school buildings. There is thought, there is planning, so that we are able to look at the master plan of the campuses,” Luistro pointed out.

In some areas, projects donated by politicians were built with a distinct design and color that would identify with the donor. However, in Zamboanga City, such is not the case, Sec. Luistro observed.

Zambo journos tackle media issues on job security, ethics, and justice

(NUJP-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Journalists here led by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines-Zamboanga City Chapter tackled issues currently confronted by Mindanao media on ethics, job security, and justice for slain colleagues.

“NUJP-Zamboanga joins all colleagues in the media and co-members of NUJP from various chapters in our fight against media oppression,” said NUJP-Zamboanga Chair Frencie Carreon in a statement on November 23, where Zamboanga media convened to commemorate the third death anniversary of the Maguindanao 58.

On November 20, NUJP-Zamboanga in partnership with Ateneo De Zamboanga University, organized a symposium on the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill, with NUJP Secretary-General Rowena Carranza-Paraan and Right to Information Right Now Coalition Convener Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan as guest speakers.

Malaluan discussed the salient features of the bill, and the need for it to be passed, especially before the adjournment of the 15th Congress of the Philippines by November 27. Paraan highlighted the value of its passage into law for journalists and the rest of the Philippine citizenry.

On November 22, NUJP-Zamboanga and ADZU held a small-group forum on Media Ethics and The Role of the Media in the Transformation of Society, with Fr. Albert ‘Paring Bert’ Alejo, SJ as lead discussant. Alejo, author of ‘Ehemplo’ addressed the challenge, ‘Debe ba el periodista queda un ejemplo?’ (Should the journalist be an example?) in discussing shared integrity especially in Mindanao society.

“We provide trainings to educate our ranks, professionalizing and constantly reminding our colleagues about our responsibility for right information, upholding ethics and self-regulation,” Carreon stressed.

NUJP-Zamboanga together with the Zamboanga City Press Club commemorated on Friday evening the third death anniversary of the Maguindanao 58, 32 among whom were media workers.

“Sky lanterns, prayers and more trainings signify our contributions in commemorating the 3d death anniversary of the Maguindanao 58,” Carreon said.

“Sky lanterns are our expressions to demand for justice. We offer prayers for continued guidance in our work and for the families of the victims,” she added. The prayer and song for the victims were led by Fr. Alejo at a solemn gathering at Paseo del Mar, this city.

“We not only commemorate the death of the Maguindanao 58, especially the 32 media workers. We also remember and offer prayers for Ladjid Jade Laja of Prensa Zamboanga, Rev. Greg Hapalla of DXAS Radio Zamboanga, Gloria ‘Golondrina’ Martin of DXXX Radyo Isabela, Basilan, Rey Bancairin and Candelario ‘Jun’ Cayona both of DXLL Radio Zamboanga. They were slain many years ago and till now justice has not been served. Perpetrators remain unknown,” she said.

Students and teachers from eleven schools joined the journalists in the prayers and the release of 63 sky lanterns. These schools are Ateneo De Zamboanga University, Zamboanga State College and Marine Science Technology, Mein College, Western Mindanao State University, Southern City Colleges, Zamboanga National High School Main, Universidad de Zamboanga, Immaculate Conception Elementary School, Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School, Nuevo Zamboanga College, and Simpson Alliance School.

Troopers nabbed notorious ASG man in Zamboanga City

(PNA), LAM/PFN

MANILA, Nov. 24 (PNA) -- Military and police units have arrested a notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member, wanted for five counts of kidnapping with ransom, during operations in Zamboanga City Friday morning.

Arrested was a certain alias "Kuma" who is also wanted for multiple counts of serious illegal detention.

The suspect was arrested in Barangay Tulongatong, Zamboanga City by Task Zamboanga those operating units consist of the 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Air Division and the Zamboanga City Police Office.

"Kuma" is involved in the kidnapping of five members of the Jehovah's Witness in Barangay Darayan in Patikul, Sulu in August 2002.

The warrant of arrest against the suspect was issued by Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 266 Judge Toribio E. Ilao Jr.,

1st Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III praised civilian support and all participating operatives for their sterling work in arresting the ASG member.

"As long as there are strong 'Bayanihan' supporters in our localities, we are confident that we can win our campaign against lawless elements," he added.

Celso cites benefits of sisterhood pact

By Sheila Covarrubias

Mayor Celso Lobregat yesterday underscored the significance of sisterhood agreements with other local government units stressing it would help enhance and accelerate performance of respective LGUs and communities as well.

Lobregat said this, as he led Thursday the signing of a sisterhood pact with the municipality of Paniqui, Tarlac led by Mayor Miguel Rivilla, in a red carpet ceremony held at the City Hall conference room.

Sister city and town relationships allow an exchange of cultural, commercial, industrial and tourist products and other fields of endeavour for both contracting cities or local government units—either on a national or international level—with the ultimate goal of strengthening ties of solidarity.

The Lobregat administration has so far forged 5 sisterhood agreements with local and foreign cities and municipalities—Dagupan City in 2005; Zaragoza, Spain in 2008; Trece Martires City, Cavite in 2009; Municipality of San Mateo, Rizal in June this year and Municipality of Paniqui Thursday.

Last August 31, 2009, Zamboanga renewed its ties with Baguio City which was originally forged on Nov. 23, 1996.

“We know that our local government units have much to learn from each other and that this will add a new dimension to both Zamboanga and Paniqui”, the mayor said in his message during the signing ceremony.

The Zaragoza, Spain sisterhood pact has resulted to an agreement between the Instituto Cervantes and the Western Mindanao State University focusing on activities related to the teaching and study of the Spanish language, Hispanic culture and literature and other areas which promote advancement of education and professional growth for the faculty and the students.

The establishment of the Plaza Pilar, the city’s pasalubong and one of the city’s main attractions is an idea borne out of the exchanges with Zaragoza. The facility is patterned after the main plaza located right in front of Basilica in Zaragoza.

The historical and very successful visit of the Queen of Spain to Zamboanga last July 4 was also an offshoot of the sister city relationship. Zamboanga was one of the only 3 cities in the country that Queen Sofia visited.

From San Mateo, Rizal, Zamboanga learned about the strategies in the efficient and effective implementation of the land fill system, a project that is now underway in the city.

“And if Dagupan City has its bangus festival, Zamboanga also has its “Wow Sardinas”, a sardine eating spectacle staged during Fiesta Hermosa”, Lobregat said. The Bangus festival has inspired and motivated Zamboanga to also stage Wow Sardinas to highlight its title as the sardine capital of the Philippines.

“Indeed, Zamboanga has learned and discovered so much from our sister LGUs and sharing our blessings and best practices remains a responsibility”, the mayor stressed.

Paniqui, a first class municipality in Tarlac has tremendous potentials that can very well be a source of stimulation and motivation for Zamboanga City, according to Lobregat.

As Lobregat and Rivilla signed the sisterhood pact, Vice Mayors Cesar Iturralde and Genevieve Linsao stood as witnesses. Members of the City Council of Zamboanga and the municipal council of Paniqui, department heads from both LGUs and other guests including former Mayors Vicente Atilano II and Efren Arañez and members of the Council for Culture, Arts and History also attended the event.

The forging of the agreement was initiated by the Municipality of Paniqui as a show of gratitude to Zamboanga’s generosity during times of crisis.

Based on the sisterhood agreement, the people of both Zamboanga and Paniqui local government units “agree to collaborate for the mutual benefit of their communities by exploring, educational, economic and cultural opportunities and by sharing technology in the fields of commerce and industry.”

Both parties likewise agree to “support and encourage opportunities for mutually beneficial and practical exchanges in the fields of business, arts and culture, health, science, education, sports, tourism and local governance; agree to exchange constructive ideas and best practices in local governance to increase both LGUs’ knowledge and understanding in effectively managing various facets of governance” and “agree to encourage and foster goodwill and friendship, inter-LGU visits of city officials and executives, associations and residents of the Municipality of Paniqui and the City of Zamboanga.”

PhilHealth opens express office in Zamboanga

(PNA), LAM/TPGARCIA/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 22 (PNA) -– The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has opened a PhilHealth Express Office in this southern port city.

PhilHealth Regional Vice-President Romeo Alberto said the express office, which was inaugurated last week, is located at the ground floor of Yubenco Star Mall in Barangay Putik, 4.6 kilometers east of this city.

Alberto said the facility serves as an additional transaction hub for PhilHealth members which shall reduce the volume of transaction at the office located downtown.

It also seeks to bring various PhilHealth services closer to its members particularly from the eastern part of this city.

Alberto said that frontline services like card generation, member data record printing, records amendment, claim eligibility checking will also be available at the express office aside from being an information kiosk catering the walk-in inquiries.

Meanwhile, Field Operations Division chief Egardo Faustino said the express office would soon accept premium contributions from PhilHealth members.

Faustino disclosed that similar facilities will be strategically established in the future in places with high volume of foot traffic to further expand PhilHealth operations and services to the public.

Career execs vow to help promote Zambo

By Sheila Covarrubias

Career Executive Service Officers from various parts of the country have committed to help promote Zamboanga City citing the happy experiences and endearing places they have gone during their recent visit here.

Mariano Alquiza, newly-elected president of the National Union of Career Executive Service Officers (NUCESO) said Zamboanga City has evolved and improved a lot as compared to the city it was in 1995 when he first came over.

Alquiza was one of the over 700 career executive service officers who converged in Zamboanga for the 11th Annual Career Executive Service Board Conference from November 14-16.

“Zamboanga City in 1995 was very much different compared to now. I see a lot of improvement and the impression that the city is magulo (in conflict) is not true, in fact people are very pleasant and very accommodating”, Alquiza, Regional Director of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Region 11 volunteered.

He said Zamboanga’s track record in terms of project accomplishments and other best practices that earned for it the most outstanding mayor award in the implementation of social services for 3 consecutive years is very impressive and remarkable.

Bernie Andres, general manager of the Orani Water District in Orani, Bataan said Zamboanga is an impressive and not what is being pictured in the newspapers, television and radio.

Andres specifically expressed admiration for Mayor Lobregat’s passion in promoting Zamboanga and in implementing projects and programs in a bid to move the city further forward.

“Nakaikot ako sa lungsod ninyo at ako’y natutuwa dahil nakita ko yong leader, si Mayor Lobregat is very passionate in his desire to make Zamboanga grow and prosper. Nararandaman mo talaga yong pagmamamahal niya sa lungsod kaya very passionate siya sa pagpromote ng Zamboanga, because of his love for the place”, Andres asserted.

He likewise expressed wonder at the diverse culture existing in Zamboanga making it truly a unique place.

He said he would be very happy and willing to help the city government in its effort to promote and spread the good news about Zamboanga City.

“Marami ditong madedevelop na businesses, kung puede nga lang magmigrate dito, magmigrate na ako, maybe that’s the ultimate description that one can give of how he feels about Zamboanga City,” the Bataan resident added.

Undersecretary Dante Lantin of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said attending the CESB conference in Zamboanga was the best time he had in the city. “This is not my first time here but this is the best time I had in Zamboanga City. I had more time to move around and to eat the very delicious foods and cuisines in Zamboanga”.

He said a lot of improvement is being observed in the city specifically in the establishment of hotels and tourist attractions. “In fact, plano ko ngang dalhin ang pamilya ko dito dahil napakasarap ng pagkain ninyo specially kuracha. Mabuhay ang Zamboanga!”.

The 11th Annual CESB Conference was hosted by the Regional Executive Association for Western Mindanao (REAWESMIN) headed by Civil Service Region-9 Director Macybel Alfaro-Sahi.


Zamboanga authorities confiscate pellet toy guns

(PNA), LAM/TPGARCIA/SSC

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Operatives of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) and the City Ordinances Enforcement Unit (COEU) have confiscated more than 100 pellet toy guns in this southern port city.

The city government and the ZCPO have launched a crackdown against the sale of pellet toy guns in line with Executive Order 482 issued by Mayor Celso Lobregat earlier this month.

Lobregat stressed that it is of public knowledge the use of such kind of toy guns had been causing “so much physical injuries especially to children.”

A total of 127 pellet toy guns were confiscated from two business establishments located at the city proper.

The confiscated items were deposited at the City Administrator’s Office for proper disposition.

Lobregat said the confiscated pellet toy guns will be destroyed in public as a proactive approach “to protect our children from unnecessary injuries.”

Thousands join ‘Juego Na Zamboanga’

By Monch L. Follosco

Thousands of athletes, parents, sports and school officials of the Division of ZamboangaCity Athletic Association (DZCAA) Games joined the ‘2012 Juego Na Zamboanga’ held at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex (JFEMSC) yesterday.

Highlighting the occasion was the colorful grand parade started at the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College (ZCSPC) to the sports complex for the ceremonial opening program.

Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Pedro Melchor Natividad welcome the different public schools in the city from Ayala-Labuan Athletic Association (ALAA) to Curuan-Vitali Athletic Association (CVAA) including State Colleges and Universities Athletic Associations (SCUAA) and the Private Schools of Zamboanga City Athletic Associations (PSZCAA).

FEBARKAZA President Art Onrubia represented in behalf of District 1 Congresswoman Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco-Salazar, who has important appointment in Congress as Deputy Speaker for Mindanao.

Onrubia lauded the organizer for the successful opening ceremonies of the event which for the first time attended by private schools.

“I congratulate and wish well for the success of Juego Na Zamboanga 2012,” Onrubia said as he challenged the parents to support their children in sports.

“As a father, I’m happy and delighted to see our children run, jump in the field,play ball, swim in the pool, or hit the target – win or lose. It brings pride and joy in us parents to see that our children compete in a healthy athmosphere,” Onrubia added.

He said as president of the Federation of Barangay Kagawads (FEBARKAZA) in the city, their organization will initiate to support sports program in every barangay.

Palarong Pambansa ZPRAA gold medalist Princess Charm Miguel led the Declaration of Athlete’s Oath and Tournament Director Jane Dela Torre led the declaration of officiating Officials’ Oath followed by the lighting of the urn led by Palarong Pambansa 2012 gold medalist Arjohn Napalcruz.

SDS Natividad led the formal opening of the DZCAA Games 2012-2013 with Jaybee Sastre and Marie Querijero as the masters of ceremonies.

City gov’t unveils P8.82-M school building projects in Zambo

(PNA), PDS/TEOFILO P. GARCIA/PJN

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 18 (PNA) -- The city government, in line with its ever-aggressive assistance and support to education, on Friday turned over P8.82 million worth of projects to two schools located east of this city.

The recipients of the projects are the Mercedes National High School and the Culianan Learning Center located 14 and 13 kilometers east of this city, respectively.

The Mercedes National High School received a two-storey four-classroom school building worth P3.23 million while the Culianan Learning Center got a two-storey six-classroom building worth P5.59 million.

Mayor Celso Lobregat on Friday led the inauguration of the two school building projects with Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Tonisito Umali as the guest of honor.

Umali has expressed all out gratitude to the local government as he highly praised Lobregat for initiating a massive school building program and other education-related projects in a bid to improve the quality of education.

Umali vowed that DepEd will also try to do its share by responding to requests for repairs of various classrooms in some schools such as Culianan Learning Center and other requirements.

The two-storey four-classroom building at the Mercedes National High School joins up an existing two-storey six-classroom edifice turned over last July 20, making it a two-storey 10-classroom building.

DOLE lauds training center for construction workers in Zamboanga

(PNA), HBC/PR/UTB

MANILA, Nov. 17 (PNA) -- Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz Saturday lauded efforts of the occupational safety and health partner agencies of the Dept. of Labor and Employment in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The partner agencies had put up a training center for construction workers in Zamboanga City.

In a press statement, Baldoz said: “I commend our OSH partner agencies in Region 9 for its assistance and generosity of spirit in building a training center for workers and supervisors in the construction and other industries.

"This will ensure a safe and healthful work condition for the said workers in Region 9.

"The center will be a venue for training and orientations/seminars on OSH, and its establishment is part of our endeavour to attain zero accident in the workplace, not only in the Zamboanga Peninsula, but in the entire country as well.”

Launched in October, the center was built through the cooperation of construction firms in Zamboanga, officers and members of the ZamPen Occupational Safety and Health Network, Inc. (OSHNet); and government and non-government OSH partners.

Americans to honor hero dog Kabang

By Roel Pareño (philstar.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Kabang, the hero dog, has not only changed some Americans' perception of the Philippines as a dog-eating country, but will bring honor as a hero in America.

Dr. Anton Lim, a local veterinary and an executive of Tzu Chi foundation, who assisted Kabang to have her severed snout reconstructed in California, said the American Red Cross in Davis County will award Kabang as one of their everyday heroes.

Kabang, a native shepherd known in the country as Aspin (asong Pinoy) gained attention after she accidentally saved the lives of two children of her master, Rudy Bunggal, in Zamboanga City.

She prevented a speeding motorcycle from hitting the children, but in the process lost her upper snout that was nipped near the eyes in December of last year.

Lim said the ceremony, which will be held on December, is considered as a big event in Davis.

He said since Kabang has been undergoing continuous medication in California, a representative from the veterinary clinic will receive the award in behalf of the dog.

Kabang has been undergoing six months of treatment and had underwent four chemotherapy sessions of her tumor that caused the bleeding of her genital part.

“Kabang is okay now. The tumor is almost gone and after the process we have to go after the heart worm treatment,” Lim said before the snout reconstruction procedure will be done on the dog.

The care that has been provided to Kabang attracted huge attention from American dog lovers and noticed the intelligence of the native dog as that of with pedigree.

Lim said the Americans back in California have gained interest on the native dog, whose size and type seem suited for them.

“And they were asking the how much is an Aspin breed. I can only joke and say we have a lot,” he said.

“And because of Kabang, the perception of being a dog-eating nation has changed. They say you are now known as a dog-caring nation. It really gained and brought up the interest of Americans in having the Aspin breed,” Lim added.

City regulates pyrotechnics sale and use in Zambo

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (JPA-PIA 9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov 15 (PIA) - - To protect the public from possible danger as a result of indiscriminate use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices , the city government, through an executive order issued recently by Mayor Celso Lobregat, regulates its sale and use especially now that Christmas season is nearing.

“Mayor Celso Lobregat recently issued executive order (EO) 481-2012 regulating, controlling, and limiting the pyrotechnics allowed to be used, sold and distributed in the city by licensed dealers," said City Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias in a press statement.

Covarrubias said the executive order, “Strictly prohibits the use, sale and distribution of firecrackers, such as but not limited to piccolo, triangulo, super lolo, watusi, el Diablo, Judah’s belt and whistle devise among others.”

“Only sparklers, luces, fountain, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, butterfly, all kinds of pyrotechnics (pailaw), baby rocket, sky rocket (kwitis) and other types equivalent to the foregoing are allowed to be used, sold and or distributed in the city by duly licensed dealers,” Covarrubias said.

Moreover, the EO prohibits licensed dealers from keeping in their stores quantities of pyrotechnic devices in excess of combined total of 50 kilograms but they can store the rest of their stock in a warehouse.

Covarrubias also emphasized, “Importation of finished pyrotechnic devices is likewise prohibited.”

To make sure that the EO is strictly implemented, concerned law enforcement agencies, “Will regularly monitor and determine the quantities and kinds of pyrotechnic devices held in stock by or in the possession of every licensed distributor or dealer,” Covarrubias said.

She emphasized, "For violators of the said EO, a fine of not less than P20,000 nor more than P30,000 will be imposed or imprisonment of not less than 6 months nor more than one year or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the Court to include the revocation and or cancellation of the business permits.

11th Annual CES Conference in Zambo City tilt

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao (JPA/MVC/PIA9-ZBST)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- Over 900 members of the CES community from all over the country are here in the city for the 11th Career Executive Service (CES) Conference which starts today, Nov. 14 until Friday, Nov.16 at the Garden Orchid Hotel.

This year's conference is anchored on the theme: “ Going 4G! Good to Great, Green Governance”.

This three-day conference will commence in the afternoon with City Mayor Celso Lobregat expected to welcome the participants.

As in previous years, this year’s conference will center on excellent service by the different government line agencies through exemplary leadership of CES members. This will be tackled at the first day of the activity in a plenary learning session. Speakers for this session are Edgardo M. Esperancilla, CESO III, of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Julius A. Lecciones, CESO III, Executive Director of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and Renato U. Solidum, Jr., CESO VI, Director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs).

Day 2 will begin with a forum in Triple Bottom line of Governance for Sustainable Growth, focusing on the topic “From Jobs to Green Jobs: Transition Imperatives, to be discussed by Cynthia R. Cruz, CESO III, Executive Director of the Institute for Labor Studies of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Ana Liza R. The, CESO II, and Severino C. Santos, CESE, of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

The National Union of Career Executive Service Officers (NUCESO) General Assembly will be held in the afternoon, to be followed by the election of the National President and Executive Vice President.

The Regional Executive Association of Western Mindanao (REAWESMIN), this year’s host, also prepared a city tour for the guests.

Day 3 will start with a simultaneous leadership and wellness sessions with participants to be divided into two groups; the men and the women. Women’s session will talk about how to rediscover the “wild woman from within”. This session seeks to further empower the women leaders, with Ms. Sophie Sim-Bate of Carl Jung Circle Center as facilitator, while men’s session will focus on Men’s Health and Wellness at Midlife with Dr. Romulo S. de Villa of the National Kidney Institute.

After these sessions, a plenary learning session on Living the Meaning of Public Service will follow with Rev. Fr. Albert E. Alejo, SJ of Ateneo de Zamboanga University as resource speaker to end the three-day activity.

The closing ceremony will see the presentation of NUCESO Resolutions for approval, the turning-over of hosting of the annual conference with REAWESMIN President and Civil Service Commission-9 Regional Director Macybel Alfaro-Sahi, acceptance of the next area hosting, and the message of the new NUCESO President-elect, and the formal closing of the conference.

The three-day activity is not without fun as wellness activities like Zumba Dance and Yoga for Health will be conducted in the morning for the participants to start their day right.

PTA Federation to hold summit this December

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

In support to the very vital role of parents in the education of their children in public schools, Zamboanga City District 2 Representative Erbie A. Fabian is set to keynote the “Parents Summit” which is hosted by the Zamboanga City Federation of Parents-Teachers Association (ZC-PTA) early next month.

PTA Federation President Hadji Abdulbaki Sandag said that they have invited Congressman Fabian as one of their keynote speakers in the said occasion as the solon has educational programs which are in line with the promotion of responsible parenting to children in public schools.

Hadji Sandag said that it is also the objective of the said confab to inform the parents of their special role in the education of their children in public schools as well as to formulate resolutions in order to address the present concerns being confronted by the parents and students in public elementary and secondary schools in the city.

The official said that they expect the PTA officials of the entire city will listen and discuss among themselves the agenda to be presented by agencies from DepEd,TESDA, DSWD and the Office of the City Mayor.

Hadji Sandag further said that City Mayor Celso Lobregat will also brief the parents in the said summit with regards to the numerous educational programs and projects implemented by the city government of Zamboanga to public schools here.

Some 500 officers of the PTA Federation in the entire city under the supervision of the Department of Education City Schools Division Office will converge for the said activity.

‘Oplan Dagit’ starts today in Zambo

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

The Headquarters Philippine Air Force through the 3rd Air Division will be conducting an Interoperability Exercise with different units under the command of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

The five-day exercise dubbed as “OPLAN DAGIT” is set to commence today after a short opening program to be joined by the commander of 3RD Air Division, Maj. Gen. Jose Tony E. Villarete as the keynote speaker.

It will be the first time for the activity to take place in Zamboanga City since it started December of 2007. For the past years, the exercise has been conducted at both the Air Force and Navy Bases stationed at Sangley Point, Cavite City.

The exercise is expected to enhance the competencies among participating Air Force and Navy units on Joint Air-Surface Operations. It also aims to test and assess the response mechanism for the Coast Watch System and the tactical level communication between the two major services. It shall be divided into classroom Instructions and field training exercises involving actual day and night flight and maritime operations. Sports activities will also be held in order to boost the mutual relationship and camaraderie among the participating personnel.

Members of the Planning Committee from the Headquarters Philippine Air Force arrived yesterday to oversee the successful conduct of the exercise. They are expected to give inputs based on the exercises conducted during the previous years.

MILF warns public over police recruitment for Bangsamoro

By RG Antonet A. Go (Mindanao Examiner)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 11, 2012) – The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, has warned Muslims in Mindanao to report to authorities anybody who is recruiting members for the so-called Bangsamoro Police Force.

The warning came out following reports that several groups have been recruiting and collecting money from Muslims who are being lured to join the security force.

The groups were reported to be operating in Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and have been using the MILF Framework Agreement in luring their victims.

The accord, which signed recently by the MILF and the Aquino government, would create the Bangsamoro autonomous region that would replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao which is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and cities of Marawi and Lamitan.

The syndicates were collecting P2,500 from each applicant to the police force. It was not immediately known how many people were duped by the groups or who were behind them.

The MILF is fighting for self-determination and is currently negotiating peace with Manila.


ZCMC asks ZAMCELCO for notice of brownout

By RG Antonet A. Go

The Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) is asking the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO) to give the hospital definite notice of brownout stressing that it is one of the vital installations in this city and it needs stable power for the patients.

“We are asking for ZAMCELCO to give us definite notice for the brownout so the hospital can prepare,” ZCMC Chief of Hospitals Dr. Romeo Ong said in an interview. “Our facilities are being damaged by the unscheduled power interruptions.”

According to Dr. Ong, the ZCMC hospital equipments are all controlled by computers, microchips, not unlike before and these are highly sophisticated at the same time very sensitive.

ZCMC has several equipments that relies on electricity such as the CT Scan, ultrasound, x-ray machines, dialysis machines, ventilators, and the other smaller machines to include the oxygen plant that the hospital is maintaining.

“Because of this brownout, the hospital already suffered minimal damage such as their fuse was damaged,” Dr. Ong said.

Early this year when the city was experiencing long hours of brownouts, the CT Scan of the hospital incurred damages and the hospital spent almost a million to fix the said equipment.

Aside from this, the budget of the hospital is also affected by these brownouts since the hospital needs steady power and they are using their respective generator sets.

“This frequent brownouts drains our budget,” Ong said. “The hospital has two generator sets with the capacity of 532 KVA it used 100 Liters of gasoline Per Hour which is equivalent to P4,000 per hour.”

Dr. Ong, however, assured that the services for the patients will not be affected. The ZCMC hospital is running under a 300-bed capacity and it serves 300 patients and sometimes more a day.

Lobregat regulates pyrotechnics in ZC

By Sheila Covarrubias

Mayor Celso Lobregat Monday issued an executive order regulating, controlling and limiting the pyrotechnics allowed to be used, sold and distributed in the city by licensed dealers.

Citing provisions of Republic Acts 7183 and 7160, executive order 481-2012 strictly prohibits the use, sale and distribution of firecrackers, such as but not limited to piccolo, triangulo, super lolo, watusi, el Diablo, Judas’ belt and whistle devise among others.

Only sparklers, luces, fountain, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, butterfly, all kinds of pyrotechnics (pailaw), baby rocket, sky rocket (kwitis) and other types equivalent to the foregoing are allowed to be used, sold and or distributed in the city by duly licensed dealers.

Lobregat said only those persons/ entities duly authorized by Mayor/ business permits to distribute and/or sell pyrotechnic devices are permitted to distribute and sell such product in the city and such distribution and sale shall be limited to their registered place of business.

Licensed dealers are prohibited from keeping in their stores quantities of pyrotechnic devices in excess of combined total of 50 kilograms. The rest of the stock shall be kept in the warehouse from which replenishment shall be withdrawn from time to time as the need arises, according to Lobregat.

Importation of finished pyrotechnic devices is likewise prohibited. “Imported firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices found in the market and in stores of licensed dealers shall be deemed illegally manufactured and shall be subject to immediate confiscation”, Lobregat’s order emphasized.

The acting City Police Director, the Firearm and Explosives section, ROPD, PRO9 and the Task Force Zambonaga are directed to regularly monitor and determine the quantities and kinds of pyrotechnic devices held in stock by or in the possession of every licensed distributor or dealer.

The same law enforcement agencies are tasked to ensure that the storage of said materials, both in the store and the warehouse, is properly made so as not to endanger the lives and property of the people.

The said inventory shall be submitted to the City Administrator’s Office for information and record purposes.

On the other hand, all mayor/ business permits relative to the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of pyrotechnic devices issued prior to the date of the issuance of EO 481-2012 are subject to the provisions of the said order. Holders of said permits are required to strictly comply with the provisions of the order.

Violation of the executive order, according to Lobregat, shall be dealt with in accordance with section 11 of RA 7183 which specifically states that a fine of not less than P20,000 nor more than P30,000 will be imposed or imprisonment of not less than 6 months nor more than one year or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the Court to include the revocation and or cancellation of the business permits.

The OIC City Police Director and Task Force Limpiesa (City Hall COMPAC) are directed to enforce and implement strictly the mayor’s executive order. The city adminsitrator’s office is tasked to see the compliance of the directive.

RA 7183 is the Act that regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and us of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics approved on January 30, 1992. Section 12 of act authorizes local chief executives to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations within their respective territorial jurisdiction in conformity with the national standards, rules and regulations in furtherance of public safety, public order and national security.

Lobregat said it is common knowledge that the manufacture and thereafter the indiscriminate use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices has resulted to loss of lives, limbs and injuries and fire.

RA 7160 on the other hand is the Local Government Code of 1991 which provides that LGUs shall exercise the powers, necessary, appropriate or incidental for its efficient and effective governance and those which are essential to the promotion of general welfare.

OWWA-9 to conduct Capability Building Seminar for OFW Leaders

By Alma L. Tingcang (OWWA9 Press Release/PIA9/alt)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 8 -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office No. 9 is set to conduct a Capability Building Seminar-Workshop for OFW Leaders and Institutional Partners starting today November 8 to November 9 at Max’s Restaurant, this city.

Seventy Overseas Filipino Workers and their dependents who will attend the said seminar-workshop are from Isabela City and Zamboanga city.

Regional Director Hassan Gabra Jumdain said the seminar-workshop aims to promote the delivery of responsive, productive and sustainable reintegration service to OFW returnees to enable them to maximize the gains of overseas employment.

“It is also our aim to build a core group who will serve as OWWA’s partners in assisting us for effective delivery of our services all throughout the region,” Jumdain said.

Mr. Noel Tarrazona, Chief Trainer of the Network of Optimal Trainers to Accelerate Community Reforms (NOTACOR) will share valuable insights on how to attain strong foundation to achieve financial success.

Topics like Leadership, Conflict Resolution, and Entrepreneurship & Franchising will be discussed through lecture, audio-visual presentation and role play.

The said activity will serve as a venue for information exchanges, strengthening of network and fostering positive communication.

Director Jumdain also said there will be an election of new set of officers for the Federation of OFW Family Circles Inc. which was organized in the year 2008.

The seminar is in line with President Aquino’s directive, “Paigtingin ang Serbisyo para sa OFWs”, and to intensify campaign on various programs and services of the government to the countryside.

DPWH, city gov’t jointly implement bridge project in Zamboanga

(PNA), RMA/TEOFILO P. GARCIA/RSM

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 7 (PNA) -– The construction of the bridge in Barangay Limaong, 83 kilometers east of this city, has started and is expected to greatly enhance trade and commerce in that part of the city.

With a funding allocation of P130.624 million, the Limaong bridge project would be another testimony of the present administration’s thrust to help improve the plight of the constituents and ultimately to help bring about further progress and development.

Mayor Celso Lobregat has inspected the ongoing project and expressed confidence that once completed, the project would help improve accessibility and mobility of people and various products and commodities.

The bridge connects the Logpond area to Limaong Island and other neighboring areas.

According to Lobregat, the project will be a partnership between the national government and the city government.

The project was made possible following representations made by Lobregat with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through Secretary Rogelio Singson, who responded positively to the mayor’s proposal.

Based on an agreement with the DPWH, the national government supplies the bridge/steel structures while the city government will take care of the civil works.

The Limaong bridge is expected to be one of the flagship projects of the city government under the Lobregat administration.

The project’s design was prepared by the DWPH, as the city government has no capacity to make designs for such a huge and long bridge.

The project is expected to complete in the next few months.

The project is being undertaken by Grace Construction, a private firm with notice to proceed issued June 21, 2012.

Meanwhile, aside from the Limaong bridge project, the national government, through Lobregat’s representation, is also jointly undertaking other infrastructures of the city such as the ongoing development of the R.T. Lim Boulevard.

Zamboanga City recipient of CROWN award anew

By R.G. Antonet Go

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) has chosen anew the City of Zamboanga for Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award, citing its consistencies in maintaining an outstanding performance in the implementation of nutrition programs.

The City earned the CROWN award for the last three years since the City Nutrition Council (CNC) was chaired by Mayor Celso Lobregat and City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos as the action officer.

The CROWN award will be received by the City Health Office (CHO) on November 9, 2012 at Malacañang Palace which is expected to be handed over by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Also, a cash prize of P250,000, a certificate, and a trophy are to be awarded to the City of Zamboanga, according to Dr. Rodel Agbulos.

“The cash prize will be used by the CHO for the nutrition program of the office,” he said. “This is with regards to the nutrition program that we have in the city of Zamboanga, it was chosen for the award through the CNC.”

Zamboanga is the consistent Regional winner on nutrition which means the nutrition program here in the city is worth emulating. The city won because of its several nutrition programs such as feeding preggy, nutrition on wheels, and the regular feeding program.

The feeding preggy program assures that pregnant mothers are properly nourished which will ensure healthy baby, the nutrition on wheels goes to barangays and teaches residents how to cook nutritious foods which they can feed their families to be healthy, and the feeding program will also assure well nourished children.

Zamboanga City’s score card has been consistently over 97 percent record — way above the cutoff which is only 90 percent — making this city the runaway winner of the Green Banner Award since 2010. It will be elevated to the prestigious Hall of Fame or the so-called Roll of Honor Award once the CNC maintains the record in the next succeeding three years.

P22-M Science Park to rise in Zamboanga City

(PNA), RMA/TEOFILO P. GARCIA/SSC

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 5 (PNA) –- The city government, through the initiative of Mayor Celso Lobregat, is embarking on the construction of a Science Park as part of the ever-aggressive support and assistance to education for the benefit of the young.

The proposed P22.44-million science park will be constructed inside the Jardin Maria Clara at Pasonanca Park where the city museum and the butterfly garden are also located.

Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology executive director May Pagsinohin said Lobregat was the third local government chief executive to have initiated such a project in the entire country.

The first was the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo who constructed a science park in Naga City and the second was the former La Union Mayor Mary Jane Ortega.

Pagsinohin hailed Lobregat and the city government for the remarkable initiative of setting up a permanent science centrum in Zamboanga City and for ensuring a better future for the young, including the old populace.

Lobregat, together with Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Sunday at the Jardin Maria Clara.

The ceremony was witnessed by local government officials as well as education officials.

The proposed park will be constructed in the 1,828 square-meter lot adjacent to the City Museum and right behind the laminar jets fountain where the statue of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat is located.

The Everlast Construction firm will construct and complete the project within the next seven months.

The park will house 56 exhibits such as the Pipes of Pan, Van de Graff generator, Pedal generator, Bernoulli Blower, Laser Harp, Musical Tunnel, Wonder House and many more.

Lobregat said the proposed science park formed part of the city’s ever-aggressive support and assistance to education for the benefit of the young generation.

The city’s investment in education from 2007 to June this year has reached over a billion pesos.

Lobregat and Department of Education (DepEd) officials will soon inaugurate school buildings and other education-related projects in different elementary and secondary schools.

Lobregat also said that the proposed science park project came after the Science Centrum exhibits of the Science-Fun Caravan Traveling Exhibition held at the Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School gymnasium last January.

“The exhibits captured my interest and attention and so I thought of coming up with a facility in the city for the conduct of such exhibits where students can learn about science,” he said.

Zambo water firm to put up communal faucets for the indigents

(PNA), HBC/TPG/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Zamboanga City Water District is set to establish communal faucets to cater to the water supply needs of indigents that do not have access to the service of the ZCWD.

ZCWD Management Service head Fernando Camba said the district intends to put up communal faucets in 56 of this city’s 98 barangays were there are indigents without access to “our water system.”

Camba said the upland barangays of Tolosa, Guisao, Lumbangan and Lumayang in the east coast and Labuan in the west coast are among the 56 barangays where communal faucets will be established.

The communal faucets will compose of a box, water meter and a tap stand connected to the distribution line of the ZCWD which will be establish near to a community of indigents, Camba said.

The communal faucets will be managed by the barangay council, which in turn will designate an individual to remit the payment to the ZCWD, Camba explained.

However, he said the barangay council of the 56 identified barangays will have to submit a proposal before the ZCWD will establish a communal faucet in their locality.

All Souls, All Saints Day in Zambo 'peaceful, orderly'

(PNA), HBC/TPG/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 3 (PNA) -– Mayor Celso Lobregat has commended the police, military and other stakeholders for the peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in this southern port city.

Lobregat Thursday and Friday made the rounds of major cemeteries in this city not only to look into the situation and the implementation of the Operation Plan Kaluluwa but also to visit the tombs of departed relatives and friends and former city officials, as he did in the past years.

“Our assessment is that it was very, very peaceful and orderly and we thank all those who helped contribute to the effort to ensure the strict enforcement of the traffic scheme and our executive orders,” Lobregat said.

Specifically, Lobregat thanked the Zamboanga City Police Office and military’s Task Force Zamboanga, the barangay officials and barangay tanods, the medical component that consisted of personnel from the City Health Office, Zamboanga Red Cross, Zamboanga City Medical Center and other emergency units, radio groups such as the Kabalikat and Alert and all other stakeholders.

He also cited the support and cooperation of the flower vendors including the flower buyers as vehicular and pedestrian traffic turned out to be smooth and hassle-free.

He likewise thanked the public for the support and cooperation in the implementation of the two executive orders--one, imposing a traffic rerouting scheme in all roads leading to cemeteries and the other imposing rules and regulations in cemeteries--which he issued in line with Oplan Kaluluwa.

Police deployed in cemeteries

By Dan Toribio Jr.

Policemen from the City Police Office, different stations and Zamboanga City Public Safety Company will be deployed in cemeteries starting the first hour of tomorrow, November 1 up to November 2 to secure the people while paying respect to their departed loved ones.

City Police Director Sr. Supt. James Mejia disclosed that the police will strictly implement an executive order of Mayor Celso Lobregat banning liquor and alcoholic beverage, blade weapons and firearms in cemeteries.

Mejia said the police will likewise enforce other laws relevant to the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

Mejia and other police officials have earlier conferred and discussed a security plan and traffic rerouting in connection with the two-day affair celebration. Police officers assigned in different offices will render duty in cemeteries to help barangay officials.

Mejia reminded the public to obey the executive order especially on the items prohibited inside cemeteries.

He said that policemen manning the entrances of cemeteries will inspect all those who are going in and they will confiscate all banned items like blade weapons, beverages and firearms.

Playing loud music is also prohibited in cemeteries. Mejia appealed to the public to cooperate with the law enforcers in order to have peaceful and orderly celebration.

Zamboanga mining area closed to public

By AL JACINTO

ZAMBOANGA CITY: TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc. on Wednesday said that it is limiting the entry of civilians to its Mineral Production Sharing Agreement area in the town of Bayog in Zamboanga del Sur province.

It made the announcement after citing intelligence reports from authorities about the possibility that an undisclosed number of high-powered firearms, explosives, and regulated chemicals are still being concealed by illegal mining operators in the area.

“The entry restriction to Balabag is a precautionary measure that the company is taking to protect the safety of the community,” Yulo Perez, Tvird’s vice president for Operations, said in a statement sent to The Manila Times.

He said earlier that geological studies conducted by Tvird geologists likewise revealed that Balabag has become a geo-hazard area stemming from the proliferation of illegal miners’ un-engineered underground mine tunnels.

Mayor Leonardo Babasa Jr. of Bayog also said that Balabag has become a danger zone and poses both health safety and security risks to people. Aside from polluting the area with their chemical-laden mine wastes, illegal miners are likewise maintaining armed personnel who are being blamed for lawlessness and rising criminality, including a number of unresolved deaths in the area.

The information was confirmed by locals who said that they have seen other high-powered weapons in Balabag despite last week’s raid by police authorities in the area.

Just recently, members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, led by Senior Superintendent Edgar Danao, raided several illegal mine processing facilities in Balabag and confiscated a cache of weapons and munitions, and hazardous chemicals used by illegal miners in gold processing.

Police filed charges against 16 suspected illegal miners, including Bayog town councilor Julieto Monding, who is believed to be one of the financiers or operator of illegal mining activities in Balabag.

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