Zamboanga City News October 2014

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Zamboanga City - Archived News

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

Cops all set for 'Undas'

By Bong Garcia

THE Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) deployed policemen starting Friday in cemeteries to ensure the peaceful and solemn observance of “Undas” or All Saint’s and All Soul’s Day in the city.

ZCPO director Angelito Casimiro said at least 700 policemen have been deployed in all of the 33 cemeteries, both public and private, in this city.

“We have deployed policemen starting today (October 31). They will be deployed in cemeteries until November 3,” Casimiro said.

Casimiro said the deployment is in line with the security plan they adopted dubbed as Operations Plan (Oplan) Undas.

The deployment of policemen is in coordination with the military through the Task Force Zamboanga headed by Colonel Andrelino Colina, whose command is deploying 411 soldiers to all of the cemeteries.

They will be backed by two combat utility vehicles and a quick reaction unit.

Colina earlier said 307 of the 411 soldiers will be detailed in cemeteries while the remaining 104 will be tasked to conduct roving patrols and mobile checkpoints.

Casimiro reminded that bringing of backpacks inside the cemeteries is prohibited in line with Executive Order 81-2014 issued by Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.

Casimiro said the bringing, sale and drinking of intoxicating liquor as well as bringing of bladed weapons, firearms and the playing of loud music inside cemeteries are also prohibited.

Casimiro warned that they will file charges against violators of the mayor’s executive order.

He said there will also be rerouting of traffic in the premises of cemeteries to ensure smooth flow of vehicles.

Meanwhile, City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos said health stations will be established in the eight big cemeteries to respond to emergency cases during the observance of “Undas.”

Agbulos said each of the health stations will be manned by a 17-man medical team comprising of physicians, nurses, midwives and a five-man ambulance team.

“Each of the health stations will have an ambulance team,” Agbulos added.

The health stations will be established in the cemeteries of Baliwasan, San Roque, Sta. Maria, Talon-Talon, Tetuan, Tumaga (Forest Lake), Ayala and Mercedes, he further added.

Nutrition forum set

By Bong Garcia

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is set to conduct a one-day nutrition forum for members of the local media and information officers of National Government agencies and academic institutions in Zamboanga Peninsula.

DOST Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said the forum dubbed as “2014 NUTRICOMNET-IX Media Forum,” is set to be held on November 5 in Zamboanga City.

It is jointly organized by the DOST and the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), an attached agency of the DOST mandated to undertake research that defines the citizenry’s nutritional status, with reference particularly to the malnutrition problem, its causes and effects and identify alternative solutions for them.

Manzano said the forum will highlight the 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) data on hypercholesterolemia, which refers to the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Manzano said the forum will also tackle the importance of dietary fiber, calcium and its health benefits and tips on “Living a Healthy Lifestyle.”

For this year, Manzano said FNRI is partnering with Del Monte Philippines Inc. to tackle the benefits and importance of dietary fiber in one’s diet.

She said dietary fiber plays an important factor in preventing certain diseases and likewise promotes over-all health and nutrition.

Zamboecozone chair to SRPI: Start construction of power plant now

(MVC/DTI-9)

Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone (ZAMBOECOZONE) and Freeport Authority Chairman and Administrator Christopher Lawrence Arnuco has urged the San Ramon Power Incorporated (SRPI) to already start the construction of the coal-fired power plant at the Zamboecozone.

“Start the construction now, that’s what we’re asking!” stressed Arnuco.

Arnuco said that for some time they have been very quite about the issue as they respect the contract until such time there were remarks made that they were charging more than what they are supposed to charge.

“That’s not true,” Arnuco said, as he explained that they have no authority, even the Zamboecozone Board has not intructed them to charge more than what they’re supposed to charge.

In fairness to our leaders who sit in the Board, they are very particular in business and about the needs of Zamboangueños so they are asking, they are demanding that Zamboecozone join in the clamor for start of the construction now.

In an emailed document, Arnuco said “After a two-year exploratory period, SRPI in its communication to Zamboecozone and Freeport Authority last January 15, 2013, declared the suitability of the designated 30-hectare area at the Zamboecozone Second Industrial Park and expressed its intent to pursue its estimated P8.85 bnillion project to built and operate a 100 Mega-watt coal-fired fluidized bed boiler Power Plant at the Zamboecozone.”

SRPI is a subsidiary of Alson Power Group.

A secondary area of 3.70 hectares was also identified and subsribed by SRPI at the seafront stretch of the 2nd Industrial Park, and directly across its plant site, for the construction of its seaport facility for the offloading of the imported coal that it shall use in its operations.

In its resolution last January 25, 2013, the Zamboecozone and Freeport Authority (ZFA) Board of Directors approved and confirmed the Lease Agreement of SRPI covering the operation of the 100MW Coal-fired Power Plant with Port Facility, which was subsequently ratified by a Memorandum of Agreement entered into by and between SRPI and Zamboecozone last January 27, 2013.

The lease agreement detailed among others the provisions for SRPI to pay Zamboecozone P9,001,050.00 as advance payment for fifteen months covering the lease rental period from October, 2013 to December 2014.

The SRPI-Zamboecozone Memorandum of Lease Agreement also called for SRPI to pay an amount of p1,200,140.00 as security deposit, among others.

SRPI’s payment of a total of P10,246,202.00 in lease rental fees and security deposit was due to Zamboecozone since October, 2013, and was reflected in the billing statement issued by the Authority to SRPI last November 8, 2013.

A second billing statement for the same amount was again issued to SRPI last November 26, 2013.

On December 12, 2013, the ZFA Board of Directors convened to hear and grant the request of SRPI to reduce the lease rental from P600,070.00 to P100,000.00 for the three months from October to December, 2013, out of regard to the aggravation and disruption brought about by the month-long Zamboanga Siege and other relevant considerations. In the same resolution, Zamboecozone Board Resolution No. 2013-12-10, the ZFA Board also approved the lease rental of P600,070.00 for the first year as inscribed in the lease agreement between SRPI and Zamboecozone shall take effect on January of 2014.

As a result of the December 12, 2013 ZFA Board Resolution, a third billing statement was issued to SRPI last January 8, 2014, for the amount of P10,282,206.20 covering the payment for the 15-month advance lease rental, security deposit and penalty surcharge.

Last March, 2014, the Authority cleared the 33-hectare area subscribed by SRPI at the Second Industrial Park of all illegal settlers and was duly turned over and received by SRPI, as stipulated by the terms and conditions of the ZFA-SRPI the lease agreement. The same month, SRPI payed Zamboecozone its back-rental for the period to October to December, 2013, amounting to P300,000.00, which was received by the Authority without any increment penalty surcharge.

Between April 2 to July 1, 2014, the Zamboecozone and Freeport Authority issued the 4th to the 7th billing statements to SRPI for the amount of P10,246,202.20. In July 11, 2014, Zamboecozone issued the First Notice and Demand to pay unpaid lease rental fees, security deposit, and penalty surchage, amounting to P10,246,202.20, which was dully received by SRPI on July 14, 2014.

The Authority gave SRPI fifteen days or until July 29, 2014, to settle its account with Zamboecozone. After failing to liquidate its acounts with Zamboecozone, the Authority issued the Second Notice and Demand to pay unpaid rental fees and other charges to SRPI, which was dully received by its representative and sent to its Makati office by registered mail last August 11, 2014. Similarly, Zamboecozone gave SRPI fifteen days or until August 26, 2014, to settle its account.

Following the second time SRPI failed to settle its due account with Zamboecozone, the Authority referred the matter to the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel for final demand.

“The Zamboecozone and Freeport Authority seeks to amicably settle the matter and desires to maintain its good business relationship with its most valued locator, SRPI, as it strives to fulfill its mandate and realize its mission to develop the zone into the premier growth and development center in Southern Philippines with Zamboanga as the center for trade and investment,” Arnuco said. Hader Glang.

PESO bares job opening

By Sheila Covarrubias

Here’s good news to all jobseekers!

A licensed recruitment agency licensed by Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) is in Zamboanga to conduct pre-screening and interview qualified applicants for projects in the Middle East particularly Makka, Damman, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

The pre-screening and interview will be done at the PESO at the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in Pettit Barracks from Oct. 27-30 from 8am to 4pm.

The positions to be filled up include nurses for Makkah, Cardiac Technician, EMT Technician, ECG Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, Prosthetic Limbs Technician and encoder. Muslim applicants are preferred. No placement fee will be charged.

For Dammam University- positions available are Dental Assistants, Dental Laboratory Technicians, Safety Officer, Hospital Safety Engineer and Clinical Instructors. No placement fee will be charged.

For Central Security Hospital- male applicants are needed to fill up vacancies for nurses for the intensive care unit (ICU), RN Drug distributor, quality management, staff nurses (for all areas), EMT technician and nurse assistant.

And for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, positions to be filled up are Doctors; Head Nurses; Staff Nurses and Technicians. Other skilled positions are for male workers.

City Social Welfare and Development officer Socorro Rojas said representatives from the agency will be in Zamboanga from October 27, 28, 29, 30 to conduct the pres-screening and interview in coordination with the PESO.

Pre-screening and interview at the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), CSWDO, Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Interested applicants are advised to bring their resume with the latest picture, transcript of records, employment certificate, training certificates and other credentials to register at the PESO.

Pelicula Spanish Film Festival goes to Zamboanga, Davao, Ilo-ilo, Baguio

(INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines—From October 28 to November 23, a selection of movies from “Pelicula-Pelikula 2014,” this year’s Spanish Film Festival presented by Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will be shown in FDCP movie theaters in Baguio, Ilo-ilo, Zamboanga and Davao.

Since its conception by Instituto Cervantes in 2002, the Spanish Film Festival has been an annual attraction for Manila filmgoers, bringing the best of Spanish and Latin American cinema to the local audience of the Philippine capital. Thanks to the collaboration of the FDCP, a selection of these films featured recently in will travel to other Philippine cities: Baguio, Ilo-ilo, Zamboanga and Davao.

Award winning Spanish director David Trueba during the opening of Pelicula-Pelikula 2014 at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Instituto Cervantes de Manila

Award winning Spanish director David Trueba during the opening of Pelicula-Pelikula 2014 at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Instituto Cervantes de Manila

The film line-up for this leg of Pelicula at the FDCP Cinematheques is composed of the following films: “Mapa,” “Soldados de Salamina,” “Las aventuras de Tadeo Jones,” “El secreto de sus ojos” and “Un cuento chino”.

“Mapa” is a documentary released by Leon Siminiani in 2012. It follows a young director who is fired from his job in a television company and travels to India with the intention of making his first feature film. Yet he discovers that what he is seeking is not in India but at home, in Madrid. The documentary will be shown in Spanish with English subtitles.

“Las aventuras de Tadeo Jones” is an animation film for kids. Mistaken for a famous archaeologist, Tadeo Jones is sent to Peru on an expedition. With his faithful dog Jeff and a few friends he tries to save the lost city of the Incas from the evil treasure-hunters. The film will be shown in English.

The Festival has traditionally been graced by the presence of Spanish filmmakers. On October 10th, the Spanish director David Trueba presented three of his movies and had an open forum after the screening.

His film entitled, “Soldados de Salamina,” will be exhibited again at the FDCP cinematheques. The film is about a young female novelist who is tracking the story of Rafael Sánchez Mazas, a right-wing writer sentenced during the Spanish Civil War to be executed but managed to escape and hide in the woods.

She finds out that the tasked soldier encounters him in the forest, but lets him escape. The novelist tries to put the pieces of this puzzle together, plagued with contradictions and enigmatic characters. Unaware that while seeks Sánchez Mazas’ truth, she too is finding herself. This film will be shown in Spanish with English subtitles.

A classic of “Pelicula” is the “Audience Choice Award”. During the Festival, the audience has the chance to choose their favorite film. This year’s winning entry is the comedy “La gran familia española.”

Movie enthusiasts in Baguio, Ilo-ilo, Zamboanga and Davao will have the chance to enjoy two gems that have been chosen as winners of the “Audience Choice Award” in previous editions—“El secreto de sus ojos” and “Un cuento chino.”

Directed by Juan José Campanella in 2009, “El secreto de sus ojos” won the Goya Award for the Best Latin American Film and the Oscars for the Best Foreign Language Film. Benjamin Esposito, a judicial employee, starts writing a novel about a crime he witnessed years ago.

Writing the book about the murder, which took place in Buenos Aires in 1974, leads him to investigate his own past and a period of Argentina’s history marked by violence and death and where nothing was what it seemed to be. The movie will be shown in Spanish with English subtitles.

“Un cuento chino (A Chinese Tall Tale)” is a comedy directed by Argentina’s Sebastián Borensztein in 2011. Roberto is a war veteran who lives a very monotonous life but all that is about to change when he meets Jun, a young Chinese man who cannot speak a word of Spanish and who has no place to go to in central Buenos Aires. The film will be shown in Spanish with English subtitles.

Presented by Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), “Pelicula” at the FDCP Cinematheques is made possible by Emperador Distillers, San Miguel Corporation, Vibal Foundation and Qatar Airways, in collaboration with New World Hotel, Alba’s Restaurante Español and Espa-Fil.

For the schedule and further information on these screenings please visit the official website of Instituto Cervantes (www.manila.cervantes.es) or log on to its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila

Job-seekers swarm ‘Feria de Empleo’

By Sheila Covarrubias

Almost a thousand people- fresh graduates and job seekers, swarmed the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in Pettit Barracks yesterday to check out the job vacancies offered in the Feria de Empleo or Job Fair.

A total of 710 registered of which 600 were interviewed by the different local and overseas agencies. 565 were qualified for the various positions offered in the job fair and 22 were hired on the spot.

Mayor Beng Climaco graced the job fair which was organized by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Held in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Association (POEA), Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and the ABS-CBN, the day-long job fair was attended by 17 local agencies and 2 overseas agencies.

A total of 7,789 job vacancies for placements locally and abroad were made available during the job fair.

Meanwhile, Mayor Climaco distributed starter kits to displaced families as a sidelight to the Job Fair and as part of the Emergency Employment Assistance program of the City Government and the DOLE and implemented by the PESO-CSWDO.

8 starter kits, worth P10,000 each were distributed to displaced families from Rio Hondo, Mampang and Sta. Catalina.

Since its implementation several months ago, the program has already distributed some P450,000 worth of starter kits for various livelihood trainings that displaced families underwent. The program will be until December and will cover a total of P2.5 million funds from the DOLE.

Other livelihood trainings undertaken by the affected families are peanut-butter making, sewing and dressmaking, food vending and merienda making among others.

Zamboecozone: More investors are coming

By Bong Garcia

ZAMBOANGA City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Zamboecozone) chairman and administrator Christopher Lawrence Arnuco said they are optimistic that more investors are pouring huge investments into the Zamboecozone.

Arnuco made this announcement during the Issues in the News program Friday, citing they have at present a total of 19 locators with a committed P13 billion investments.

The Issues in the News is a weekly public affairs program of the Zamboanga Press Club Inc. and carried live over dxVP of the Catholic Media Network.

Arnuco said five of the 19 locators are new investments since they were among firms that have registered as of September from January this year.

He said there are also 20 applicant-locators “that are in the pipeline,” citing they already submitted letters of intent.

He added that one of the 20 applicant-locators in the pipeline is the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), which is expected to start operations soon.

DBP has already complied all of the requirements and what they only need is to construct the building to house the bank-branch in the area, according to Arnuco.

He said they are optimistic that the number of locators at Zamboecozone will reach 30 by the end of this year.

Owwa bares outstanding OFW family winners

By Bong Garcia

THE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) announced that an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) family from Zamboanga City and from Zamboanga del Norte have been adjudged as the winners in this year’s search for the Most Outstanding OFW Family of the Year Awards (Mofya) in the region.

They are the families of Ladjakaya Abubakar of Zamboanga City, the winner for the land-based category, and that of Captain Anecito Catacutan of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, the winner for sea-based category.

Owwa Regional Director Hassan Gabra Jumdain said the family of Abubakar was among the seven families nominated in the land-based category while Catacutan among the three families in the sea-based category.

They received a customized trophy in an awarding ceremony held Wednesday night in this city.

Jumdain said the families of Abubakar and Catacutan, as the regional winners, will receive cash prize during the National MOFYA awarding ceremony to be held on December 4 in Manila.

Jumdain said, as the regional winners, the families of Abubakar and Catacutan will represent the region in the national search for MOFYA 2014.

“I wish them the best of luck,” Jumdain said in an interview after the awarding ceremony Wednesday night.

“I enjoin all the people of Zamboanga Peninsula to pray for our regional winners. Hopefully they will win in the national competition,” he added.

He said the region has already produced four winners since the search for Mofya, which is now on its 10th year, was launched in 2004.

The objectives in the search of Mofya are the following: to give proper recognition to the outstanding achievements of the OFWs; re-orient OFW on the sanctity and integrity of the family; inspire OFW families to strive for cohesiveness in the family; uplift the image of OFW families in their respective communities; and, sustain awareness among OFW’s of the importance of the family unit in the attainment of community goals.

Zamboanga’s Pink Island

By Carmencita A. Carillo

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Most of the world’s best beaches, including those in the Philippines, boast of pristine white sand, and this makes the Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga Pensinsula unique -- it’s got pink sand.

Upon approaching the island after a less than 30-minute boat ride from the Zamboanga mainland, the sand looks an ordinary white. But once you dock and step on shore, the pink hue becomes apparent.

It’s not a trick of the eye. The sand’s color comes from the red organ pipe coral which have been pulverized into sand.

“We are banking on the beauty of the island and have identified Great Santa Cruz Island as one of the country’s Community-Based Eco-Tourism (CBET) programs for the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area),” said Mary June G. Bugante, Region 9 director of the Department of Tourism (DoT).

The Great Santa Cruz Island -- also called the Pink Island -- has a smaller neighbor, suitably called Little Santa Cruz Island. The smaller island has white sand and hosts a military facility. Both islands were declared Protected Landscapes and Seascapes in 2000.

Ms. Bugante said the Great Santa Cruz Island used to be a popular destination for German and Italian tourists in the 1970s. But they have attracted fewer visitors over the last two decades because of peace and security concerns.

The Pink Island is occupied by the members Sama-Banguingui tribe, who welcome the prospect of reviving the island as a tourist attraction.

“We are glad about the government’s plan for the island for as long as it helps improve our people’s lives,” Salasain Olay Julham, the island’s tribal chieftain, said in the vernacular.

He gave assurances that the island is generally peaceful and that the military presence has protected them from rebel attacks.

LOBSTERS

The community’s main source of livelihood is fishing and, with the renewed attention to the island, the selling of souvenirs and trinkets.

Fishermen practice what they call “pukot bahala,” where they just leave the fishnet near the beach and allow lobsters to naturally get caught.

Ms. Bugante said there are plans to make fishnet-making demonstrations one of the island’s attractions.

Karim Sappan, a 50-year-old fisherman who has been making nets for 20 years now and is considered a fishnet “guru” in the area, said, “I can create a five-meter net in half an hour.”

“The Island can be marketed as a community-based eco-tourism destination within the EAGA but the community should be kept as it is,” said Datu Ik Pahon Anak Joyik, head of the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and chairman of the BIMP-EAGA Joint Tourism Development Cluster.

The young should be given educational opportunities but should be encouraged to return to the community, he added.

OTHER SITES

Each EAGA member country has been tasked to identify at least two CBET sites for the sub-region to promote in terms of tourism.

Officials of the BIMP-EAGA Tourism Development Cluster met in Zamboanga City last week and agreed on a medium-term plan for the tourism industry.

Arturo P. Boncato, Jr., DoT assistant secretary, said the CBET is part of a tourism blueprint which also covers a short-term program for immediate implementation within the next two years.

Two other sites had previously been listed under CBET -- Tibolo in Kapatagan, Davao del Sur, and T’boli in South Cotabato.

T’boli town -- home to lakes Siluton, Lahit, and Sebu -- has already received P12 million in funding from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

Through the CBET program, Lake Lahit was enhanced over the past two years with tourism infrastructure, including a restaurant and an events facility both overlooking the water.

Mr. Boncato said the community’s involvement in the project has not only brought economic benefits through tourism but also addressed peace and order concerns.

“When the community is strengthened and the visitors are welcomed by their hospitality, then we are able to address these issues,” he said.

‘GROUND ZERO’

Meanwhile, in Zamboanga City, the barangays Rio Hondo, Mariki, Sta. Catalina, and Barbara -- which form part of what is considered as “ground zero” of the September 2013 Zamboanga Siege -- have become a kind of tourism attraction.

“It’s a curiosity thing. They expect to see a torn-down Zamboanga but they come here and see it looks okay and so they want to see the so-called Ground Zero where the siege actually happened,” Ms. Bugante said.

Members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), entering through the coastal barangays, stormed Zamboanga on Sept. 9 last year, taking the city hostage for almost a month.

“These people want to have the bragging rights to tell others that they’ve been to Ground Zero. But of course, it’s not something you want to build a memorial for,” Ms. Bugante said.

Artist Kublai Millan from Davao has instead offered to build a peace wall at the site.

Ms. Bugante pointed out that part of the area used to have traditional stilt houses that were destroyed during the siege. “The area has stilt houses before and it used to be an attraction for European tourists who would stop by Zamboanga while on cruise,” she said.

The area is a no-build zone for now and the government has begun its rehabilitation by planting mangroves.

Ms. Bugante admitted that Zamboanga’s tourism has taken a toll following the siege, but the city is slowly recovering.

“Some Filipinos abroad who have already booked a year before have decide to push through, but others simply canceled and decided to visit this year instead,” she said.

Zamboanga City celebrates La Hermosa Festival -- one of the oldest fiestas in the country and more popularly called Fiesta Pilar -- every October.

In February this year, the city hosted the 9th Bird Festival, organized by the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, which coincided with Zamboanga’s 1st Ecotourism Fair.


Sta. Cruz Island wows BIMP-EAGA tour execs

By Sheila Covarrubias

The Great Sta. Cruz Island, about 2.49 nautical miles off the mainland city of Zamboanga, never fails to fascinate its growing number of visitors, the latest among them were tourism officials from Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia who came here for the two-day conference on joint tourism development.

In fact, it was recommended during the conference that the Sta. Cruz Island will be showcased in the BIMP-EAGA’s short-term plan for community-based ecotourism sites and destinations.

“I feel like a tourist myself when we were visiting Sta. Cruz Island this morning. That was really something we can learn from and adopt in our countries, in so many ways,” said Noraini Haji Tersad, tourism delegation head from Brunei.

Azwir Malaon, head of Indonesian delegation and director for Indonesia’s Destination Development, said although his country has many beautiful islands as well, but the Island of Sta. Cruz is by far one of the best in the world for its very white sand and pristine water.

“Coming down here to Zamboanga for the first time, we’ve seen something different, something similar to what we have in our country and we learned a lot. The people are so welcoming and fantastic,” Malaon said.

For his part, Datu Ik Pahon Anak Joyik of Malaysia and chair of BIMP-EAGA Joint Tourism Development Cluster, said his visit to Zamboanga City for the first time has been very interesting and encouraging.

“Seeing is believing. Rest assured when we go home we will do our part to make sure Zamboanga is always in our mind,” he said.

These tourism officials arrived in Zamboanga City Sunday for the 11th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Joint Tourism Development Cluster Meeting, during which they discussed tourism development strategies that would enhance calibration and cooperation among BIMP-EAGA tourism agencies, stakeholders, industry players and local governments to ensure a more cohesive approach in marketing and promoting priority tourism destinations.

They also discussed the development of community-based ecotourism sites and attractions, of which Sta. Cruz Island was identified as one for the Philippines.

Tourism Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Arturo Boncato Jr. said the BIMP-EAGA countries agreed two years on a rolling pipeline list of community-based ecotourism sites, and the Philippines then registered Lake Cebu as one among many others.

Boncato said during the meeting delegates from each country shared their accomplishments on what was agreed two years ago.

This time, he said, the group has recommended that Sta. Cruz Island becomes the next community-based ecotourism site that the Philippines will focus on under the BIMP-EAGA joint tourism development strategy.

Job fair set October 24

By Sheila Covarrubias

The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will spearhead the conduct of a job fair from 8am to 4pm on Friday, October 24 at the CSWDO grounds in Pettit Barracks.

The activity will be in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Association (POEA), Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and the ABS-CBN.

The job fair will cater to job seekers- both skilled and unskilled, skilled new graduates including skilled internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Variety of job positions will be made available by 15 local employers and 5 overseas agencies that will participate in the day-long job fair.

The KCC Mall de Zamboanga, which will be hiring more or less 5,000 workers, will join the job fair.

Interested applicants are advised to bring along with them their resume and other credentials.


Zamboangueño among 10 outstanding boy scouts

(BSP Zamboanga City Council)

A Zamboangueno, and a lone winner from Mindanao, is among this year’s Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts (TOBS). Eagle Scout Jericho “Jayko” Ortega, a 4th Year high school student of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), together with nine others, was presented during a simple awarding ceremony last October 17, 2014 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). No less than the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines Hon. Jejomar C. Binay, was on hand to congratulate the awardees.

In his speech, delivered in behalf of all the winners and finalists, Jericho quoted the immortal words of Lord Baden Powell, Founder of Scouting “We never fail when we try to do our duty. We always fail when we neglect to do it”. He went on encouraging all winners “to continue and realize our advocacy in scouting.”

Later that evening at Sofitel Hotel, the winners were inducted to the Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines Association (TOBPA), which incidentally was celebrating their 25th Year Anniversary.

Jericho is the 2nd Zamboangueno to win this prestigious award. ES Kent Tan of Western Mindanao State University High School (WMSU) won it in 1997.

The Search for the Ten Outstanding Boys Scouts of the Philippines is a yearly search sponsored by the BSP, Department of Education and Coca-Cola. Winners are each given a trophy, medallion, P 25,000 total cash and a 2-year scholarship program in any state college or university sponsored by Coca-Cola.

23 brgys assess their dev’t, human security needs in 1-day session

By Sheila Covarrubias

The promotion and practice of good governance in 23 of Zamboanga City’s barangays was further concretized when their barangay officials and sectoral leaders participated in the “Needs Assessment and Baselining on Barangay Governance” held in Centro Latino, Paseo del Mar, Zamboanga City on Friday, October 17.

The assessment of their respective communities’ socio-economic and ecological needs is a key step in determining what basic services and disaster risk reduction measures are required by their constituents, Department of Interior and Local Government City Director Prof. Moh. Taha Arakama told the participants during the opening ceremony.

The baselining was extrapolated from their communities’ socio-economic and other profiles. Together with the assessment results, these will be used to develop the barangays’ public investment programs, whose implementation starting next year will be in accordance with the principles of accountability and transparency since for one fund disbursements will have to be posted in the community center, Arakama further said.

The databases and identified priority needs will also serve as basis for next year’s budget programming forming the grassroot part of the national government budgeting process. For the barangays, the budgeting period is from January to June, Arakama explained. He said the funding formulations should adhere to the two main goals of the Aquino administration, which are poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

Inclusive growth pertains to special support for the welfare of the poor, persons with disability, cultural minorities, women and children and youth, to include the 20 percent special development fund.

The participants discussed and documented their outputs by barangay, which they presented towards the end of the assembly. They tackled performance areas like barangay facilities, equipment and services; human resource management (staffs); revenues collection and utilization; fiscal accountability; local legislation; transparency; delivery of basic services; waste management; economic development – agriculture, fisheries, businesses; public safety and risk reduction; environmental governance.

This good governance promotion effort was developed and spearheaded by the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance, Inc. (ZABIDA), whose president is Claretian priest Fr. Angel Calvo. DILG is this civil society organization’s main partner. ZABIDA selected the partner urban and rural barangays partly from years of working with the same communities in other programs like sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, basic services provisioning, peace-building, housing, community organizing and livelihoods. These programs and projects have been funded mostly by the Spanish government’s Agencia de Cooperacion Internacional para Desarollo and foundation Manos Unidas.

A similar effort is also being implemented by ZABIDA in Basilan province, through its local CSO partner Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc. The other ZABIDA partners are Katilingban para sa Kalambuan, Inc,, Reach Out to Others Foundation, and Peace Advocates Zamboanga.

Nov. 9-13 declared Nat’l BSP Jamboree Week in Zambo

By Sheila Covarrubias

November 9-13, 2014 has been declared as National Boy Scouts of the Philippines Jamboree Week in Zamboanga City pursuant to Executive Order BC 72-2014.

This, in view of the holding of the Centennial Jamboree at the Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority in Talisayan which will be participated by hundreds of boy scouts from all over the country and even other parts of the globe. The event is in conjunction with the celebration of the 100 years of the introduction of the scouting program in the Philippines.

Mayor Beng Climaco said the occasion will be an opportunity for the city to welcome boy scouts delegation coming from all over the country and that it is historical “since the earliest documented formation of a Scout troop in the islands was that of the Lorillard Spencer Troop of Zamboanga formed in 1914 by a United States Navy Lieutenant named Sherman Kiser in Recodo.”

The EO, issued last September 12, is based on Sangguniang Panlungsod resolution 996 approved on August 26, 2014.

The EO likewise states that the BSP-Zamboanga honors the death anniversary of the late Mayor Cesar C. Climaco, a legendary mayor of the Zamboangueños by keeping vigil in his tomb on the eve of his death anniversary which is commemorated every 14th day of November.

Council OKs P2.5B city’s 2015 budget

By Allen Abastillas

The city’s budget for fiscal year of 2015 is P2,597,523,027.084 as approved by the City Council on September 30 and signed into law by Mayor Beng Climaco on October 10, City Secretary Zenaida Jayme said yesterday.

Jayme said the 2015 budget through Ordinance No. 686 series of 2014 was approved by Council after a series of meetings with city officials and sessions by the legislative body.

The budget is divided into three programs — Social services which get 40 percent, economics — 25 percent and general public servise — 33 percent.

Under the 2015, seecurity gets top priority with a budget of P 90,273,758.96. Health gets P64, 683,125.050, Education — P 78,250,000, Executive budget — P 599,654,130.11.

Moreover, under the budget, the slaughter house has been allocated P8.5 million; Main Market — P21,200,000, Integrated Bus Terminal — P3.2 million; Sta. Cruz market — P13,781,000; Paseo Del Mar — P 7.1 million, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office — P 7.5 million; Barangay Mercedes cemetery — P 1.2 million; Development funds — P 450,600,000; Land improvement — P 35 million. Hospital and Health Sector — P 35.2 million; Roads, highways and bridges — P 218.4 million; Artisan wells, reservoir and pumping stations — P 1.8 million; irrigations and canals — P 61.4 millions; waterways, aqueducts, sewerages and river dikes — P 95.5 million.

The Intelligence funds in 2013 was only P 13.5million. For this current year, it was increased to P18 million. For 2015, it will be P 22 million.

For disaster allocations — P 125,319, 806.

Plaza del Pilar stalls rental lowered by 50%

By Nonong Santiago

Upon recommendations from the Committee on Plaza del Pilar, the City Council amended the ordinance lowering by fifty percent the stall’s rental at the Plaza del Pilar, along Pettit Barracks, this city.

Councilor Vincent Paul Elago, proponent of the resolution, said he fully supports the decrease in the monthly rental of the various stalls in the government-owned facility to help businessmen cope up with their daily income.

The councilor said based from the ordinance, stalls are rented to businessmen at a cost between P3,500 TO 7,000 depending on its sizes.

“Many of the stall holders are just selling candles, religious artifacts and other religious books and novenas and many have complained that they can hardly meet their monthly rentals due to few customers patronizing their products,” Elago said.

The committee on Plaza del Pilar conducted consultation along with Elago’s committee and agreed to lower the rental fees of the various stalls.

Many of the entrepreneurs lauded the council’s move as they thanked the members of the august body for responding to their appeal. (Nonong Santiago)

SMEs thankful to DTI for Zampex

By Bong Garcia

THE small and medium entrepreneurs from all over the region and from other regions are very thankful for the conduct of the first Zamboanga Peninsula Trade Exposition 2014 (ZAMPEX) in this city.

"We are thankful to the organizers for holding ZAMPEX for us Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs). This is a very good opportunity for us to promote and market our products and grow as a business," Frankie Perez of Baker's Field said.

The Baker's Field, which is based in this city, sells special "biscocho."

The ZAMPEX, initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), was held from October 8 to 11 in this city.

Perez disclosed that ZAMPEX is the trade fair that they joined and has immediately reaped dividends for them.

"This is our first trade fair. But the turnout of sales is really encouraging considering that we are just new in the business. Thanks to DTI for inviting us in the ZAMPEX 2014," Perez said.

Perez and his wife Ester, a former banker, established their business right after the latter retired from her job.

The couple, to further improve their business, has sought the help of the DTI for assistance.

"We would like to thank DTI-9 Regional Director Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, Provincial Director Rolando Acuña for this opportunity given us. Special mention also to DTI's Ms. Rose Garcia, and Mr. Roel Catimbang for designing our packaging label," Perez said.

Another SME, this time, from Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte has nothing but praise and thanks for the conduct of the ZAMPEX 2014.

Gapnod Creatives Designer Lordan Reganion said ZAMPEX has given him a greater appreciation of his self-worth and of his products.

Gapnod Creatives focuses on intricate and unique house decors made from drift wood.

"I have joined a lot of exhibits in our province; have been included in the local Hall of Fame for winning many times. But I have never been more proud and felt more appreciated until now. People here were awed of my products. Sales have so far been good. It's more than what I expected," Reganion said.

Aside from them, all of the 87 exhibitors reported positive feedbacks and expressed enthusiasm for the next edition of ZAMPEX in 2015.

Jain, elated with ZAMPEX 2014's outcome, immediately ordered to prioritize and start planning for the next trade expo and prepare the SMEs for the bigger market.

"By 2017, we hope to bring ZAMPEX outside region 9 or even Mindanao. Perhaps we can bring this to Manila, but we need at least 100 exhibitors to realize this. However, before going outside of the region, we have to make sure that our SMEs are ready to meet the clients' demands so that all our efforts will not be wasted. Until then, we need to prepare you not just for the national market, but more important, the ASEAN market," Jain stressed.

The holding of the ZAMPEX 2014 forms part of DTI's activity for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2014.

The feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar on Sunday, October 12, was the highlight of the Festival.

Weather bureau to use meteorological balloon

By Bong Garcia

THE Zamboanga Station of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) will start using meteorological balloon starting next year to boost the monitoring of weather condition in this part of the country.

Pagasa-Zamboanga station Chief Meteorological Officer Maribel Enriquez said the use of the meteorological balloon will enable them to determine the weather condition in the upper layer of the atmosphere.

Enriquez explained the weather condition in the upper layer of the atmosphere differs from that in the ground.

Enriquez said the balloon with expendable transmitter known as radiosonde will be flown twice a day. The first one will be at 8 a.m. and the second at 2 p.m.

She said they will spend P46,000 daily in utilizing the meteorological balloon as each cost P23,000.

The balloon, which carries instruments aloft to send back information on atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed by means of a small, expendable measuring device called a radiosonde.

Enriquez said the balloon can stay afloat for an hour before it will explode and the radiosonde can no longer be used again.

She said the Pagasa-Zamboanga station will be the fourth to use such kind of weather equipment starting next year.

The meteorological balloon is being used at present by the Pagasa stations based in Cebu, Legaspi, and Palawan.

Pagasa builds Doppler radar station

By Bong Garcia

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) is set to complete the construction of its Doppler Radar Station in Zamboanga City in February next year.

Pagasa-Zamboanga Station Chief Meteorological Officer Maribel Enriquez said the construction of the station has started in July and "is ongoing."

"The construction will be completed in seven months time," Enriquez added.

Enriquez said the station is being constructed inside by a local construction firm at Camp Don Basilio Navarro that also houses the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in this city.

She said the project cost P100 million to include the building and the Doppler radar equipment.

She said the Doppler radar was purchased from France and is set to arrive next year in time with the completion of the construction of the station.

The facility will be used to measure the amount of rainfall, intensity of the rain, and weather phenomenon. It has coverage of 50-kilometer radius.

Tang Sweet Orange sweetens Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2014

(Mindanao Examiner)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Tang Sweet Orange has joined the celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival and making this year's event more merrier as locals were elated to see the brand that many Chavacanos have grown up to in this southern part of the Philippines.

Tang executives said the new flavor made only for Mindanao was in Zamboanga City to provide refreshments to festival-goers as they cheered for the participants during the events.

Dubbed as "The City of Flowers," Zamboanga is full of Hispanic heritage and tradition and the Hermosa Festival honors the "Our Lady of the Pillar," which was brought to the Zamboanga in 1734 by the Spaniards. The month-long festival includes a procession, live music, cultural performances, Baile de Calle or street dance, Regatta de Zamboanga which is a boat race with traditional Muslim vinta and Festival de Musica Chabacano or the Chabacano Music Festival and the Danza la Vida, a street party.

Sarita Sebastian, head of the organizing committee of the festival, said the Fiesta Pilar is the grandest and most awaited event in Zamboanga City which is being celebrated in adoration to the Virgin Mary.

"It is great to have Tang Sweet Orange here to celebrate this event with us," she said.

Alex Tacderas, Category Lead for Powdered Beverages of Mondelez Philippines, the maker of Tang Sweet Orange, said: "We know how important the Hermosa Festival is to Zamboangueños and how it is very much unique to them, just like Tang Sweet Orange. The Hermosa Festival showcases the rich culture of Zamboanga City."

"Tang Sweet Orange goes hand in hand with this beautiful festival. Its taste was made with Mindanao’s preference in mind, by capturing the right blend of sweetness that those from the region love. Bien sabroso - is the simplest way to describe it. It’s a refreshing addition to celebrate this year’s festivities."

He said Tang is a refreshing powdered juice drink packed with vitamins and minerals that comes in 11 variants and available in Orange, Apple, Mango, Strawberry, Grapes, Watermelon, Four Seasons, and Pineapple. It also comes in the limited edition Watermelon-Apple and Watermelon-Strawberry, and the Sweet Orange flavor exclusively available in Mindanao, he said.


Regatta attracts thousands of spectators

By Bong Garcia

THOUSANDS of spectators gathered Saturday to witness the Regatta de Zamboanga, a traditional race of vintas with colorful sails that brought life once again at the R.T. Lim Boulevard in Zamboanga City.

The spectators, including local and foreign tourists, cheered as a total of 120 vintas, each paddled by two males, raced for the cash prizes at stake.

City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez said the prizes are the following: first place, P10,000; second place, P7,000; third place, P5,000; fourth place, P3,000; and, fifth place, P2,000.

Hernandez added that the consolation prize for the non-winning participants is P1,500.

Regatta is one of the activities of the annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the highlights of which is the feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar on Sunday, October 12.

The event was downgraded last year to “Regatta de Esperanza (Regatta of Hope),” a mere show of hope, courage and strength of the local populace after the 21-day siege a month earlier.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Mary June Bugante initiated the conduct of the Regatta of Hope, which was conducted at the Paseo del Mar less the glitz and glamour of the colorful race.

The R.T. Lim Boulevard also known as the “Cawa-Cawa” Boulevard was one of the biggest evacuation centers for families, mostly Badjaos, displaced by the September 2013 standoff.

The entire more than a kilometer stretch of the R.T. Boulevard, from the shorelines to the road center island, was transformed into a tent city, losing it panoramic beauty and vibrancy.

Meanwhile, the vinta number one paddled by two fishermen from the village of Sinunuc, west of this city, went home with the top prize of P10,000.

Aside from the cash prize, they also received plaque of recognition, two cellular phones and gift pack from Mondelez, the manufacturer and distributor of Tang sweet orange.

Tang Philippines Brand Manager Lawrence Lorico said they co-sponsored the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2014 as they introduced Tang Sweet Orange that “is uniquely Mindanao, or uniquely made for Mindanao.”

The Sinunuc fishermen also bagged additional P5,000 cash prize after they were adjudged as the participants with the most colorful sail.

The other winners are as the following: vinta number 52, second place; vinta number 36, third place; vinta number 13, fourth place; and vinta number 75, fifth place.


Fiesta Pilar Diskwento Fair set

By Bong Garcia

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, is set to conduct a two-day in-store Fiesta Pilar Diskwento Fair in Zamboanga City.

Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board secretary Joel Ijirani said the Diskwento Fair is set to be held from Saturday, October 11, until Sunday, October 12, and will be participated by 14 business establishments, to include fast-food outlets.

Ijirani said the fair aims to provide the opportunity to the labor sector and their families, in particular, to buy basic goods and commodities at discounted prices to enable them to cope with the rising prices.

Selected items and products will be on sale, with discounts ranging from as low as five percent to as high as 82 percent, according to Ijirani.

The goods that will be sold at discounted prices include grocery; food; men, ladies and children's wear; sports items; plastic and glass wares; linens; cosmetic products; toys; and school supplies, among others.

Ijirani said the fair is part of the program of the two agencies for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the highlight of which is the feast day on October 12 of Our Lady of the Pillar, the most revered saint of Zamboanga City.

DILG marks local government code anniversary

By Bong Garcia

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on all local government units (LGUs) in Zamboanga Peninsula to actively support the anniversary of the local government code.

DILG Regional Director Paisal Abutazil made the call as the LGUs in the country is set to celebrate Friday, October 10, the 23rd Anniversary of the crafting of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

Abutazil has underscored the birth of the Local Government Code of 1991, which has given power to LGUs to become autonomous.

"Now it has been given, then they have to celebrate it," Abutazil said.

"LGUs have various initiatives how they would celebrate it at their level aside from hanging of banners and uploading photos that captured the achievements under the Proud Kami sa...sub portal," Abutazil added.

He said this year's celebration is anchored on the theme: "Ang LGUng Magaling, May Nararating."

He said this year's theme calls for all LGUs to celebrate milestones and achievements arising from performance and excellence.

"Ang LGUng Magaling is in recognition of the LGUs initiative to make a meaningful difference arising from the powers of local autonomy," he said.

He said the celebration of the anniversary of the crafting of RA 7160 is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 63, Series of 1992.

300 avail of free medical services

By Bong Garcia

INDIGENT residents coming from different villages of Zamboanga City have availed of the free medical services of the city government through the half-day Servicio Medical na Fiesta Pilar held Wednesday at the City Health Office.

Aside from government physicians from the City Health Office headed by Dr. Rodel Agbulos, private practitioners were also tapped to help in the delivery of various medical services that include medical consultation, dental extraction, minor surgery, x-day, electrocardiogram or ECG, laboratory tests including anti-rabies vaccination, bloodletting and human milk letting.

Over a hundred children that included wards from the Social Development Center (SDC) have benefitted from the feeding program sponsored by the Rotary Club of Zamboanga.

Christine Lim of the City Health Office said among those who assisted during the outreach mission were the Zamboanga City Medical Society led by Dr. Mansueta Sabelina and the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians led by Dr. Ibrahim Bahgin.

The inclement weather slightly affected the turnout of beneficiaries but generally, Servicio Medical, one of the principal events during the Fiesta Hermosa, was a success, according to Lim.

Based on initial record, 300 availed of medical consultation, 87 benefited from dental extraction, 20 availed of anti-rabies vaccines, 14 ECG, 15 x-ray, 5 minor surgeries and 30 availed of laboratory tests.

Agbulos said the annual activity is intended as a thanksgiving and as a way of honoring Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, whose feast day will be on October 12.

Zambo gets WASH in early childhood care program

By Sheila Covarrubias

Zamboanga City is a recipient of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program of the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Implemented under the 7th Country Programme of the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Philippine Government, the WASH in ECCD forms part of the bigger program Early Childhood Care and Development Creating foundations for Lifelong Learning supported by the Australian government and is aimed to contribute to early child development and school-readiness through improvement of children’s access to clean water supply, sanitary toilets and effective hygiene education in day care centers and kindergarten classes.

As this developed, Mayor Beng Climaco welcomed the proposal and directed City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Socorro Rojas including Councilor Myra Paz Abubakar to coordinate efforts to ensure the full and effective implementation of the program in the city.

Through the program, the city will be given technical assistance in piloting and scaling-up the WASH programme in care centers. Specifically these assistance includes capacity building for local social welfare and development office and day care workers on WASH in ECCD; community mobilization for improvement of water supply, toilets and group handwashing facilities in day care centers; implementation of daily group handwashing and toothbrushing in day care centers and monitoring and evaluation of program implementation.

The program will be implemented in the city through the non-governmental organization Philippine Center for Water and Sanitation (PCWS), which is UNICEF’s implementing partner for the WASH in ECCD program.

In a letter to Mayor Climaco, Margaret Sheehan, OIC-Deputy Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund said a memorandum of agreement will be entered into by the PCWS with the local government unit to institutionalize the WASH in day care programme.

The agreement will involve the commitment of the LGU to scale-up and sustain the program through budgetary support to improve WASH facilities and annual provision of hygiene supplies to day care centers. The PCWS for its part, will commit to provide continuing technical assistance to the programme.

Zambo in the peak of Fiesta Hermosa events

By Bong Garcia

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has lined up activities to mark the celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month in Zamboanga City.

DTI Provincial Officer Engineer Rolando Acuña said the celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month every month of October is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1098.

Acuña said the Consumer Welfare Month will officially start Wednesday, October 8, with the launching of Timbangan ng Bayan.

He said launching of the Timbangan ng Bayan will see the installation of eight weighing scales in the markets in the city and two in nearby Isabela City.

For Zamboanga City, Acuña said the weighing scales will be installed in the following areas: waterfront public market (2); Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex (2); Aderes Flea Market (1); LB Wet Market (1); Yubengco Wet Market (1); and Recodo Flea Market (1).

In Isabela City, Acuña said two weighing scales will be installed at the Isabela City Public Market.

He said the other activities of the Consumer Welfare Month include the conduct of information and dissemination campaign on the rights and responsibilities of the consumers.

He said they will also conduct law enforcement activity like inspections of commodities and other products to ensure it is of quality standard.

This year's celebration has a theme: "Sapat ng Impormasyon: Susi sa wastong paggamit ng enerhiya."

Consumer Welfare Month activities set

By Bong Garcia

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has lined up activities to mark the celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month in Zamboanga City.

DTI Provincial Officer Engineer Rolando Acuña said the celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month every month of October is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1098.

Acuña said the Consumer Welfare Month will officially start Wednesday, October 8, with the launching of Timbangan ng Bayan.

He said launching of the Timbangan ng Bayan will see the installation of eight weighing scales in the markets in the city and two in nearby Isabela City.

For Zamboanga City, Acuña said the weighing scales will be installed in the following areas: waterfront public market (2); Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex (2); Aderes Flea Market (1); LB Wet Market (1); Yubengco Wet Market (1); and Recodo Flea Market (1).

In Isabela City, Acuña said two weighing scales will be installed at the Isabela City Public Market.

He said the other activities of the Consumer Welfare Month include the conduct of information and dissemination campaign on the rights and responsibilities of the consumers.

He said they will also conduct law enforcement activity like inspections of commodities and other products to ensure it is of quality standard.

This year's celebration has a theme: "Sapat ng Impormasyon: Susi sa wastong paggamit ng enerhiya."

City gov’t, DA eye organic center

By Bong Garcia

THE Zamboanga City Government and the Office of the City Agriculture are set to put up a center where organic farm products will be sold to the public in the city.

City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat said the center will be constructed at the “Bagsakan” center of the Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex. It will be called as the organic center.

Palacat said the establishment of the center is aimed to provide the farmers engage in organic farming a market outlet where to sell their farm produce.

Palacat said it is also aimed to provide easy access to the buying public who wants to buy organic farm products.

He said there are group of farmers that are already into organic farming in this city.

He said the organic center will most likely be established next month.

Palacat said they will enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the establishment and operations of the organic center.

At present, organic farm products are being sold in the ongoing Zamboanga Hermosa Festival agri-trade fair.

The farm products were the produce of the Tigbalabag Organic Growers Association.

WMSU to host Sardines Festival on October 9

By Allen Abastillas

As one of the highlights of Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, Western Mindanao State University, in partnership with different sectors, will host on October 9 the 2014 Sardines Festival carrying the theme, “Sardinas: El Mas Barato y Rico Protina Comida Para di Juan.“

The grand sardines celebration will be funded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR ) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development ( PCAARRD ).

The festival is the culminating activity of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)-Global Environment Facility ( GEF ) Sulu-Celebes Sea Sustainable Fisheries Management Project and the formulation of the Integrated Coastal and Fisheries Resource Management (ICFRM) plan for Zamboanga City which is already in the process of implementation.

Dr. Teresita A. Narvaez, director of Western Mindanao Agriculture Forestry and Resources Research and Development Council (WESMARDEC), said the chairman and consultant of the Executive Committee of the festival is WMSU President Milabel E. Ho and Mayor Beng Climaco and Dr. Patricio Fayton of BFAR will unveil the “Panunumpa sa Dagat” Pledge Wall.

Dr. Roberto B. Torres, vice president for Research Extension Service is the Project Director.

“The purpose of the Sardines Festival is to educate the people on how important sardines are and its spawning period for reproduction and ecological system. We will also recommend to the different government agencies through a resolution on how to help the affected workers on what livelihood they will do for their daily sustainance during the three-month off fishing season of tamban (sardines),” Narvaez said.

He added that after delivering the resolution and recommendation, it’s up to the agencies on what livelihood they can give to the affected workers of the 12 canning factories and the bottled sardines employees in Dipolog City.

Moreover, Narvaez said that participants will be lectured on alternative livelihood mechanism to avail of support for livelihood and value adding for sardines and fisheries products.

Zamboanga City folk to mark Christmas, New Year without firecrackers

(MindaNews)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/02 October) – Starting this year, residents will have to find other ways to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year with the passage of an ordinance that bans firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

In its regular session on Tuesday, the city council approved on third and final reading Ordinance No. 2014-35 banning the use, sale, possession, distribution, storage, and manufacture of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Councilor Benjamin Guingona and 14 of his colleagues sponsored what is now “The Firecracker Ban Ordinance of 2014.”

Guingona said violators will be slapped with a fine of not less than P1,000 nor more than P5,000 or imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than one year or both at the discretion of the court.

He, however, said the ordinance allows the transshipment and temporary storage of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices intended for transport to other areas.

He said the city government will be the one to determine the temporary storage area in coordination with the Firearms, Explosives, Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory Section.

He said the allowable period for temporary storage is three days and may be extended for another three days if there are valid reasons.

The ordinance was certified urgent by Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.

Last year, Salazar issued an executive order banning the use, sale and distribution of all types of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in this city amid fears brought about by the September 2013 standoff between government forces and members of the Moro National Liberation Front loyal to Nur Misuari.

Hermosa Festival 2014 reels off

By Bong Garcia

ZAMBOANGA City is in a festive mood in October as the series of activities for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2014 reels-off Wednesday.

The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2014 reeled-off at 5 p.m. Wednesday with the observance of the Pink October Month, a breast cancer awareness campaign.

It was followed by the City Government-sponsored exposition of religious icons billed “Las Cruces, Nuestra Vida y La Gloria at 7 p.m.

The highlight of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is the feast day on October 12 of Our Lady of the Pillar, the most revered saint of the city.

The other activities lined up by the City Government include: “Conferencia de Cultura, Artes y Historia del Zamboanga (Conference of the Culture, Arts and History of Zambanga),” October 2-3; “Cosechas de Zamboanga (Harvest of Zamboanga),” October 2-15; opening of Children’s month celebration, October 4; Pet Parade and Blessing at the Jardin de Maria Clara (Maria Clara Garden), Pasonanca Park, October 4; Servicio Medical na Fiesta Pilar (Fiesta Pilar medical mission), October 8; Chabacano music festival, October 8; Wow Sardinas, October 9; Balikbayan night and Mascota de Zamboanga, October 10; Regatta de Zamboanga, October 11; Street Dance showdown, October 11; Chabacano music band festival, October 11; golf tournament, October 11-12; and, City Hall fiesta open house, October 12.

City Hall Information Officer Sheila Belen Covarrubias said there will be daily procession from October 3 to 11 from the Immaculate Concepcion Metropolitan Cathedral to the Fort Pilar Shrine.

Covarrubias said it is spearheaded by the Archdiocese of Zamboanga.

Several other activities have been lined up by the private sector which forms part of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2014, Covarrubias said. This year’s festival is dubbed “Levanta con Fuerza y Fe; Marcha con Alegria, Devocion y Unidad. (Rise with strength and faith; March with joy, devotion and unity).”

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