Zamboanga City News October 2015

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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.

IDP-families receive livelihood grants

By Bong Garcia

THE Community and Family Services International (CFSI) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has turned over the first batch of livelihood grants to internally-displaced persons (IDPs) at the transitory site in the village of Taluksangay, Zamboanga City.

The grant, which was provided together with the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), was turned over last Tuesday to the beneficiaries.

Belen Sheila Covarrubias, City Hall information officer, said the grant is part of CFSI and DFAT’s three-year partnership named the Zamboanga Recovery Project (ZRP). The project will run until December 2017.

Covarrubias said that at least 1,000 IDP-families will be provided with livelihood grants under the ZRP.

Covarrubias said the CFSI will be rolling out livelihood grants to families displaced by the conflict and are now living in transitional sites across in Zamboanga City.

She said among the livelihood grants that were handover to the IDP-families were for seaweed farms, sari-sari stores, fishing boats, and pedicabs.

Traffic re-routes, liquor and gun ban set during Undas

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy (FPG/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA) – The city government of Zamboanga has once again reminded the public to heed of the rules and regulations set during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day come Nov. 1-2, respectively.

Mayor Beng Climaco issued Executive Order 145-2015 on Wednesday, banning firearms and bladed weapons, selling and drinking liquor and gambling within the premises of all public and private cemeteries effective 12 midnight of Nov. 1 until 5 p.m. of Nov. 2 to ensure order and solemnity of the occasion.

Moreover, Climaco also issued EO 146-2015 authorizing the City Police Director through the Traffic Section Chief to plan, adopt and implement temporary traffic re-routing scheme on all roads leading to public and private cemeteries, which will also take effect on the same dates.

In a statement, Climaco said: “Huge influx of people to these cemeteries create opportunities for the sale of foods, drinks and other commodities incidental to the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day” and stressed that “incidents of unruly/undisciplined and at times violent behaviour are reported in cemeteries, thereby disturbing those who solemnly visit the graveyards of their departed loved ones.”

The said order also prohibits putting up temporary stalls and selling of foods, beverages, candles, among others, within 50 meters space leading to the entrance gates of cemeteries to enable free and unhampered flow of pedestrian and vehicles.

Playing of loud music on radio/stereo cassettes or the use of microphones or conversing in loud voices that causes disturbance/irritants to others is strictly prohibited including firecrackers/pyrotechnics display inside the cemeteries.

All motor vehicles are provided designate parking areas outside the cemetery premises.

Based on EO 146, one way zones are declared on the following: Talon-talon cemetery – from the junction of Talon-talon Loop up to the junction of Morning Breeze Road; Tetuan Cemetery and Sta. Cruz Chinese Cemetery- one way from the intersection of Dr. Estrada and Don Toribio Streets, Tetuan up to the junction of Don Toribio and Veterans Avenue; Baliwasan Cemetery – one way from the junction of Navarro Road and San Jose Road up to the junction of San Jose and Normal Road (WMSU); San Roque Private Cemetery, San Roque Public Cemetery and Penafrancia Cemetery- one way from the intersection of San Jose Gusu and San Roque Road up to the corner of Armor Village; San Roque Chinese Cemetery- one way from the junction of San Roque and Margarita Road (Chinese Cemetery) towards Southcom Village; Sta. Maria Catholic Cemetery- streets declared as one way are De Leon St. (from junction Sta. Maria/Pasonanca Road going to Saavedra St), Saavedra St. (from junction De Leon St. up to junction Maestra Vicenta St.) and Maestra Vicenta St. (from junction Saavedra St. going to the junction Sta. Maria/Pasonanca road).

For Forest Lake (phases 1 and 2)- one way will be declared from the junction of Tumaga Road and Sunrise St. towards Lunzuran road; Mercedes old and new cemetery- one way streets will be declared in Socorro St. (from junction La Merced St. towards MCLL highway), Camino nuevo St. (from junction Socorro St. up to junction Calle San Isidro St.), Calle San Isidro (from MCLL highway up to La Merced St.) and La Merced St. (from junction Cariaga St. up to Socorro St.); Bolong Public Cemetery- one way will be declared in Purok 6 road (from MCLL highway towards Bolong Public Cemetery) and Purok 1,2,3 road (from Bolong Public cemetery exit to MCLL highway) and in Divisoria Cemetery- one way from junction MCLL highway (Cecille’s Pharmacy) towards barangay Lumiyap road to Zonta-Duncaan-Boalan road exit to MCLL highway.

Recently, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) convened the security sector, concerned barangay officials, church officials, civic groups and other agencies to finalize preparations for the implementation of the operation plan dubbed “Oplan Alma”.

PRO-9 adopts ‘Oplan Puntod’ to ensure peaceful ‘Undas’

(PNA), CTB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 29 (PNA) – The Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) has placed all its officers and personnel on full alert to ensure the peaceful observance of the All Saints’ and All Souls Days here in the region.

Chief Supt. Miguel Antonio, PRO-9 director, said Thursday they have adopted “Oplan Puntod” to ensure a “zero crime incidence” during the observance of the All Saints and All Souls Days.

Antonio directed the police force in the region to provide maximum coverage and public safety services to include assistance along highways and major thoroughfares as well as other places of engagement and traffic management.

Antonio also directed the police to provide security in churches, transport terminals and in areas where people are expected to converge as well as provide Police Assistance Desks in cemeteries.

Antonio reminded the public not to leave their homes unattended when they travel to the provinces for “Undas.”

They are advised to travel early to avoid traffic and to ensure the readiness of the vehicle for those traveling with their own transportation.

Meanwhile, Antonio has ordered his men to continue the law enforcement operations as stipulated in OPLAN Lambat Sibat such as manhunt operations against wanted person, intelligence–driven operations against criminal groups and suspected terror groups, and the service of search warrants.

He urged the cooperation of the public to ensure a peaceful observance of the All Saints and All Souls Days here in the region.

OSYs to receive free skills trainings

By Bong Garcia

A NEW batch of 824 out-of-school-youths (OSYs) is set to undergo various short-term technical skills trainings in the next few months under the Mindanao Youth for Development (MYDEV) program in Zamboanga City.

The trainings will be done as the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance Inc. (Zabida) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College (ZCSPC) and the Universal College of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (UCSAP) to launch the program in the city.

Fr. Angel Calvo, Zabida president, said the MOA was signed last week in a simple ceremony held at the ZCSPC.

Based on the MOA, the ZCSPC and UCSAP will conduct the trainings in their respective campuses and participating villages, with Zabida acting as program manager.

The training is sponsored by the Education Development Center (EDC) and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAid).

Calvo said the OSYs will come from 30 targeted villages of Zamboanga City.

He said Zabida and the schools will identify cluster of competencies suitable for community-based training and school or industry-based training programs.

The MOA stated that the schools will undertake the portion of cluster of competencies suitable for school or industry training programs, added Calvo.

He said the society has a "sacred duty to take care of our children" as a collective effort "to invest in their future."

He said the alliance will ensure that all needed resources shall be provided for the proper training of the youths, who are the "seeds of the future."

Dr. Lorenzo Macapili, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) regional director, said the training dovetails with the National Government's program to raise the skills competencies of labor to fill available job that remain unfilled by the thousands due to the lack of qualifications.

Macapili cited thousands of jobs available in local fish canning factories that are unserved due to lack of qualified workers.

The MOA was signed as principal parties by Zabida, headed by Calvo, ZCSPC president Dr. Nora Ponce and UCSAP president Alejandro Navato.

Attesting as witnesses were representatives of the cooperating agencies to include the City Government, Department of Education (DepEd), Tesda City Agriculturist Office, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Interior and Local Government, Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc., National Youth Commission, and other members of the city's Out of School Youth Development Alliance.

Early this year, over 300 OSYs also graduated from various livelihood skills trainings, including non-formal academic education under the first phase of the MYDEV program implemented by Zabida.

EDC Youth Development Specialist Robinson Wee said the program will continue until 2018.

Region 9 MSMEs undergo food safety training in preparation for ASEAN Economic Integration

(PNA), CTB/LOR/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 27 (PNA) -– The European Union-funded Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) Project 3 has conducted three-day training on food safety for micro, small and medium entrepreneurs here in Region 9.

The training, which was conducted in partnership with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), was held last week in this city.

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, said Tuesday the training was aimed to address the lack of technical knowledge on food safety laws and standards amongst country’s MSMEs as well as the government employees serving the food and drug sectors.

Jain said the sanitary inspectors of the different local government units here in the regional also attended the training aside from the MSMEs.

Jain said the training is timely and crucial for the MSMEs as the country prepares for the ASEAN Economic Integration.

“The training could not have come on a perfect time as we prepare our MSMEs for ASEAN Economic Integration. It would help our MSMEs in ensuring that their products are safe and within the country’s food standards, a very critical factor in expanding their market in the ASEAN Community,” Jain said.

She explained that with the opportunities and the challenges the ASEAN Economic Community brings, having quality, safe, and properly handled products is one edge that Philippine MSMEs can bring to the table.

“Food products will never run out of market because it’s a necessity. However, to really capture the ASEAN market, or even, outside the region, our food processors or manufacturers should strictly abide by the food safety standards mandated by the Republic Act 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013,” she stressed.

To meet the standard, Jain urged the MSMEs to obtain License-To-Operate (LTO) from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health (DOH), of which the training attendees are willing to do.

“The participating micro-entrepreneurs have signified that they are mostly after updated information on obtaining the FDA-issued Licenses-To Operate (LTOs) and Certificates of Product Registration (CPRs) as a step towards enhanced marketability of their products,” Renea Marian Cruz-Tan, Knowledge Management Officer of the Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) 3 Project Management Office, said.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regional office has given its full support to the successful conduct of the training as part of its intent to enjoin micro-enterprises to exploit the advantages offered by its newly established e-registration system, which facilitates the issuance of LTOs and CPRs for low-risk food products and food raw materials.

The FDA has introduced an electronic platform licensing system for micro-enterprises engaged in food processing, as required by the Food Safety Act of 2013 and Republic Act 9711 otherwise known as the FDA Act of 2009.

The resource speakers during the three-day training included Sharon Garcia, FDA-9 supervisor; Marichelle Navarro, Food and Drug regulations Officer II of FDA-9; Dr. Sonia Somga, Dr. Simeona Regidor, and Mr. Dennis Tiotangco of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); and, Jose Albert, President and CEO of GS1 Philippines.

Jain said the GS1 Philippines is a leading global organization dedicated to the design and implementation of global standards and solutions to improve the efficiency and visibility of supply and demand chains globally and across sectors.

The EU-PH Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) Programme is a continuing development project that promotes trade and investment to achieve inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

Its third phase, the TRTA 3 started in Dec. 2013 with the signing of the Financing Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the European Union.

Supplemental ecotourism management plan up for Sta. Cruz Islands

By Teofilo P. Garcia Jr. [(PNA), FPV/TPGJR]

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 26 (PNA) – The Protected Area and Ecotourism Management Board (PAEMB) has approved the supplemental ecotourism management plan for the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands in this city.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the plan, which the PAEMB approved in a recent meeting, includes the construction of a watchtower, research station, marine laboratory and repair of the lighthouse.

The projects were proposed to be constructed and will be funded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The PAEMB approved the supplemental plan as the board views the DENR proposal as very important features that would help advance Sta. Cruz Islands’ management development plan thus, the approval of the requests.

Salazar and DENR Regional Director Arleigh Adorable co-chair the PAEMB.

Salazar said the watchtower will be utilized for wildlife monitoring and other activities that are detrimental to the area.

The lighthouse, on the other hand, will be used as a beacon or signal to aid nautical navigation.

Salazar thanked the PAEMB members specifically the DENR for continually coordinating efforts to support the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in the Sta. Cruz Island, a protected area that has tremendous potential for ecotourism development.

The Great Sta. Cruz Island is known for its pink sand beach while the Little Sta. Cruz Island has pure white sand beach.

Jointly called the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape, it was declared as such on April 23, 2000 with the signing of Proclamation No. 271.

BFAR-9 continues assistance to Zampen seaweed farmers

By ALLEN ABASTILLAS

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-9 continues its livelihood assistance to seaweed farmers in Zamboanga Peninsula.

BFAR-9 Director Ahadulla S. Sajili, Al-Haj disclosed on Friday that assistance to seaweed farmers is worth P12,000 for seedlings and other materials necessary for planting of seaweeds. The project livelihood assistance started 30 years ago nationwide.

Mars Usman, Regional Seaweeds Coordinator, said that Zamboanga Peninsula composed of Zamboanga City , Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte, is ranked No. 3 nationwide in the production of dried seaweed products. First is Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Second ranking is Region 4-B composed of Mindoro, Palawan, Region 6,7 and 8.

According to Usman, the total budget assistance to farmers was only P40 million nationwide but it was increased to P266 million during the time of Pres. Noynoy Aquino.

Usman said that the main problems and enemies of seaweed farmers are turtles and danggit fish (seaweeds are their favorite food) and the worst is storm as Philippines is a storm-front country.

Usman said that dried seaweed products are very important to human’s daily food consumption. Its uses are for medicines, food binders, food additives, gelatin, for sardines and toothpaste. There is also an experiment that fibers from dried seaweedproducts are used for spacecraft body wall. It was discovered by a German scientist. — Allen Abastillas

Zamboanga ecozone to build seaport

By Bong Garcia

A TOP official of the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority and Freeport (Zamboecozone) has requested the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) an initial P150 million funding to jumpstart the construction of its seaport.

This was announced by Zamboecozone Chairman and Administrator Christopher Lawrence Arnuco citing they have already completed the hydrographic survey in preparation for the construction of the port.

Arnuco said the seaport will be constructed at the seafront of the Zamboecozone at Sitio San Ramon in the village of Talisayan.

He said the Regional Development Council (RDC) has favorably endorsed the construction of a port at the Zamboecozone that would cost P500 million.

He said the construction of the port at the Zamboecozone will take three years to complete.

Once completed, the port will directly link the 15 Zamboecozone locators to the Asean market.

At present the Zamboecozone locators ship their products through the port of Zamboanga located downtown, which is managed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Zambo City gov't gives cash aid to recent disasters' victims

(PNA), FFC/BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 23 (PNA) -- The local government has released cash assistance amounting to PHP221,000 to victims of recent untoward incidents in the city.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar on Thursday afternoon personally handed over the cash aid to 61 identified beneficiaries.

City Information Officer Belen Sheila Covarrubias said out of the number, 19 victims who sustained injuries that required hospital admission received PHP5,000.

Meanwhile, she said the remaining 42, who needed out-patient services were given PHP3,000 each.

The beneficiaries of the cash aid include 33 victims of a bus blast on September 18; 23 victims of a vehicular accident in Barangay Sibulao on August 23; four victims of a vehicular accident in Barangay Lanzones on August 24 and one who was injured in a fire in Barangay Pamucutan on August 14.

Stakeholders’ forum on food and nutrition slated today

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy (ALT/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, October 22 (PIA) – A Stakeholders’ Forum: Crafting the 2016-2020 FNRI Research and Development (R&D) Agenda on Food and Nutrition will be conducted today by the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) at LM Hotel here.

Anchored on the theme “Responding to the Needs of every Juan and Juana for Improved Quality of Life”, the forum seeks to generate ideas, insights and perspectives of stakeholders towards the development of the 2016-2020 FNRI R&D Agenda in food and nutrition.

The R&D agenda will stimulate research and the development of innovative interventions to meet the challenges of existing nutrition problems.

Participants of the event will include top leaders of government and non-government organizations and partner industries as well as local government officials of the Zamboanga Peninsula region.

Speakers and facilitators of the forum will come from FNRI-Manila headed by its Director, Dr.Mario V. Capanzana.

FNRI is 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.

Zambo City sends 163-man delegation to Batang Pinoy 2015

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 21 (PNA) -– The local government is sending a 163-man athletic delegation to represent this city in the week-long Mindanao leg of Batang Pinoy 2015.

The athletic event is scheduled to be held from October 24 to 29 in Koronadal City, the capital of South Cotabato province.

Dr. Cecilia Atilano, city sports development officer, said 139 of the 163-man delegation are secondary school athletes 15 years old and below and the remaining 24 are coaches.

Atilano has high hopes that the local athletic delegation will shine in their respective events since most of them are medalists in last year’s Batang Pinoy.

She said the sports events of the Batang Pinoy include the following: athletics; arnis; badmintons; three-on-three basketball; boxing; chess; futsal; karate; sepak takraw; swimming; table tennis; taekwondo; tennis; and, wrestling.

She said the Mindanao leg is the qualifying event to compete in the Batang Pinoy National leg.

The national leg is scheduled to be held from November 27 to December 2 in Cebu City.

“Do your best and God will do the rest,” Atilano’s message to the local athletic delegation.


DOST sets stakeholders’ forum on food and nutrition in Zamboanga City

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 20 (PNA) -– The Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) is conducting a one-day stakeholders’ forum to craft the 2016-2020 FNRI Research and Development (R&D) Agenda on Food and Nutrition in this city.

Brenda Nazareth-Manzano, DOST regional director, said Tuesday the forum is scheduled to be held on Thursday at a local hotel which will be attended by top leaders of government and non-government organizations as well as partner industries.

Manzano said the forum seeks to generate ideas, insights and perspectives of “our stakeholders towards the development of the 2016-2020 FNRI R&D Agenda in food and nutrition".

The R&D agenda aims to stimulate research and the development of innovative interventions to meet the challenges of existing nutrition problems.

Manzano said the forum is anchored on the theme “Responding to the Needs of every Juan and Juana for Improved Quality of Life.”

She said that FNRI team from Manila headed by its Director, Dr. Mario Capanzana, will serve as resource speakers and facilitators of the forum.

FNRI is 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.

ZAMPEX 2015 surpasses 2014 sales by over Php2-M

(PNA), FPV/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 19 (PNA) – The recently-held Zamboanga Peninsula Exposition (ZAMPEX) 2015 proved to be a success as sales increased by over Php2 million despite having lesser exhibitors than that of last year’s similar event.

The ZAMPEX 2015 was held from October 8 to 11 in this city that showcased the existing, new and best products of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from all over the region.

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional director, on Monday announced that ZAMPEX 2015 sales hit Php12,527,840.03 as compared to the Php10.5 million of the first ZAMPEX held last year.

Jain congratulated the exhibitors, majority of which, MSMEs from the different parts of Region 9.

“I would like to congratulate our exhibitors for the good sales that you have. This year’s sales show that we are making headway in the promotion of the region’s best and finest products through ZAMPEX. This has further inspired us to conduct a much better ZAMPEX next year,” Jain said.

Jain also thanked the institutional buyers for believing in the products of the MSMEs of this region.

Jain said there is a possibility of bringing ZAMPEX outside of Region 9 if the increasing trend of sales continues in the next iterations of the activity.

“As I have said last year, we want to bring ZAMPEX to the bigger stage to best promote our products. If our sales continue to rise next year or for the next two years, we may just bring it outside the region, either in Davao or even Manila,” she added.

However, she stressed the importance of having at least 100 MSMS exhibitors if ZAMPEX is to be held outside of the region aside from the improved sales.

“Sales is just but one of our considerations in bringing ZAMPEX outside our region. It would be very good if along with our improved sales, we also have at least 100 MSMEs exhibitors bringing with them the best of our region,” she said.

Jain has encouraged the MSMEs to introduce more products to further attract buyers, both local and foreign.

“The sales this year compared to last year speak of the buyers’ awareness and interest in Region 9’s products. But I would also like to encourage our MSMEs to further develop their existing products and even introduce new ones so that by next year’s ZAMPEX, our buyers will see more choices and variants. This will really help even surpass our sales success for this year. We should be innovative to sustain buyers’ interest in our products,” she pointed out.

Sangali fishing port to get P120M rehab

By Vic Larato

The fishing port in Sangali is expected to receive anytime soon a P120-million rehabilitation fund from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA)

Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Asis G. Perez, a lawyer, announced this Wednesday when he visited this city to keynote the 1st Sardines Industry Conference.

Usec. Parez, who is also the national executive director of BFAR, pledged P120 million to renovate the Sangali Fishing Port and all its facilities, including the cold storage and warehouse.

Zamboanga City will likewise get P2 million incentive from BFAR for hosting the first-ever Sardines Industry Conference with the theme “Sardinas: Cuida Para Sustene La Vida.”

The sardines conference was organized by the Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association (SOPHIL), the Industrial Group of Zamboanga, Inc. and BFAR in coordination with the city government.

Mayor Beng Climaco welcomed this development as she expressed her gratitude and appreciation to Usec. Perez, BFAR, SOPHIL and IGZI for all their valuable contributions to the city of Zamboanga, its economy and people.

She also thanked the sardines industry for taking very good care of its more than 30,000 workforce, for which there has never been a labor strike in Zamboanga during Labor Day celebration every May 1 of each year.

The chief executive cited in particular the job fairs and assistance the eight canning factories have extended to the people of this city and other places hit by natural disaster like the “Yolanda” typhoon victims in Tacloban, and the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Zamboanga.

“As far as the city government, we initiated the Investment Incentives Board to lure new investors, and we have done this to new companies that opened in the city,” she said.

She also shared her experience from a recent trip to China for the 12th China-ASEAN Exposition in Nanning City where she observed the massive infrastructure for the fishing and aquatic resources.

“We may be lagged 30 years behind China as far as infrastructure buildup, but I observed we have the advantage over China. We have the abundance of aqua-culture resources, and ours is incomparable to China’s,” Climaco said, and she called on the sardines or fishing industry here to “take care of this very precious resource (aqua-culture).

To the sardines industry and stakeholders, Climaco posed this question: “Where do you want to take the sardines industry 30 years from now?”

“The future of sardines industry lies in our hand,” she pointed out.

All set for MOFYA 2015 reg’l awards

By Jazmine Vanessa Upao (LCO)

All is set for the ‘Model OFW Family of the Year Awards’ (MOFYA) or ‘Parangal sa Matatag na Pamilyang OFW,’ regional awards ceremony at a local hotel on October 19, 2015.

MOFYA is part of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Regional Welfare Office IX (OWWA-RWO-9), yearly priority program showcasing success stories and endurance over the challenges on family relations and to give proper recognition to the outstanding achievement of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s) and their families which will serve as the role models for the whole OFW population.

Highlighting the occasion is the program and awarding ceremonies with OWWA Regional Director Hassan Gabra Jumdain leading the opening remarks followed by the inspirational message of Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco, presentation of the regional MOFYA nominees (land/sea based categories), presentation of the Regional Selection and Screening Committee (RSSC) and the message of the keynote speaker Dra. Anicia Alvarez, first MOFYA national winner in 2005, followed by the awarding of the MOFYA regional winners.

A total of seven regional nominees are contenders for the regional award which include land-based category; Albie Usama, Putik, Zamboanga City; Engr. Jeffrey Singson, Guiwan, Zamboanga City; Marlyn Lumacad Sumagdang, South Mapang, Rizal, Zamboanga Del Norte; Panfilo Sumabong Aninon, Zamboanga Del Norte and Johnny Tolomia Carton, Upper Calarian, this city, and for the sea-based category; Ronald Imperial, Minaog, Dipolog City and Engr. Alexander Omandam Pagasian, Villarico, Pinan, Zamboanga Del Norte.

Director Jumdain thanked all the sponsors and the city government of Zamboanga through Mayor Beng Climaco for its all-out support to the programs of OWWA and OFWs.

“This is to give recognition to deserving OFW families which will serve as an inspiration to other families, in order, to boost the morale of the OFW as an excellent example to every Filipino,” Jumdain said.

The RSSC is being composed of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Sisinio Cano as chairperson; OWWA Regional Director Jumdain, vice-chairperson; and the members are Dr. Orlando Paber, OFW Federation president Ladjakaya Abubakar, Ronnie Lledo and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Dapitan City Branch head Laneli Elum.

The regional winners will represent Region-IX for the National MOFYA competition in Manila on December 15, this year.

BFAR-9 Marks 52nd Fish Conservation Week

(PRESS RELEASE)

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Field Office No. IX will observe the Fish Conservation Week on October 19-23, 2015 with a plethora of activities to be simultaneously undertaken around the whole ZamPen region. The Fish Conservation Week is a yearly undertaking of the bureau on every 3rd Week of October to increase awareness on the importance of protecting and conserving the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 176 series of 1963.

This year’s celebration include teach-ins in various high school around the region on topics such as, the closed season for sardines, red tide and the salient feature of the Republic Act (RA) No. 10654 amending the 1998 fisheries code of the Philippines (RA 8550). Other lined-up activities include harvest of milkfish in the Techno-Demo fishpond project, training on fish processing and value added products, organizing fisherfolk into cooperative, training on capture fisheries technology, Bantay Dagat -LGU launching, and completion of 80 units FRP fiber glass banca.

Coastal clean-up and mangrove rehabilitation activities will also be simultaneously undertaken in selected coastal municipalities of the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. Selected communal water in the region will be seeded with tilapia fingerlings and livelihood seaweed farm implements will be distributed to selected registered fisherfolk in the region. The LGU-OCA Zamboanga City will also conduct market denial in various wet market in the city.

Bayani Ko Sa Pangisdaan : Search for Heroes of the Youth on Fish Conservation Documentary Making Contest and Poster Making Contest based on this year’s theme: Pinatatag na Batas Pangisdaan, Hakbang sa Pagkamit ng mga Masaganang Pangisdaan” are also among the important activities open to high school and college students individual or group. The winning entries will be used by the bureau as IEC materials for schools and SUCs.

The Bureau will drum up support for all its activities through motorcade, streamers, radio plugs and press releases to promote public awareness on conservation of our fishery resources.

Beng lauds PNP, AFP, civilians for peaceful fiesta

By Sheila Covarrubias

Mayor Beng Climaco has commended the people of Zamboanga and all security forces, force multipliers and volunteers who exerted all efforts to ensure a peaceful, orderly and successful celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2015.

Mayor Climaco said the civilian sector fully supported and cooperated with authorities in the enforcement of the different rules and regulations set in place for the duration of the festival that culminated with the celebration of the feast of Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar.

“Our faith in God is our weapon against threat of violence from lawless elements. The people of Zamboanga displayed unity during the celebration, a manifestation of how Zamboanga City would be if we all cooperate to have peace”, the mayor emphasized.

The police and military implemented a comprehensive security plan since the Festival reeled off October 1st. The security plan is augmented by Executive Orders 140 and 141 which mandated the implementation of a traffic rerouting scheme and prohibition in parking of motor vehicles, carrying of back packs and the wearing of bull/ball caps and hooded jackets in venues where festival activities were held.

Throngs of people participated and witnessed the different events, particularly those initiated by the City Government such as the Cosechas de Zamboanga, Street dance parade and showdown, the lights parade, regatta, cheerleading competition, dance sport competition, mascot and samba night, as well as the grand opening parade and program in front of City Hall.

Amidst the scorching sun and the security challenges, throngs of people likewise participated in the grand procession and mass in honor of Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar Monday, October 12.

Mayor Climaco said all sectors cooperated and supported the city’s desire to have a peaceful, orderly and successful Fiesta celebration which is the main reason for the resounding success of the activity. Such acts, she stressed, demonstrate resiliency and steadfastness.

'Fantastic group' impressed with Zamboanga City, says VP

By Nonong Santiago

A group of tourists who visited the city to take photos during the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival were impressed on the beauty of Zamboanga City.

Councilor Vincent Paul Elago, Tourism Committee chair, disclosed that the visitors expressed admiration over the many beautiful landscapes the city can offer.

“Alegre gayot sila cay bien mucho maga bonito landscapes tiene el ciudad. They call themselves the Fantastic Group, amo se maga photo bloggers que ta anda na maga diferente lugar del mundo y ta saca maga pictures y ta man post na internet. Ya abla gane sila cay ay bira sila otraves na otro anyo,” Elago said.

He said although some expressed apprehensions about the very tight security, but it was better than to be sorry in the end.

“Dol overkill ya el security pero ya man explain iyo canila cay ta hace lang todo espuerso el diaton maga pulis para esta todo librao na peligro desde cunel maga criminal,” Elago emphasized.

The alderman also commended the police, military and other force multipliers for a job well done in securing the people at the height of the Fiesta Pilar celebration.

Elago also thanked the residents for the support and cooperation extended to the police and local government officials for the successful conduct of the fiesta celebration.

City holds 'Wow Sardinas' boodle fight

By Bong Garcia

ZAMBOANGUEÑOS shared on Tuesday afternoon a meal or two over the boodle fight set-up of the "Wow Sardinas" as part of the ongoing activities of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2015 celebration Zamboanga City.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Cliamco-Salazar led the opening of the annual sardine-eating spectacle held at the Paseo del Mar together with local officials who joined the activity.

Salazar said eight local canning factories rolled out approximately 8,000 cans of their best sardine products to feed the thousands of Zamboangueños who converged at Paseo del Mar for the annual festivity.

Participating companies were Century Pacific Foods Incorporated, Seacoast Top Choice Food Corporation, Goldstar Seafood Corporation, Permex Producer and Exporter Corporation, Mega Global Corporation, Aquatic Seafods Corporation, Southwest Asian Canning Corporation, and Universal Canning Corporation.

Also supporting the Wow Sardines event were Universal Robina Corporation and the Philippine Spring Water Resources, Inc., respectively providing for the cracker biscuits and bottles of water for the activity.

The Wow Sardinas is one of the annual highlights of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival which puts on the spotlight the canned sardines industry, as one of this city's leading economic drivers and industries, in as much as at least 80 percent of all leading canned sardines in the country are produced and manufactured here.

Throngs of people join procession, hear mass in honor of La Virgen del Pilar in Zambo City

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/PR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 12 (PNA) -- Amid the scorching sun, throngs of people from all walks of life joined on Monday the grand procession from the Metropolitan Cathedral in Barangay Zone III to the Fort Pilar Shrine in Barangay Rio Hondo in celebration of the feast of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar.

Archbishop Romulo Dela Cruz, Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, first district Rep. Celso Lobregat, Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde and some members of the City Council led the devotees in marching the streets in prayers.

The grand procession culminated with a concelebrated mass with Dela Cruz as main celebrant.

The religious activities kicked-off with the Diana/holy rosary at 4 a.m. followed by masses at the Fort Pilar Shrine the whole morning Monday.

The traditional procession started 3 p.m. at the Metropolitan Cathedral and ended up at the Shrine.

Bearing rosaries, images of the La Virgen del Pilar and other religious icons, the devotees braved the scorching heat, demonstrating unceasing devotion and reverence to the patron saint.

The feast day was preceded by the nine-day novena masses religiously attended by thousands of devotees coming from different parts of this city.

Salazar applauded the residents--both Christians, Muslims and Lumads--for their fighting spirit and for continued reverence to the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar.

She urged the residents to continue to stay united and strong, as the city continues to face challenges amid the city’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

The fiesta was ushered in by the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2015 which kicked off October 1st and will continue until the end of the month with various activities sponsored by private groups.

Tomorrow, October 13, the city will hold the Sardinas Festival that will be capped by the sardine eating spectacle at the Paseo del Mar.

The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is the city’s grandest annual celebration and is observed with great zeal, fervor and devotion to the La Virgen del Pilar.

Devotion to the La Virgen keeps Zamboanguenos — living here and elsewhere, united and strong.

The Fort Pilar or Real Fuerza de Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragoza in Spanish, is a 17th century military defense fortress built by the Spanish colonial government.

It is now an outdoor Roman Catholic Marian shrine and a museum and a symbol of the city's cultural heritage.

Cacao guru speaks at Zampen investment confab held in ZC

By Allen Abastillas

Philippines’ cacao guru, Mr. Pedro V. Cruz, head of the Agritechnology Department of Kennemer Foods Inc. in Davao City, was one of the speakers in the two-day Zamboanga Peninsula Investment Conference on October 8 -9,2015 at Astoria Hotel.

Cruz lectured the participants on cacao production and processing.

He said that to intercrop cacao with coconut would double or triple a farmer’s income compared to coconut alone.

“We will grab this opportunity for the Philippines cacao because of the huge demand in the world market because of the forecast shortfall of cacao in the year 2020 which is one million metric tons. Unlike coconut oil there are substitutes on it like palm oil, olive oil, corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil and vetetable oil. Only cacao can make chocolate and there is no substitute. All the farmers have to follow the five factors that influence the quality of cacao beans on farmers level. They are Genetic. Environment, Farm Management, Pest and diseases management and post harvest processing.

According to Cruz, the cacao trees in Indonesia and South Africa are old trees and aging. The Philippines would be a major supplier because it has still an idle land to plant cacao especially under the tree million hectares of coconut lands. To make sustainable, we have to work on the sustainability — Economic, Environmental and Social.

“ Grow Cacao with the world and soon harvest a hundrefold,” Cruz emphasized.

ZAMPEN ICON is spearheaded by the Dept. of Trade and Industry-9 under Regional Director Sitti Amina Jain in partnership with the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc., Industrial Group of Zamboanga Inc., Local Government of Zamboanga and Canning Industry of Z.C. Its theme is “ Inclusive Growth thru High Impact Investments”.


Zamboanga City launches ‘Bahay Kubo’ program

(PNA), JBP/RCK/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 10 (PNA) -- The city government has turned over the newly-rehabilitated barangay hall worth PHP1.9 million to Barangay Vitali, 83.99 kilometers east of City Hall.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Saturday the newly-completed project was turned over during the launching of the “Bahay Kubo” program on Wednesday in Barangay Vitali.

Salazar, who led the turnover of the project, said the project was received by Vitali officials headed by Barangay Chairman Jose Alavar.

She said the rehabilitation project is aimed to improve the barangay’s seat office to facilitate better delivery of services to its residents.

She said the project is part of the ongoing advocacy of the city government to equip and prepare barangays to better respond to the needs of their constituents as the front-line responders.

Alavar, on behalf of the residents, has expressed gratitude to Salazar for the realization of the project.

Meanwhile, Salazar said the Bahay Kubo project will ensure the family has ample supply of vegetables for their table needs.

City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat said the Bahay Kubo project aims to revive backyard gardening in the city and encourage families to grow their own vegetables for their consumption.

He said they may sell the vegetables for additional income should there be excess harvest.

Inspired by a folk song of the same title, the Bahay Kubo project is a pilot program under the department’s Sustainable Household Enterprise (SHE) initiative.

Palacat said they will provide the barangays with seedlings and organic fertilizers as well as necessary training to start residents on the project.

DTI sets food safety and quality seminar in Zambo City

(PNA), LAP/PGL/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 9 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will hold a three-day food safety and quality seminar for food processors from all over Region 9, October 13-15, 2015.

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, told the Philippines News Agency that the seminar aims to improve the quality of the food products being processed here in the region.

Jain said the seminar is also aimed at teaching the food processors about the basic requirements of food safety and to produce quality food as well food standards compliance.

She said the target outcome of the seminar is to be able “to position our food products in the market” as well as to ensure the protection of the consumers.

“It is difficult to sell the products that are not within the quality standards,” she said in an interview at the sideline of the four-day Zamboanga Peninsula Exposition (ZAMPEX) 2015 in this city.

Meanwhile, Jain said that there are 38 exhibitors of food products that are participating in the ZAMPEX 2015 that kicked-off Thursday and ends on October 11.

Jain said ZAMPEX is basically a platform to “launch our new products and to promote our existing products” to the market both domestic and international.

“We are not just selling the products, we are trying to promote the area as an investment destination for buyers to come over and buy our products,” she added.

Oct. 12, 14 holiday in Zambo

By Sheila Covarrubias

Monday, October 12 is declared a special non-working holiday in Zamboanga City in fitting celebration of the feast of Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar.

The declaration is pursuant to Republic Act 7350 approved on April 2, 1992 through the initiative of the late Congresswoman who also served as Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat.

Based on the Act, October 12 of every year is declared a special non-working day in Zamboanga City.

October 12 is dedicated to religious activities that will kick off with the Diana and the celebration of mass culminating with the grand procession at 3pm from the Metropolitan Cathedral in La Purisima Street to the Fort Pilar Shrine. Masses will follow.

Meanwhile, Wednesday, October 14 is a Muslim Legal Holiday in observance of “Amun Jadid” or Islamic New Year, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1083 otherwise known as the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines.

Based on Article 170 of PD 1083, the Muslim holiday shall be officially observed in the province of Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur and in the cities of Cotabato, Iligan, Marawi, Pagadian and Zamboanga and in such other Muslim provinces and cities.

All Muslim government officials and employees in place other than those enumerated under Article 170 “shall also be excused from reporting to office in order that they may be able to observe Muslim holidays.”

All set for 2-day Zambo Peninsula Investment Conference - DTI

(PNA), FFC/BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 7 (PNA) –- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced its readiness for the conduct of the two-day Zamboanga Peninsula Investment Conference (ICon) in the city.

The ZAMPEN Icon, which will kick-off on Thursday and will end on Friday, will be held in one of the local hotels in the city. It is initiated by the DTI in partnership with the Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (ZCCCIFI).

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, in a statement Wednesday to the Philippines News Agency said the ZAMPEN ICon aims to lure in investors to the region with focus on the six regional champion products namely: rubber; mango; fish and processed fish products; coconut; abaca; and, seaweeds.

Jain said the two-day event also aims to promote the emerging local cacao industry.

“ZAMPEN ICon targets prospective investors to pour in their capital in the region through our regional champion products and the emerging cacao industry. ZAMPEX is finding the right market for the products of our micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs)” Jain explained the ZAMPEN ICon is held simultaneously with Zamboanga Peninsula Exposition (ZAMPEX) 2015.

The ZAMPEX 2015, which will be held in another local hotel, will also kick-off Thursday and ends Sunday.

The ICon will start at 1 p.m. Thursday, with Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar welcoming the guests and participants.

DTI Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba of the Industry Development Group will be the keynote speaker.

Jain said the plenary session on ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Game Plan and Industry Roadmaps for inclusive growth will immediately follow with Foreign Trade Service Corps Commercial Counselor Glenn Peñaranda as the resource speaker.

She added that Dr. Ramon Clarete of the University of the Philippines School of Economics will present the AEC Game Plan and the National Development Agenda.

She said Aldaba will then discuss the Regional Clusters and the Philippine New Industrial Policy.

The last topic for Thursday will be on investment opportunities at the Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport (Zamboecozone) with Zamboecozone Chairman Christopher Lawrence Arnuco as the resource speaker.

The ZCCCIFI will host a fellowship night to forge partnership among the participants of the ZAMPEN ICon.

Jain said there will be plenary session 2 and 3 on the second day of ZAMPEN ICon and “this time focusing on the opportunities and prospects in the regional champion products.”

She said the discussion for the plenary session 2 will be on the opportunities in abaca processing, cacao production and processing, prospects in seaweeds processing, and the sardines industry.

The speakers are the following: Daniel Baluran, operations manager of Newtech Pulp, Inc.; Pedro Cruz, head of the agritechnology department of Kennemer Foods Inc.; Marcial Solante Jr., vice president of the Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines; and, Arriel Onesa, president of the Industrial Group of Zamboanga, Inc. (IGZI).

In the afternoon, Jain said the plenary session 3 will focus on the market opportunities of rubber and rubber products, mango processing and opportunities, opportunities prospects in coco products specifically on geonets, coco fiber and coco peat.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Regional Governor for Western Mindanao Pedro Rufo Soliven, ZCCCIFI president Edwin To and Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative will serve as the moderators on the plenary sessions.

As part of the closing ceremonies, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Director Romeo Montenegro will give the government’s statement of support to all the industries, after which is the inspirational message to be given by DTI Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Blesila Lantayona.

Jain will give her closing remarks to close the ZAMPEN ICon.

The ZAMPEN ICon is expected to generate at least 150 participants from all over the region.

DTI: ZAMPEX 2015 to bridge MSMEs to bigger markets

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 6 (PNA) -- The best products of the micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) of the region will take center stage in the four-day Zamboanga Peninsula Exposition (ZAMPEX) 2015 in this city.

The ZAMPEX 2015, initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is scheduled to be held in one of the local hotels from Thursday, October 7, until Sunday, October 11.

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, said the ZAMPEX, dubbed as the region’s biggest and grandest marketing event, aims to bring in more exhibitors from all over the region and make their products available to local buyers and big buyers from Manila.

Jain said the four-day activity will bridge the MSMEs and the market.

“ZAMPEX is aimed at making the right market connections for our MSMEs. That is why we have invited big institutional buyers from Manila, and our local buyers that will introduce our products to the bigger stage,” Jain said.

Jain said with the ASEAN Economic Integration, there is a need to have mechanisms that will help MSMEs make a dent in the ASEAN Regional Market through massive promotion of local products.

“ZAMPEX is one of the many ways in promoting our MEMEs products, albeit, the biggest activity we have in the region dedicated to this purpose. We have many unique and excellent products that have the potential to make it big in the ASEAN market. All we need is to help our MSMEs promote and market their products. That is the role of ZAMPEX,” she stressed.

To help achieve this goal, Jain said the ZAMPEX activities include business matching to help MSMEs establish business partnerships and markets for their products.

She added that the business matching is a key component of ZAMPEX “as we help bridge MSMEs and the buyers by forging business partnerships and finding markets for their products.”

She said there will be 100 booths for exhibitors showcasing food and non-food products, and for institutional partners.

This year’s ZAMPEX will also feature the Sardines Industry in partnership with the Industrial Group of Zamboanga Inc., (IGZI) and the Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association, Incorporated (SOPHIL).

This city caters about 80 percent of all canned sardines in the country and is dubbed as the Sardines Capital of the Philippines, while Zamboanga del Norte is the major producer of bottled sardines.

Jain said there will be also side events like techno demo, garden show, and trainings and seminars for existing and would entrepreneurs.

The holding of this year’s ZAMPEX is in partnership with the Zamboanga Peninsula SME Core Group, local government, Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., IGZI, and SOPHIL.

NFA launches 1M-food guardians campaign

By Jocelyn P Alvarez (ALT/JPA/PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct . 05 (PIA) - - Philippines is not among the leading rice producers in the globe in spite of the presence of suitable environment. Glitches on the imbalance between rice production and consumption is a real thing in this contemporary time, thus our government plays an active role in addressing this issue.

To give emphasis on the enhancement of national food security, the promotion of food safety and quality consciousness among the Filipino people and fair trade practices in the grains market, the National Food Authority (NFA) launched this week an advocacy campaign dubbed “One Million Food Guardians for 100 Million Filipino People.”

The advocacy crusade seeks to solicit one million volunteer-individuals to serve as vanguards against rice wastage.

“This movement seeks to encourage individuals from different sectors to be Food Guardians who will become partners of NFA in ensuring that rice, the staple food of Filipinos, is available, accessible, affordable, and safe for the public,” said Jordan Lee Valente, NFA Regional Information officer.

Responsibilities of Food Guardians

Valente said, Food Guardians are expected to uphold NFA’s rice sufficiency initiatives like the “Be Riceponsible” Campaign, which aims to promote the “RICEponsibility” of every Filipino to help the country achieve rice self-sufficiency by not wasting rice.

“Every day, an individual is wasting an average of two (2) tablespoons of rice which could add up to 3.3 kg a year. With the 100 million population of the country, the rice wasted could reach up to 330,000 MT every year and costs around 27 million pesos daily or 10 billion pesos yearly,” Valente was quoted as saying.

Rice guardians are also expected to support the Bantay Bigas Campaign which seeks the support of the public in making sure that rice is available, accessible, affordable and visible in public markets by reporting to NFA Bantay Bigas Hotline,” Valente said.

NFA Bantay Bigas Hotline numbers are (0906-4363133/991-1828/991-1789) and NFA social media accounts (www.facebook.com/nfapublicaffairs, www.facebook.com/NFAregion9 and @bigas_nfa on Twitter)

Guardians are also expected to upkeep the Food Safety Campaign “which educates the public on proper food handling procedures to make sure that rice is safe for consumers,” Valente explained.

How to be a food Guardian

Valente advises, to sign-up as a Food Guardian, volunteers can follow the Food Guardians Facebook page (www.facebook.com/foodguardians and/or www.facebook.com/NFAregion9) and post their photo holding a fan sign: “I am a FOOD GUARDIAN” with the hashtag #1for100iNFAntry.

“Interested volunteers may also visit sign-up booths located at NFA offices regionwide. Photos of the Food Guardian volunteers will be posted on the NFA Food Guardian Facebook page portraying the unity of the Food Guardians across the country,” he said.

As of press time, more than two thousand food guardians in the region covering Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur, Zamboang Del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay have volunteered for the cause.

"This campaign will continue till we reach our one million target nationwide." Valente concluded.

Zamboanga Hermosa festival enters 5th day

By Bong Garcia

THE Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2015 enters its 5th day Monday, October 5, with activities showcasing Zamboanga City's rich and colorful history and culture.

City Hall Information Officer Belen Sheila Covarrubias said a three-day Art Exhibit back-to-back with the Segundo Conferencia de Cultura, Artes y Historia (Culture, Arts and History second conference) will reel off starting Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Covarrubias said the twin events hope to foster understanding of the policy choices and challenges the arts and culture face in the city.

She said it will bring together academicians, leaders from the arts community and representatives of public and social organizations interested in issues related to arts and cultural policy development.

The twin events were organized by the Council of Culture, Arts and History.

The events will be capped with a cultural presentation through the "Un Noche de Canciones" at 7 p.m. Monday night featuring various choir groups in Zamboanga--the Western Mindanao State University Choral Group, the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College Choral Group and the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology Choral group with a presentation from the Zamboanga City Hall choir.

Tourist Arrival counter at airport launched

By Sheila Covarrubias

The City Government through the City Tourism Office formally launched the Tourist Arrival Counter at the Zamboanga International Airport as part of its efforts to bring tourism promotion initiatives to a higher level.

The project was a joint venture of the City Government, the La Hermandad Zamboanguena and the Western Mindanao State University –College of Architecture. It is basically a private-public initiative (PPI) and its design is a combination of the different features that are reflective of Zamboanga. The design is the winning entry in a competition held for the same purpose held at the WMSU College of Architecture.

The La Hermandad Zamboanguena through the generosity of Stonerich Construction Company of Mr. Bong Nuno constructed the counter.

Ms. Fatmawati Nuno (representing Bong Nuno), Department of Tourism Region-9 Director Maryjune Bugante, Councilors Myra Paz Abubakar, Luis Biel III and Roel Natividad, together LHZ representative Bingbong Ledesma and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Center-9 OIC Reynaldo Alforte led in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon officially opening the counter for inbound visitors and tourists.

The tourist arrival counter will be manned by staff from the City Tourism Office who will answer queries from inbound visitors/tourists. It will help promote the image of the city and its attractions through the flyers and other materials that will be distributed. It will also be a venue where passengers can collect information related to services on dining, accommodation and other activities.

Thousands join Hermosa festival opening salvo

By Jasmine Mohammadsali

Thousands of Zamboangueños converged as one family and community at City Hall yesterday afternoon, October 1, to celebrate unity, harmony, and friendship in the grand opening of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2015.

With the theme of “Junto y Unido: Celebracion de Harmonia y Buen Amistad”, the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2015 officially kicked off the month-with the grand opening parade and the fiesta opening salvo, which drew crowds at City Hall with live performances from winners of the pre-fiesta Bandoreal competition, sneak peeks of the performances for the upcoming street dance competition, and free medical consultations.

Also headlining the Hermosa Festival opening was the Pink October walk, undertaken by the Gender and Development (GAD) and the Local Council of Women to promote breast cancer awareness. Ms. Anna Marie Gomez, a daughter of a breast cancer patient, shared her testimony and urged residents to take steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages.

Spearheading the hubbub of activities for the opening salvo was City Mayor Beng Climaco who along with guest of honor AKBAYAN Representative Angelina Ludovice-Katoh and local government officials, led the ceremonies for the release of the pink ribbon balloons for the Pink October walk, the launch of the much-awaited I Love Zamboanga Campaign, and the countdown and lighting of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Emblem symbolizing the people’s aspirations and strong faith.

“Man junto-junto kita – in unity, we will build back a better Zamboanga,” said Climaco.

A unity dance for all residents and participants capped off the opening salvo activities.

The opening salvo marked the official opening of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2015 which boasts of jam-packed October filled with festival activities from various sectors. For the opening week, Festival activities include: the Zamboanga Grand Midnight Sale (October 1 -10, Pueblo Area), the La Cocina Chavacano – Zamboanga City Smoke Out: Grilled Food Fiesta! (October 2-9, RT Lim Boulevard), and the Cosechas de Zamboanga (October 2-15, Plaza Pershing).

CDA sets Cooperative Month activities in Zambo

By R.G. Antonet A. Go

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 1 (PNA) – The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) has lined up activities for the observance of the Cooperative Month this October in this city.

Councilor Myra Paz Abubakar, regional cooperative development council chairperson, said Thursday the activities will kick-off on Saturday with a motorcade from the city proper to the Golf Beach Resort in Barangay Upper Calarian.

Abubakar said it will be followed by the opening ceremonies, tree planting and coastal clean-up activity.

She said Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, first district Rep. Celso Lobregat and second district Rep. Lilia Nuño will grace the opening ceremonies of the Cooperative Month.

She said the activities will culminate with a symposium for the members of the different cooperatives in this city.

She said there are more than 100 registered cooperatives that are based in this city.

She said the Cooperative Month observance in anchored in the theme “KOOPERATIBA: Ika-100 Taong Pagpupugay, Tulay sa Maunlad na Buhay.” (PNA) CTB/TPGJR/RGAAG

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