Zamboanga City News October 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.

City vet reinforces dog vaccination program

By JM Agreda

THE City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) of Baguio recently heightened their dog vaccination and impounding of stray dogs.

Dr. Brigit Piok, city veterinarian, said that from January to October 15 of this year, their office has already vaccinated 11,449 out of an estimated 15,000 dogs in the city.

She said they are targeting at least 80 percent of the total dog population to be vaccinated in their office and in mobile teams conducting routine rounds in the barangays.

Aside from dog vaccination, she said they have also impounded some 1,092 dogs loitering in city streets.

The CVO has monitored three cases of rabies in dogs this year which she emphasized has not yet afflicted humans.

She urged the public to join them in their advocacy against rabies and continued vaccination of their pets.

The CVO also continues to implement other national and local ordinances for the protection of animals such as Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act and Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act.

The city veterinarian also stressed they implement City Ordinance 09-2008 requiring dog owners to register their pets in the barangays, have them vaccinated, and not to allow their dogs to roam outside their residences.

Other existing ordinances being implemented by the CVO also include Ordinance 69-1991 or the banning of the sale of dog meat except in places designated by the city mayor.

Zambo biz chamber cited for international feat

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 30 (PNA) -- Mayor Celso Lobregat has highly praised the achievements of the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (ZCCIFI) which earned for it the “Most Outstanding Chamber in Asia and the Pacific” award recently.

The recognition, conferred by the Confederation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Asia and the Pacific, is a highly prestigious award that literally put Zamboanga City in the world map for business.

Lobregat said the ZCCIFI, under the leadership of Pedro Rufo Soliven, brought honor and fame not only to the business community and Zamboanga City but the entire country.

Soliven and other officers and members of the ZCCFI on Monday paid a courtesy visit on Lobregat in City Hall where they brought along the three glass tower trophies.

Lobregat has cited the very essential role played by the ZCCIFI in this city’s economic and social development, as he described it as a very important organization.

The chamber’s feat, he stressed, speaks well of the healthy business climate here in Zamboanga City.

The Most Outstanding Chamber in Asia and the Pacific award was conferred to the ZCCIFI last October 5 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The ZCCIFI bested 26 countries including Russia, Japan and China.

The award qualifies the ZCCIFI for the next level of the competition, slated on April next year in Doha, Qatar and which will be held at the behest of the World Chamber Federation.

Aside from the Asia-Pacific recognition, the Soliven-led Chamber earlier garnered the Most Outstanding Chamber in the Philippines 2012 and the Most Outstanding Chamber in Mindanao 2012 during the 38th Philippine Business Conference and Expo in Manila.

The two awards were in recognition of the ZCCIFI’s outstanding performance as an advocate of Philippine business.

Soliven hoped that the gains achieved by the Chamber will open Zamboanga City to more investments and at the same time put the city and the business community in the map of investments.

“This award means that we in the business community should be ready because whether we like it or not, in 2015, they are coming, we are going to have one market and we are going to capacitate and really make our local businessmen competitive and work with them on an equal footing and now more than ever we have to be prepared,” Soliven asserted.

Soliven likewise hoped that when the time comes, Zamboanga City will be ready to compete and that the public-private partnership between the Chamber and the local government unit and other business organizations supportive of the Chamber’s advocacy will continue.

Soliven attributed the Chamber’s feats to its multi-faceted and multi-dimensional advocacies.

“They (jurors) were able to look at our different engagements on a holistic level wherein we do not only concentrate on our mandated tasks for the chamber and the business community but the effects of our advocacy to the entire community,” he said.

DSWD IX: Additional 40,993 4Ps beneficiaries in Zambo Peninsula

By R.G. A A. Go

Good news for the poor! Region IX or Zamboanga Peninsula will have an additional 40,993 beneficiaries for the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

4Ps Regional Project Coordinator Emelita Acedo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development IX (DSWD IX) said they have started registering new beneficiaries last September 8.

She said the additional beneficiaries will come from: Zamboanga del Norte - 8,833; Zamboanga del Sur - 8,508; Zamboanga Sibugay - 3,909; Zamboanga City - 17,091; and Isabela City - 2,652.

“The new CCT beneficiaries are set to receive their benefits by January next year,” said Acedo. “The office is set to spend millions of pesos per month for these additional beneficiaries alone.”

At present, the Region has 232,000 beneficiaries excluding the additional beneficiaries, where Zamboanga City has more than 22,000 beneficiaries. The CCT beneficiaries will receive more or less P1,000 a month through ATM or over the counter collection in the nearest Land Bank depending on the number of children below 14 years old.

The money of the beneficiaries is being released every two months. The breakdown: P500 for health and medical services, and P300 for the education of each schooling age children.

The said program of the government will run for five years. This means the beneficiaries will receive the benefits continuously for five years. However, the money given must be spent properly especially for the health of the family and the education of the children.

The children must go to school, the health of the family must be well taken cared off and the children must have complete immunization and pregnant mothers must have their prenatal check up.

The DSWD will give the beneficiaries some seminars which are useful like responsible parenting and family development seminar. It is also strictly monitoring on the compliance of these beneficiaries, if not there will be a possibility that the beneficiaries will be removed from the program.

Mayor reminds Zambo bizmen to renew permits early

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 28 (PNA) -- Mayor Celso Lobregat on Sunday reiterated his appeal for owners and managers of business establishments operating in the city to renew their business permits the earliest possible time to avoid the rush as well as sanctions of late processing.

Under the law, deadline for permit renewal as well as payment of business taxes is January 20, 2013.

The Permits and Licensing Division under the Office of the City Mayor has been accepting applications for the renewal of business permits for 2013 since October 1.

Lobregat said early processing of permits renewal will help applicants avoid the rush and the payment of penalties based on existing laws.

Late payments will result to a surcharge of 25 percent and 2 percent additional penalty for every month of delay.

Lobregat advised business permit renewal applicants to bring the original business permit for the year 2012 as basis for the renewal.

Business applications are to be secured at the Permits and Licensing Division, located at the ground floor of City Hall.

Other procedures preparatory for the renewal of business permits such as the inspection of establishments and the clearances from the City Health Office and other agencies have started a few months before based on an existing executive order issued by Lobregat.

NYC marks 4th Wk of Oct as Juvenile Justice, Welfare Week

(PNA), HBC/FMS/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 27 (PNA) -- The National Youth Commission spearheaded the celebration of the first Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week with lectures, film showing and trainings in consonance with the week-long celebration that ended Saturday.

The celebration, themed “Sa 9344, Bata, Bida ka,” was focused on a workshop with the Sangguniang Kabataan of Zamboanga City last Wednesday which tackled the Role of the SKs in the Observance and Implementation of RA 9344 or the the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

Maricor Anne Cauton of the NYC said “The activity aimed to enlighten the SKs about their vital role in the implementation of the JJWA.”

“The SK, being a unique government institution that caters (to) and secures the participation of the youth on local governance should be in the forefront of the JJWA as it addresses issues involving juvenile delinquents,” Cauton added.

“The activity also aimed to enlist the commitment of the youth, particularly the SK, through advocacy campaigns and programs,” she added.

The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council has opposed moves in Congress to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility -- currently set at 15 years old.

On the other hand, NYC Chairman Leon Flores III said “Early this year, the NYC approved a resolution calling for a JJW Consciousness Week.

"The idea was to help increase awareness about JJ and enjoin all duty-bearers to find ways by which RA 9344 can be fully implemented.”

JJWC is composed of various government agencies which include the Dept. of Justice, Dept. of Education, Dept. of Social Welfare and Development , Dept. of Interior and Local Government, Commission on Human Rights, and the National Youth Commission.

Philhealth launches MOVES in Zambo

By Sheila Covarrubias

The PhilHealth Regional Office will launch on Monday, October 29, its Mobile Orientation, Validation and Enrolment Scheme (MOVES) as a strategy to inform, guide and empower all sponsored program members identified through the DSWD’s National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

Zamboanga City has been chosen as the launching site of the Philhealth’s MOVES program in Mindanao. The program will start at 8am at the City Coliseum in Tetuan.

Aside from an orientation on the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), the activity will also include the distribution of PVC-type Philhealth Number Cards (PNCs) and Member Data Records (MDRs) for the initial 20 brangays.

The barangays and the number of members are Arena Blanco (1,406), Camino Nuevo (174), Canelar (136), Guiwan (212), Mampang (1,624), Mariki (1,034), Putik (356), Rio Hondo (1,240), San Jose Gusu (348), Sta. Catalina (1,174), Sta. Maria (167), Sto. Niño (119), Talon-talon (1,182), Tetuan (392), Tugbungan (1,045), Tumaga (405), Zone I (75), Zone II (168), Zone III (22) and Zone IV (216) for a total of 11,495.

The PNCs that will be distributed will be for the period January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013 or a period of two years.

For Zamboanga City, the NHTS-PR program has recorded a total of 50,866 program beneficiaries coming from the 98 barangays.

For the remaining 78 barangays, distribution of PNCs and MDRs will be done by barangay.

Philhealth officials request the presence of all Philhealth members identified through the NHTS-PR during the MOVES’ launching on Monday.

Metrobank to build classrooms worth P23.4-M in Zambo City

By Monch Follosco

Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank) is set to build classrooms in Zamboanga City worth P23.4 millios which will start next year in line with its 50th anniversary this year.

Metrobank President Fabian Dee said this is in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for the Build-a-Classroom project, which aims to construct classrooms in public schools nationwide.

The Build-a-Classroom project is our way of serving the needs of the community and to give back to the communities we do business in. Education development has always been a core advocacy of the Metrobank Group but what makes this even more special is due to the personal contributions being made by employees of the bank, regardless of rank and position, to raise part of the cost needed to build the classrooms. It’s truly a legacy that Metrobank can be proud of,” he explained to Zamboanga Today in an interview.

He said in Mindanao, Zamboanga City is one of the only three beneficiaries of the project including the two cities of Cotabato and Davao.

The Build-a-Classroom project aims to construct 24 classrooms in ten public schools located in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao over a two-year period and will cost of P23.4-Million. Construction of the Metrobank-sponsored classrooms begins in January 2013.

Recent estimates from the Department of Education show a classroom shortage of about 68,000. Textbook and classroom chairs shortages, on the other hand, are at 60 million and 2.5 million, respectively. The government has been encouraging the private sector to engage into Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs) to stem the gaps in the public education system.

What makes the Build-a-Classroom project more meaningful is that Metrobank employees are donating a portion of their salaries for the project. The fund-raising drive is spearheaded by the Purple Hearts Club, the bank’s employee volunteers’ group.

Metrobank is the country’s premier universal bank with an extensive consolidated network that spans over 800 branches and 1,600 automated teller machines (ATMs) nationwide, and 40 foreign branches, subsidiaries and representative offices. For inquiries, please contact the Corporate Communications Department at 857-5526 and corpcom@metrobank.com.ph or the Investor Relations Department at 857-9783 and investor.relations@metrobank.com.ph. Or call the Metrobank 24/7 Customer Hotline at 8700-700, or log on to www.metrobank.com.ph. For provincial areas, call toll-free 1-800-1888-5775.

National Museum opens exhibit of young artists in Zambo City

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

The National Museum-Zamboanga City Office officially opened the month-long Literary and Visual Arts and Crafts Exhibit featuring the works of young artists in the city last Thursday, October 18 in partnership with the Department of Tourism 9 and Zamboanga City High School-Main (ZCHS).

National Museum-Zamboanga City Officer-in-Charge Eufemia Catolin said the exhibit is in line with the Museums and Galleries Month and Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.

“We opened the exhibit for two main reasons. First is in the observance of the Museums and Galleries Month which was declared by then President Corazon C. Aquino, and second is, we want to be part of the 2012 Zamboanga Hermosa Festival”, Ms. Catolin said.

Catolin said the activity’s main objective is to expose the students to the museum and discover their artistic side.

“We want our students to be exposed in the museum and also to discover their innate talents on literature visual arts and other crafts”, she pointed.

Mr. Edrick C. Curato, the project coordinator of the exhibit and a teacher at ZCHS-Main, said the art pieces in the exhibit are the works of students and alumni of their school.

“The exhibit shows the works of our students, some of them winners in the regional and national competitions, as highlight of the exhibit. Some are the works of our alumni back when they are still studying in our school. They left their works with us hoping that it will be displayed once we have our own art gallery”, Curato said.

The opening was attended by Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat, DOT-9 Regional Director Mary June Bugante, City Schools Superintendent Pedro Melchor Natividad, and high school principals of both public and private high schools in the city.

The activity is congruent with the Museums and Galleries Month theme “Tara na sa Pambansang Museo, Matuto, at Makisaya”, with the aim of awakening the innate talent of the youth in literature, visual arts and other crafts; encouraging the involvement of the community especially among youth in celebrating Museums and Galleries Month; and to disseminate information to the community the role of the National Museum and Tourism in developing strong patriotic values and love of heritage in the community.

DSWD releases P5M for 4Ps beneficiaries in Zamboanga City

(PNA), FFC/FMS/EBP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 23 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) started releasing Tuesday a total of P5 million for some 2,308 beneficiaries under the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program of the government in this city.

Evelyn Dalaguit, DSWD regional office financial analyst, said the releases will be made “over the counter” through the Land Bank of the Philippines (LDP) branch along Veterans Avenue here.

She said the release is expected to be completed by Thursday and will be done by batches to minimize crowding in the bank premises.

The 2,308 beneficiaries from 34 barangays are part of the some 19,000 beneficiaries in 52 out of city’s 98 barangays here.

The DSWD has a budget of P100 million for two months for the some 19,000 CCT beneficiaries in Zamboanga.

The amount is released every two months to allow for accounting purposes. This week’s releases are for the months of July and August.

Each beneficiary-family is entitled to receive P500 for health benefits and P300 each for a child in school.

The beneficiaries receive their share in three ways; “over the counter”, Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) and G-Cash.

Those with ATM cards can check out their benefits anytime they want to, she said.

Dalaguit said beneficiaries outside the city proper get their share by way of Globe or G-Cash. They include beneficiaries from Brgy. Sangali to Licomo in the east coast of the city and from Brgy. Ayala to Limpapa in the west coast of the city.

On pay days, representative of Globe station themselves in DSWD offices in the barangays and pay the beneficiaries the amount, guided by City Link Officers who provide the papers needed for the payments.

The first batch of beneficiaries to receive their over the counter Tuesday are from the barangays of Arena Blanco, Landang Gua, Manalipa, Manicahan, Salaan, Taluksangay, Tolosa, Kasanyangan, Mariki, and Rio Hondo.

The second batch on Wednesday are those from barangays of Ayala, Cawit, Maasin, Patalon, Recodo, Sinunuc, Tulungatung, Calarian, Cabatangan and Boalan.

The last batch on Thursday are from barangays Mampang, Tigtabon, San Roque, Sta.Catalina, Talon Talon, Tetuan, Tumaga, Tugbungan, Zambowood, Cabaluay, Lunzuran, Mercedes, Pasonanca and Putik.

Dalaguit said City Link officers in the different barangays covered by the program have been instructed to inform the beneficiaries of the scheduled dates they will go to the Land Bank.

Cebu Pacific launches Zamboanga-CDO flight

By Roel Pareño (The Philippine Star)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Cebu Pacific airlines launched Saturday its inaugural flight for Zamboanga-Cagayan de Oro cities that will spur business and travel activities in southern Philippines, an airline official said.

Charlie Manio, Cebu Pacific advertising and promotions director, said one of their priorities is to help make this city a top destination for domestic and foreign travelers with the launching of its thrice weekly Zamboanga-Cagayan de Oro flights.

“We plan to achieve this by providing more connectivity and access through air travel and offering our low-fare value proposition to even more travelers,” Manio said during the launching at the Zamboanga International Airport.

He said the one hour and 10 minutes of plane travel would open up more opportunities in the region.

Undas security plan eyed

By Bong Garcia

MAYOR Celso Lobregat is meeting with the police and other local government offices concerned to map out security plans and measures to be implemented during the observance of the All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day in Zamboanga City.

However, same measures will more or less be implemented similar to the previous year like liquor ban and the carrying of bladed weapons in all public and private cemeteries here, Lobregat said.

Check our new look and tell us what you think.

Lobregat said traffic will also be rerouted to ensure orderly flow of vehicles to and from the cemeteries.

Lobregat added he will issue an executive order concerning security and other measures to be implemented for the solemn observance of All Saint’s and All Soul’s Days.

The order will take effect from 5:30 a.m. of November 1 (All Saints Day) until 5 p.m. of November 2 (All Souls Day), he said.

The violators of the order will be brought to the police station for investigation and filing of appropriate charges, and if so warranted, under existing laws and ordinances or the imposition of fines as the case maybe, he added.

NSCB-9 spearheads tree planting in support of NGP in Zamboanga

(PNA), SCS/FMS/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 20 (PNA) -– The National Statistical Coordinating Board-9 led at least 500 individuals in a tree planting activity Friday morning inside the Pasonanca Natural Park as part of the National Statistics Month celebration in support to the National Greening Program of the government.

NSCB-9 Regional head Mewchun Pamaran said the activity aims to convey three important objectives to the public.

“We did this activity, first, in support to the government’s National Greening Program (NGP); second is to inculcate in the minds of the public that saving mother earth is the concern of everybody, even us statisticians, and with the climate change really affecting us. The third reason is it’s our way of responding to the call of time,” Pamaran said.

Some 500 personnel from the Philippine National Police, different government line agencies, and students from the Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology planted 800 mahogany and narra seedlings in an area adopted and cared for by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-Zamboanga City Branch (BSP).

BSP-Zamboanga Branch head Melodino Patiño, in his previous statement, said BSP is zealously advocating for the protection and conservation of the environment, thus, they adopted the area for their tree planting and environmental protection activities.

He said they want to set the best example to others on cooperating and participating in environmental protection and conservation.

Pamaran thanked Patiño for partnering with them in the activity and to oversee the maintenance of the newly-planted seedlings.

“I would like to thank Mr. Patiño for being our partner in this activity. He even told us not to worry about the maintenance of the newly planted seedlings since they have people who work for them in maintaining their adopted area and that the new seedlings will be taken care of,” Pamaran said.

Pamaran added that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will help in monitoring the progress of the project to ensure high rate of the seedlings’ survival.

She also thanked the Philippine National Police, where most of the participants came from, employees of various government line agencies, and the students who took part in the activity.

“We thank everybody who came and shared their time and effort making our activity a success,” she said.

Pamaran pointed out that tree planting activity will now be a permanent fixture in the list of activities to be conducted during the National Statistics Month celebrated every October.

PVMA holds convention in Zamboanga

By Sheila Covarrubias (JPA/SC/CIO/PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 19 (PIA) - - Members of the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA)- Western Mindanao Chapter gathered in Zamboanga City for a three-day assembly forming part of the post Fiesta Hermosa events.

As this developed, Mayor Celso Lobregat thanked the PVMA for organizing the regional convention in Zamboanga at a time when the city is in the midst of the Hermosa Festival month sayingg it added sparkle to the very colorful celebration of the city’s rich culture and tradition rooted in the people’s strong faith and devotion to Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar.

The event, from October 16-18, was held at the Zamboecozone Conference Room in San Ramon.

In his message read for him by city veterinarian Mario Ariola during the welcome night Monday (Oct. 16), Lobregat cited the significant role played by veterinarians in the aspect of medical care of animals, treatment and prevention of diseases of animals, especially domestic animals.

“And the first thing that comes to mind is rabies. And veterinarians like you are the ones in the forefront of veterinary medicine or surgery,” the mayor said.

He expressed confidence that the three-day event will give the PVMA members the opportunity to be updated on the latest trends of the profession and to better prepare them for emerging challenges.

Lobregat added that Fiesta Hermosa which culminated with the Fiesta Pilar celebration last October 12 was a resounding success as evidenced by the throngs of people that participated and witnessed the different events despite the unstable weather condition.

The PVMA Regional Convention themed “The Holistic Initiative: Strengthening the Mind, Body and Spirit of Veterinarians through Continuous Education, Zealous Practice and Comradeship,” formed part of the Fiesta Hermosa celebration this month.

Numerous other gatherings were held here during the Fiesta Hermosa and these included the Regional Convention of the Operating Room Nurses Association of the Philippines (ORNAP) and the 4th IBP Mindanao Convention of Lawyers among others.

BFAR marks 49th Fish Conservation Week

By R.G. A A. Go

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is celebrating the 49th Fish Conservation Week from October 14 to October 20 nationwide to instill awareness to the public regarding fish conservation.

This fish conservation week is celebrated yearly to make conservation method measures to continue inculcating in the minds of the people about the importance of protecting the marine environment.

The celebration is celebrated yearly by virtue of proclamation 176 series of 1963 by former President Diosdado Macapagal.

"The celebration aims to create awareness and interest in the proper management and protection of our fisheries and aquatic resources. It is celebrated yearly by virtue of proclamation 176 series of 1963 by former President Diosdado Macapagal," said BFAR IX Regional Director Ahadulla Sajili.

"Kasi pag naubos ang laman ng karagatan ang unang kawawa yung mga kapatid nating nakatira sa coastal areas kung saan nakadepende yung kabuhayan nila sa pangingisda,” he added.

The conservation week celebration was kicked off with an opening program last October 15, a motorcade and unveiling of "Changue Changue na BFAR" from October 15 to 19.

On October 16, a Coastal and Fishery Resource Enhancement Day was conducted to include mangrove planting, and fish dispersal in commercial waters.

Yesterday, October 17, a technology and Livelihood Day, where a seminar and training on seaweed farming, distribution of bottom set gillnets, launching of livelihood programs, anti illegal fishing campaign were given to participants. The activity will conclude today, Oct. 18.

The closing program and awarding of the winners of easy and painting contest will be helld tomorrow, Oct. 19.

The Regional Director said that the fishery status in this region is still all right. “Sa katunayan, dahil sa gingawa nating conservation efforts kasama ng LGU, line agencies, fishing industry ang napatunayan, maganda pa yung status ng fishery resources natin dito.”

According to Sajili, a new company which is engaged in fishing is coming in and some companies have requested that they will put up additional fishing boats.

“May mga bagong kompanya pinapatayo sa Zamboanga City, Big Fish Corporation," he said. "Kung wala ng isda sino pa ang maglalagay ng investment? At may fishing company nag-request bibili sila ng additional fishing boats ibig sabihin malaki pa yung profit sa fishing activities.”

The regional director, meantime, stressed that conservation measures is important to have sustainable productivity of the region’s fishing grounds.

“Para magpatuloy yung sustainable productivity ng fishing ground natin kailangan magkaroon tayo ng conservation measures hindi natin hayaan maubos yung mga isda natin,” Sajili said.

City receives award for nutrition programs

By Bong Garcia

ZAMBOANGA City is awarded anew the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) for consistently maintaining an outstanding performance in the implementation of nutrition programs.

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) has chosen Zamboanga City, through the City Nutrition Council (CNC) for the award.

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

The award includes a plaque and a cash prize of P250,000 which is to be used for the implementation of nutrition programs.

The formal awarding ceremony is set for November 9 in Malacañang.

Agbulos said 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.

Zamboanga City 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, Agbulos said.

Lobregat attributed the award to the hardworking men and women of the CNC, who he said, exerted all their best efforts to reach out the target sector.

However, Lobregat 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 of this administration, Lobregat said.

Zambo City 4-H Club bags national award

(PNA), PDS/TPG/SSC

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 15 (PNA) -–Mayor Celso Lobregat on Monday highly praised the achievements of the Monteverde 4-H Club of Barangay Culianan which bagged this year’s Gawad Saka Search for Most Outstanding Young Farmer Association during a national competition launched by the Department of Agriculture (DA) recently.

The 61-member Monteverde 4-H Club bested many other contestants from all over the country for its vegetable gardening, piggery, food processing and flower arrangement projects in the group level and individual projects for water impounding system, ornamental and piggery and poultry-raising.

Lobregat said the group brought honors to Zamboanga and confirmed that farming remains to be a potent industry in the city.

Lobregat hoped that Monteverde 4-H Club’s triumph will inspire other young farmer associations in this city to better their capabilities and ultimately help promote self-reliance and self-sufficiency.

The group, headed by president Marvin Alviar on Monday paid a courtesy call on Lobregat in city hall morning, where the chief executive, elated by the group’s feat, also shelled out P10,000 as incentive for the group.

For its victory, the Monteverde 4-H Club will receive a plaque and P150,000 for the advancement of its various projects.

The awarding ceremony is slated on October 29 in Malacañang with President Benigno Simeon Aquino III as guest of honor.

Of the 61 members of the Monteverde 4-H Club, 35 are regular members, 18 are kiddie members (from Kinder 2 to 10 years old) while eight are junior members.

It was learned that the group’s victory is attributed to the contribution of the kiddie and junior members.

The group is supported and assisted by the City Agriculturist Office under Diosdado Palacat through Lorna Bautista, City 4-H Coordinator; Nerida Garcia, Gawad Saka Coordinator; Soraida Usman, 4-H District Coordinator and Bella Esperancilla.

Zambo City Jail gears for 18th NACOCOW

By R.G. A A. Go

The Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC) and its inmates gear for the celebration of the 18th National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW) on October 22 to October 28 to give importance to the inmates.

The NACOCOW is a yearly activity in lieu of Proclamation Number 551 by former President Fidel Ramos who declared every last week of October as National Correctional Consciousness Week.

The theme for this year’s NACOCOW celebration is “Tao ma’y nakapiit, Pagpapala’y Makakamit.”

City Jail Warden J/ Chief Inspector Julius Arro said: “This celebration will raise the level of consciousness and public awareness on the plight of our inmates.”

The celebration aims to support the cause of persons deprived of liberty and the celebration will raise the consciousness of the public on the plight of the inmates.

There will be sports activities especially for the inmates to include basketball, badminton, chess, table tennis, medical and dental mission, cultural show together with live band, and the paralegal services.

Arro stressed that with these activities “Binibigyan natin ng importansiya yung mga taong naka kulong.”

The city jail has a population of 1,100 Male Inmates and 160 Female Inmates to include the minors who will join the celebration.

Groups support signing of framework agreement

By Queenie Casimiro (ABS CBN News Zamboanga)

ZAMBOANGA – Various groups in Zamboanga City and neighboring provinces convened to express their support to the signing of the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro between the peace panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday.

Civil society organizations, people's organizations and non-government organizations gathered in a forum where they all shared their thoughts in support of the scheduled signing tomorrow.

Sitti Rahma Sakaluran Mohammad, representing the women's sector said this development in the peace negotiations should be given a chance by everyone.

"Bakit hindi natin bigyan ng change?" Mohammad asked. "Only then will we know if this is the solution to the problem of the Bangsamoro that we have been looking for."

Mohammad assured those who are against the framework agreement that "this is just 'framework', lalagyan pa ng meat and teeth sa pamamagitan ng basic law na dadaan sa Kongreso."

Atty. Nazir Ynawat, meanwhile, said that based on the 13-page document, "there is nothing there that runs contrary to the Constitution."

Ynawat also said both panels appear to be sincere and committed to sign an agreement.

Their comments followed the forum initiated by the local government of Zamboanga on Friday, calling for the deferment of the signing of the framework agreement on Monday.

City Mayor Celso Lobregat said there are still several provisions that they want clarified such as boundaries between Bangsamoro areas and non-Bangsamoro areas and their municipal waters.

While Ynawat said they understand where the mayor is coming from, he still expressed optimism that the government will surely protect the interest of the republic.

Meanwhile, Amirah Lidasan of the Suara Bangsamoro said that although they also support of tomorrow's signing, they remain vigilant and are more concerned on how the present administration will use the agreement for its own end.

Lidasan said since President Benigno Aquino III made his announcement last week, the government peace panel and the military hammered on the necessity of "decommissioning" the MILF after the signing, which falls on the normalization part of the agreement.

Lidasan said the decommissioning of the MILF must also come with the withdrawal of military forces in the area.

Most of these groups said they will be staying in the local community to observe as the MILF leadership will be trooping to Malacanian on Monday for the historical signing of the framework agreement.

LTO to standardize vehicle license plate design

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 13 (PNA) -– The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), through the Land Transportation Office (LTO), is set to standardize the design of license plates for all vehicles in the country.

LTO regional director Aminola Abaton said the license plates standardization program hoped to attain uniformity.

Abaton said that it would be easier for the law enforcers to identify if the plate number of a particular vehicle is fake or not once there is uniformity of license plates for all vehicles.

Aside from that, Abaton said it would also simplify the procurement and production process of the license plates for vehicles.

The new proposed license plate will have special features like bar codes, a special bolt that will make the plate permanent and with indicated assigned routes for public utility vehicles, Abaton said.

The bar codes will provide the law enforcers the edge to easily identify the vehicle plate is authentic or fake, he said.

He noted that unscrupulous individuals or groups were able to imitate and produced vehicle plates although the government through the LTO had redesigned the license plates for nine times already since 1940 up to present.

The other license plates were stolen and transferred from one vehicle to the other, he said.

The proliferation of fake vehicle plates has caused the decrease in the number of registration of motor vehicles in some areas of the country, he said.

The old vehicle plates will be replaced upon renewal of registration of the vehicle once the license plate standardization program is implemented, Abaton said.

The standard license plate will be installed by LTO personnel using the special bolt to prevent its transfer or removal upon renewal of the vehicle registration, Abaton said.

“Once the special bolt is in place you cannot anymore transfer or remove the plate,” Abaton said citing tampering or breaking the special bolt, which could only be secured from LTO, tantamount to violation.

The license plate standardization program is being eyed to be implemented next year starting January, Abaton said.

Zamboanga City celebrates Fiesta Pilar

(PNA), PDS/TEOFILO P. GARCIA

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 12 (PNA) -–The religious activities for the feast day of the La Virgen del Pilar on Friday were concentrated at the Fort Pilar Shrine with the grand procession as the highlight of the festivities.

The religious activities was highlighted by the grand procession at 3:00 p.m. from the Metropolitan Cathedral to the Fort Pilar shrine and the high mass at the shrine at 5:00 p.m.

Mayor Celso Lobregat has emphasized that amidst all the fun and excitement of the celebration, people should not forget the center of the celebration which is the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar.

Many other activities will continue until the end of this month,Lobregat said.

Fiesta Hermosa is a celebration of people’s love and devotion to the blessed Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar.

“We have received so much from her benevolence and we hope for her continued guidance and protection of our city and people,” Lobregat said.

He stressed that aside from people’s devotion to La Virgen del Pilar, Fiesta Hermosa also affords Zamboangueños the opportunity to showcase what is good, the positive, the best and the beautiful about Zamboanga City and this is aptly verbalized in this year’s theme “Fiesta Hermosa: Mas Alegre na Zamboanga (It’s more fun in Zamboanga City)!”

Fiesta Hermosa’s socio-cultural activities culminated on Thursday, the eve of the feast day of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, with a parade of colorful floats and captivating street dances from the downtown area to the sports complex at 1:00p.m. and the fireworks display at the Paseo del Mar at 10:00p.m.

On Wednesday, the city of Zamboanga staged "Wow Sardinas", a boodle-fight style of eating sardines with matching crackers on banana leaves-covered table stretching the entire boulevard.

The Fiesta Hermosa kicked off October 1 with a series of activities that range from sports events, art exhibits, cultural presentations, agri-trade fair and a myriad of other activities and not to forget the religious activities.

Zambo mayor cites success of 6th Wow Sardinas

(PNA), CTB/TPG/SSC

ZAMBOANGA CITY, (PNA) -- Mayor Celso Lobregat has expressed elation over the success of the 6th Wow Sardinas, a public eating of different sardine products with matching cracker biscuits ala boodle fight style, on the entire stretch of R.T. Lim Boulevard on Wednesday afternoon.

Lobregat said the Wow Sardinas is one of the highlights of the annual Fiesta Hermosa Festival every October to promote Zamboanga City as the Sardines Capital of the Philippines, considering that 80 percent of the leading canned sardines in the country are produced and manufactured in this city.

As early as 4 p.m. Wednesday, the entire stretch of R.T. Lim Boulevard, from the junction of Alejo Alvarez St. to the junction of Don Navarro, was teaming with people mostly students from the adjacent schools as they waited for their turn to eat sardines.

The activity showcased the sardine products of the cooperators, namely; Asahi Food Manufacturing, Fortune Group Corp., Gold Star Seafoods Manufacturing Corp., Aquatic Food Manufacturing Corp., Ayala Seafoods Corp., Universal Canning Corp., Seacoast Top Choice Food Corp., Atlantic Foods Corp. and Permex Producer & Export Corp.

The official bottled water Nature's Spring while Rebisco Biscuits was the official partner crackers.

Meanwhile, on Thursday brings to highlight the month-long festival with the staging of the most anticipated event, the street dancing and floral float parade in the afternoon from City Hall to the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex, where a commemorative program and awarding of prizes to winners of different competitions will follow.

At least 11 schools have registered for the street dance on parade, which will start at 1 p.m. Thursday.

The performances will start from the downtown area onward to San Jose Road then Normal Road (fronting Western Mindanao State University) and to culminate at the sports complex for the final showdown.

Prizes at stake are P150,000 for first place, P100,000 for second place and P50,000 for third place, while non-winning schools will receive a consolation prize of P7,000 each.

Choreographers of the winning schools will also receive cash prize.

OWWA awards Model OFW Families in Region 9

(Mary Jane R. Amarado/OWWA9/PIA9/alt)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, October 10 -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Zamboanga Peninsula Region has awarded this year’s regional winners for the Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) in a ceremony held on October 6, 2012 at the Garden Orchid Hotel, this city.

The awardees were the family of Dr. Orlando P. Paber from Zamboanga City for land-based category, while the family of Mr. Ramon G. Lubaton from Dipolog City bagged the award for sea-based category.

OFW Paber worked as a physician at Dammam Central Hospital, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 9 years and specializes in EENT. He is currently a resident physician at the Zamboanga Doctors Hospital.

Meanwhile, OFW Lubaton was a chef in a cruise ship, working for almost 20 years overseas. He was nominated by the City Government of Dipolog and the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP).

Paber and Lubaton will represent Region 9 in the National Awarding Ceremony to be held on December 6, 2012 in Manila.

The event was attended by Congresswoman of the 1st Congressional District of Zamboanga City and House Deputy Speaker Ma. Isabelle “Beng” Climaco-Salazar.

Also present during the occasion were Heads and representatives of the DOLE – Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), corporate sponsors, national government agencies, non-government organizations, OFW Family Circles of Region IX, licensed recruitment agencies in Zamboanga City and media partners.

An audio-visual presentation of the annual awarding ceremonies for the past seven years highlighted the event in its goal to give due recognition to the outstanding achievements of the Overseas Filipino Workers and their families who exemplified strong family ties, contributed positive outcome in the community, and who have demonstrated financial stability and success in business venture.

Four regional finalists and their achievements through Pro-Show were also featured.

Now on its eight year, OWWA continues to give honor to OFWs and their families. This year’s sponsors are Globe Telecom, Inc. and Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Each awardee received a plaque, P20,000 in the form of G-Cash, Trolley Bags and 10 pcs Globe IDD cards worth P100 each from Globe Telecom.

Members of this year’s Regional Screening and Selection Committee are OWWA Regional Director Hassan Gabra T. Jumdain, Ladjakaya S. Abubakar (OFW Federation), Nida P. Dans (Non-Government Organization), Ramon L. Follosco (Media) and Angeles C. Engalla (MOFYA 2012 Coordinator).

The criteria for judging are: wholesome OFW Family (50%), civic / community involvement of OFW & Family (20%),success in OFW and / or family members education or profession (20%) and success in managing family finances (10%).

The event gave a traditional Mindanaoan atmosphere as all OWWA staff were dressed in colorful Muslim Attire and the guests were entertained with a cultural and ethnic dance presentation performed by the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College Cultural Dance Troupe.

‘Servicio Medical na Fiesta Pilar’ at Plaza del Pilar today

By RG Antonet Go

More than 800 patients will be served by the City Government of Zamboanga through the City Health Office (CHO) during its yearly health service scheduled today at Plaza del Pilar from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Dr. Rodel Agbulos, CHO head, invites the public to avail of their “Servicio Medical na Fiesta Pilar”. “Ta imbita quita conel publico para man avail el Servicio Medical na Fiesta Pilar tiene kita maga especialista ya imbita.”

The health service during the Fiesta Pilar is being done yearly to cater to the public especially those who cannot afford the services of private physicians especially those specialists.

The Servicio Medical na Fiesta Pilar carries with it the same theme of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival which is “Mas Alegre na Zamboanga!” During the activity there will be free medical and dental clinic with specialties on Pediatrics, Optha / ENT, Gynecology, Diabetes screening and consultation, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Dermatology, General Consultation, and Dental Services.

There will be minor surgery, surgical evaluation, and screenings such as Cholesterol Screening, Urine Screening, Feeding for street kids by the Rotary Club of Zamboanga, Blood Typing, and Free Reading Glasses.

The City Health Officer also reminded those Senior Citizens who did not yet receive their flu vaccine that they will be given free during the activity.

“This is all for the aim of the City Health Office which is ‘Nuestro Deseo Un Ciudad Sin Enfermedad’,” said Dr. Agbulos.

The activity is a part of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2012 which is a month long celebration which ends with the fiesta day on October 12.

The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is being held yearly in honor of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar who is said to be the City’s mother and protector.

Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2012 is expected to draw more visitors

By RG Antonet Go

City Tourism Office is expecting more visitors both local and foreign as the activities for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival heats up.

City Tourism Officer, Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez, said: “This year, manada private organized events and it will be a fun filled event.”

Ms. Sebastian said the activities during the festival that attracts more visitors are the regatta, street dance, float parade, the visit to Fort Pilar, art exhibits, and sports.

The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2012 is a month long celebration which ends with the fiesta day on October 12 with the theme “Mas Alegre Na Zamboanga”.

The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is being held yearly in honor of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar who is said to be the City’s mother and protector.

The activities during the festival for October 7 include: Fun run, regatta, Rakista Battle of the Bands, IBP convention of lawyers, dancesport competition - October 8; medical mission, Mascota de Zamboanga - October 9; Wow Sardinas, Globe Day - October 10; Fiesta Regalo del Alcalde, street dance competition, float parade, program and the firework display - October 11; mass for the feast of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, maga letrato de Zamboanga sport competitions such as golf, tennis, football, shooting and others - October 12.

The city spent more than P1 Million for this year’s Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2012.

“We are inviting everyone to join the fun and participate as we have events to cater to different sectors,” Ms. Sebastian said.

For more information, visitors and for those interested in the fiesta events may contact the city tourism office located Paseo del Mar.

Chabacano songfest to preserve dialect

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 7 (PNA) -- The 30-year-old Chabacano Song Festival remains to be the city government’s living legacy on the promotion, preservation and propagation of the Chabacano dialect, Mayor Celso Lobregat said here Friday night as winners of the singing and songwriting competition were awarded.

The festival, which is on its 30th year, is a competition of original Chabacano melodies and lyrics during the annual Fiesta Hermosa. It was held Friday night at the Ballroom Hall of the Garden Orchid Hotel.

Themed “Tres Decada de Canciones de Chababano,” the competition once again discovered new and talented Zamboangueño song artists and highlighted their knack for composing Chabacano songs.

Rev.Fr.Larry Gador bested the 11 other finalists with his song "Ancina". He brought home a trophy and a cash prize of P10,000.

Jing Solomon's "El Amor" bagged second place and P5,000 plus trophy while third place went to Addie Arellano's "Preserva". He received a trophy and P3,000.

The nine other finalists did not go home empty-handed as they each received P1,500 consolation prize.

Lobregat thanked the participants as he affirmed his administration’s commitment to Chabacano preservation, propagation and promotion.

The competition, initiated by the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat in 1982 when she was still the president of the First United Broadcasting Corporation (FUBC), has succeeded in discovering numerous talents in composing and interpreting Chabacano melodies.

The late Lobregat is the mother of the incumbent mayor.

400 individuals to donate blood today as part of Hermosa fest

By R.G. A A. Go

Four hundred individuals are expected to donate blood today in line with the upcoming Zamboanga Hermosa Festival at the Conference Room of City Health Office.

Maria Christine M. Lim, City Blood Program Coordinator, said during an interview that this will be done to augment the supply of blood in this city.

“Necicita tiene kita blood, the need for blood hindi ta para,” she said

These 400 individuals are composed of students, men in uniform, and other regular blood donors.

The City Blood Council facilitated the blood donation in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross and the Zamboanga City Medical Center Blood Bank.

According to Lim, a total of more or less 300 bags of blood will be collected each bag contains 450cc of blood.

The blood collected will go to the Philippine Red Cross and the Zamboanga City Medical Center Blood Bank. The office according to Lim is also encouraging walkin applicants to go to the venue and donate their blood.

The requirements for one to donate blood are at least 50 Kilos, pulse rate of between 60 to 100 beats per minute, with blood pressure between 90 and 160 systolic and 60 and 100 diastolic, and hemoglobin level of 125g/L.

The Zamboanga City Medical Center Blood Bank and the Philippine Red Cross are the only accredited facility where the residents can secure blood.

BAS conducts Q3 Region 9 Survey on Agriculture and Fisheries

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao(JPA/MVC/PIA 9-ZBST)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 5 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics-9 (BAS) has started the conduct of its third quarter agriculture and fisheries survey, as part of evaluating the region's performance.

Engr. Belinda B. Garcia, BAS-Zamboanga City provincial agricultural statistics officer, said the survey aims to gauge the region’s agricultural and fisheries production from July to September.

“We conduct this to know the performance of our agriculture and fisheries sector in a quarterly basis. We want to measure the region’s current volume of production on rice, corn, vegetables, coconut and other products,” Garcia said.

“Also part of our survey is to know the current inventory of poultry as of October 1,” she added.

Garcia said they started earlier than their target date so as to come up with accurate data on time with their submission for regional collation of the findings from all provincial offices in the region.

“We are supposed to start October 1 until the 15th, but we started our survey a week earlier so we can submit the right data to the regional office,” the statistics officer said.

“We really need to validate and clean our data to avoid mistakes since our data, after evaluation from the regional and national office, will be utilized by our government’s statistics offices like the National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB), National Statistics Office, and other partner agencies to form part of the national annual economic report,” she said.

BAS-9 will conduct its regional data review by the last week of this month, Garcia added.

However, Garcia said BAS cannot release data collected for the first semester of this year yet as they release annual data.

“Unfortunately, while we have our data for 2012 first semester, we are not yet allowed to give information as it is not yet for public release. We release report annually. But once everything is final we will immediately make it available to the public,” she said.

The third quarter agriculture and fisheries survey is one of the highlights of the National Statistics Month celebration being observed every October.

Zambo City unveils rehabilitated Social Development Center

(PNA), GHG/TEOFILO P. GARCIA/JCF

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 4 (PNA) -– Mayor Celso Lobregat together with other city officials unveiled the newly rehabilitated P1.7 million Social Development Center (SDC) for the abandoned and orphaned children in this southern port city Wednesday.

The SDC is presently the temporary home to 70 abandoned children. Part of the center was destroyed by fire sometime last year.

The new center brought to P102.4 million the amount of various projects that the administration has implemented in Barangay Zone 4 where it was constructed.

During the unveiling ceremony, Lobregat announced that they will soon hold a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a P3.5 million building that will serve as exclusive quarter for girls wards and as mess hall.

The SDC was a project initiated during the term of the Lobregat’s late mother Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat in partnership with the Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID).

9-day novena mass for Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar reels off in Zambo

(PNA), LAP/TEOFILO P. GARCIA/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 3 (PNA) -- Devotees of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar from far and wide and coming from all walks of life trooped to the Fort Pilar Shrine for the start Wednesday of the nine-day novena mass in honor of the revered patron saint of this southern port city.

Every morning starting at 5 a.m., devotees also join the procession from the Metropolitan Cathedral to the Fort Pilar Shrine followed by the 6 a.m. Holy Mass.

The novena and processions will culminate on October 12, the feast day of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar.

The activities on the fiesta day will start with the Diana/Holy Rosary at the shrine at 4 a.m.; mañanita at 4:40 a.m.; mass at 6 a.m., 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.; grand procession at 3:30 p.m. from the Cathedral to the Shrine; mass at 4:30 p.m.; Pontifical Mass at 5 p.m. and Mass at 6:30 a.m.

The Archdiocese of Zamboanga organizes the religious activities forming part of the Fiesta Hermosa 2012, the city’s grandest festival held annually in honor of the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar.

The festival kicked off October 1 with various socio-cultural activities organized by the city government and other private agencies and groups.

Mayor Celso Lobregat enjoins everyone to join and participate in the activities lined up for the festival that include songs, dances and presentations showcasing the city’s unique chabacano language, colorful history and rich culture.

However, Lobregat stressed, amid the fun and the merriment, people should not forget the real reason for the celebration which is Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Pilar.

The Fort Pilar is a 17th century military defense fortress built by the Spanish colonial government in Zamboanga City.

It is now a regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines and is considered a major landmark of the city and is a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Outside the eastern wall is a Marian Shrine dedicated to Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Pilar, the revered patroness of this city.

The Wikipedia recounts miracles through Marian apparitions at the Fort Pilar. “It was in 1734, when a relief of the Our Lady of the Pillar was placed above the eastern wall of the fort, making it an outdoor shrine with an altar for praying.

Tradition reveals the Virgin Mary appeared to a soldier on December 6, 1734, at the gate of the city.

Not recognizing her, the soldier asked her to stop.

Upon recognizing her, he fell down to his knees.”

“On September 21, 1897 at 1:14 p.m. in the afternoon, a strong earthquake struck the western region of Mindanao.

The Virgin Mary made an apparition, according to the people who witnessed it, and they saw the virgin standing mid-air over the Basilan Strait, and had her right hand raised to signal the onrushing waves to stop, saving the city from a tsunami.”

Meanwhile, the socio-cultural activities heat up, as Fiesta Hermosa 2012 is now on its fourth day.

Nightly from October 1 to 8, different barangays of the city present cultural shows dubbed “Wow Zamboanga” at the Paseo del Mar.

On Thursday will be the blessing of pets at 5:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph Church and the Miss Zamboanga 2012 pageant at 8 p.m. at Astoria Regency.

Tomorrow, October 5 will be the opening of the Regional Convention of Operating Room Nurses’ Association of the Philippines at the Garden Orchid Hotel, Pilar College Grand Alumni Homecoming (Oct. 5-7) at the Pilar College; Little Princess Zamboanga 2012 at 6 p.m. at the Astoria Regency; 30th Chabacano Song Festival at 7 p.m. at the Garden Orchid Hotel; and Mayor Celso Lobregat Open Bowling Tournament (Oct. 5-7) at 6 p.m. at the Tebi & Sean Bowling Center.

NSCB leads kick off of 23rd National Statistics Month; aims for public appreciation of statistics

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 2 (PIA) -– The National Statistical Coordination Board-9 (NSCB) led the official opening of the 23rd National Statistics Month Celebration Monday, with hundreds of participants from different national line agencies and schools joining the kick off ceremony at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

This year’s theme is Monitoring Progress on Decent Work Thru Statistics: Pathway to Inclusive Growth.

NSCB-9 Regional Head Mewchun W.S. Pamaran, in a training conducted last week by Department of Labor and Employment as part of its NSM activity, expounded on the theme saying there should be appreciation of statistics as this is a great tool used to measure the region’s economic performance, and the whole country in general.

“Typically, for the masses, statistics are just figures. But for us statisticians, these figures give us different pictures and scenarios of what is happening with our economy. It helps us measure how are our economy is faring. Thus, we need to let people appreciate statistics more”, Pamaran said.

Pamaran also emphasized the importance of passion on the part of statisticians in doing their job.

“There is technically no room for mistake in statistics. From data gathering to analyzing what we gathered, we have to make sure that everything is correct otherwise, our findings are rendered useless. When we commit mistake in data gathering, everything is incorrect. To come up with accurate data we have to validate and clean our data many times as possible to make sure everything is right. To do this, we should be passionate on our job”, she said.

Not to be neglected, according to Pamaran, is the public’s cooperation to come up with accurate and precise data statistics.

“Unfortunately, there are people who shun away from surveys or census conducted by us in the government. Why is this so? Because of their lack of appreciation also on what we do. If the public do not give honest answers our findings will also be greatly affected since we treat data that come from them. We may not portray the true status of our economy. It’s like a domino effect”, she said.

The month-long celebration will also feature different line agencies’ activities to cater to the public.

One of the highlight activities is the upcoming 3rd Quarter Survey on Agriculture and Fisheries Production in Region 9 to be conducted by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) on from October 1 to 15, and lectures on the Provincial Data Review of Agricultural Statistics for the 3rd quarter of this year on October 11-12, and 2012 3rd Quarter Regional data Review of Agricultural Statistics.

Other activities include information dissemination on the different statistics pertaining to economy, health, poverty, and program accomplishment or implementation from partner agencies.

There will also be trainings on digital literacy for women trainers by the National Computer Council (NCC), Techno-transfer for Balik-Pinay, Balik Hanap Buhay by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-9 (OWWA), and Disaster Risk Reduction Seminar and Earthquake Orientation and Drill by the Office of the Civil Defense-9 (OCD), among the long list of activities.

NSCB will also spearhead a tree-planting activity on at the Pasonanca watershed area on October 19.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 2 (PIA) -– The National Statistical Coordination Board-9 (NSCB) led the official opening of the 23rd National Statistics Month Celebration

IT-BPO Business Park in Zamboanga City? Possible!

By Dante Corteza

Though it was hectic and stressful, the 2012 ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Zamboanga Roadshow from September 26 to 28 at Grand Astoria Hotel, it was all worth it! The almost 500 participants better understood the economic prosperity, business growth and new career opportunities for people that the IT-BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry can bring to our city.

Academe appreciated how they may improve in their curriculum while people learned what are the careers that could be available. And local business people saw investment opportunities in this field.

DOST (Department of Science and Technology) ICT Executive Director Alejandro Melchor and the roadshow speakers congratulated ICT Zamboanga Chair Louell Saavedra and RITECC (Regional Information Technology Committee) -9 Chair Maureen Bello for hosting an organized and successful event.

Compared to other cities they been, Melchor said Zamboanga City was one of the best in terms of organization and presentation. In addition, all roadshow speakers were amazed at how Saavedra and Bello pulled this high number of attendance from the public to private government agencies, academic institutions, and individuals.

On the first day participants learned from speakers as to how and where they may start, while being inspired through testimonies from those who have succeeded in this field. In the following two days, they separately attended sessions which provided best practices on such topics as animation, game development, blogging, and social media networking. Nicholas Luff, a business consultant from Canada, led a special Kapihan forum with key leaders from the community, as well as a full-day session on strategy and partnership.

With the participants as witnesses, the roadshow organizers and hosts were glad to know that the present administration, under Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat and Congressional District Representatives Beng Salazar and Erbie Fabian, is willing to support the on-going development of next steps. DOST announced that there is a big slice from the national budget for this industry. In Tacloban City, I learned that its local government has an annual budget allocation of 10million for BPO development. How about in Zamboanga City?

Saavedra is inviting anyone who is interested in IT-BPO to join ICT Zamboanga Council and learn more how to be part of this sunshine industry. Contact him at 990-1009 how.

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