Zamboanga City News September 2011

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Zamboanga City - Archived News

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2011 reels off

by Bong Garcia

THE City of Zamboanga, dubbed as Asia's Latin City, takes on a festive mood Saturday, October 1, as the Zamboanga Hermosa 2011, the grandest local festival, kicks off.

The month-long celebration, themed "Zamboanga Hermosa... Vamos a Zamboanga," will include a myriad of events showcasing the city's rich and unique history and culture dedicated to the patron saint Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar.

Among the featured events on the first day of the festival are the Cosechas de Zamboanga, an agri-trade fair; the 7th Mayor Celso Lobregat Golf Tournament; the 6th Inter-Barangay Cluster Cultural presentation; and an art exhibit dubbed "Solamente Zamboanga".

Mayor Celso Lobregat will lead the opening of the different activities.

The Cosechas de Zambonga, which will open at 9 a.m., will have two venues -- the Veterans Park in Rizal Street for the fruits and vegetables and Jardin Maria Clara in Pasonanca for the plants and flowers.

The 7th Mayor Celso Lobregat Golf Tournament will also kick off at the same time at the Zamboanga Golf Course and Country Club, while the Biocare 2011 Beauty and Health festival will reel at the Bio Skin Care Slimming and Spa Center in Nuñez extension and the Vamos a Zamboanga Safari Contest.

At 8 a.m., the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Zamboanga City Council will start its Fiesta Scout Rally at the Paseo del Mar, while the 2011 Cooperative Month celebration will kick off with a motorcade and fun run from Pasonanca to the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex at 8:30 a.m.

In the afternoon, the Cats and Dogs Day Fair will be held at 2 p.m. at the Camp Atilano Ampitheater in Pasonanca and the Art Exhibit "Solamente Zamboanga" will open at the Garden Orchid Hotel.

Barangay clusters will take turns in the 6th Inter-Barangay Cluster Cultural Presentation at the Paseo del Mar starting at 6:30 p.m. until the 8th of October.

At 9 p.m. will be the San Miguel Rocks Fiesta Hermosa "Rock the Fort," a band competition at the Plaza del Pilar.

The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is an annual event in honor of Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Pilar.

Continuous celebrations take place until the end of the month but the main event will be on October 12, the feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar, Zamboanga City’s patron saint.

It is during this time of the year when Zamboangueños -- from all over the world -- make a pilgrimage to the Fort Pilar Shrine and at the same time witness and enjoy the festivities.

The people's collective gesture displays steadfast love and affection to Zamboanga City and most especially to the La Virgen del Pilar.

OWWA joins BSP’s Financial Learning Campaign

by Mary Jane Reyes-Amarado(Mary Jane Reyes-Amarado, OWWA9-LCO/PIA9-ALT/Zambo Sur)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, September 29 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 9 recently joined the Financial Learning Campaign (FLCs) for Overseas Filipinos and their beneficiaries conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) held on September 16, 2011 at the Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City.

At least 200 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents attended the event. Deputy Director Melodino Patiño of BSP Zamboanga Branch said that the campaign was initiated to bring BSP services closer to OFW clients.

“Paghahanda sa Kinabukasan” is an Economic and Financial Learning Program of the BSP that outlines the uses of remittances by promoting financial wellness through programs focusing on practical lessons to obtain financial security in the future.

The BSP’s Financial Consumer Affairs Group spearheaded by Conchita Aunario also offered updates and information on Retirement Planning, Savings & Investment Instruments and Consumer Protection.

Eduardo C. Jimenez, Microfinance Committee Consultant of the BSP gave the overview of Microfinance, while Ms. Rosabel Guerrero, OIC of the Department of Economics emphasized Financial Planning.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hatta Alih, OWWA MOFYA 2010 Awardee shared his story of sacrifices as an OFW and now as a successful entrepreneur.

Fauzia Amilasan, Authorized Representative of OWWA reiterated the effective formula in saving and encouraged the participants to target savings.

In its fifth year of addressing the financial literacy needs of OFW families, BSP will go around the country to provide OFW families with the knowledge they need to take charge of their finances for their future.

ZamPen exporters, importers urged to attend free trade info drive

by Lowell S. Vallecer (JPA/LSV/DTI9/PIA 9-Zambo City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 28, (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) invites the region’s exporters, importers, distributors, custom brokers, freight forwarders and members of the academe to the “Doing Business in the Free Trade Areas” information drive on September 28, 2011 at the Crystal Ballroom of Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City.

“This free trade areas (FTA) info drive is actually the second one being slated in the region, Nazrullah B. Manzur, Regional Director of the DTI Regional Office 9 said.

“The first one, conducted in 2010, tackled the general aspects of the FTA. This time, the info drive will take the sectoral approach where the focus sectors are seaweeds and processed fish”, Manzur said.

The sessions will cover discussions on market opportunities, particularly on products with zero or reduced tariff rates under the existing FTA agreements. There shall also be one on one sessions to guide interested businessmen on the procedures for their availment.

It has been observed that while the Philippines has long been implementing a number of FTAs, only few of our local businessmen have been able to take full advantage of them.

“We hope to address this gap through these information drives that the DTI and its partners agencies are conducting nationwide”, Manzur said

“There will be no registration fee but accommodation will be on a first come, first served basis”, Manzur added.

Those interested to attend are advised to confirm their participation by contacting the DTI Field Office nearest them.

DOT conducts tour guiding seminar

By R.G. A A. Go

The Department of Tourism IX (DOT) is conducting Basic Tour Guiding Seminar to help boost the City’s tourism industry in Zamboanga City from September 27 to 29 at a local hotel in this city.

Around 35 participants will attend the training given by the DOT for free. The participants are all graduates of four year course and passed the stringent screening of the DOT.

According to DOT IX Regional Director Mary June Bugante, “si tiene grupo tan byahe, bueno kel tiene tour guide para dale informacion del un lugar.” The lecturer for the training will be Mary Ann Perpetua Hildawa who is the sales manager of Mars Man Tours.

Things to be taught to the participants are techniques in basic tour guiding, how to conduct a tour, duties and responsibilities of a tour guide, escorting a guest, and communication skills.

The participants will have a hands on training where they will showcase what they have learned. A certificate will be given to those who will finish the course.

The basic Tour Guiding Seminar is a prerequisite for getting the advance tour guiding which is a 21-days seminar after which the participants can get their tour guiding license.

Bugante said the training was done in time for the October 12, 2011 Fiesta Pilar.

According to Bugante, the city only has two licensed tour guides.

OCENR pushes for immediate construction of sanitary landfill

By R.G. A A. Go

The City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) officer pushing for the immediate construction of a sanitary landfill.

OCENR Chief Engr. Reynaldo Gonzales said the City have already acquired a three hectare lot at Barangay Salaan amounting to P3 Million and the funds were already released. The lot which was supposed to be purchased was ten hectares however, a problem occurred during the transfer of title.

The three hectares sanitary landfill will be only be good for two years while a ten hectare sanitary landfill is expected to last for 10 to 15 years.

The OCENR Chief stressed, “it is really the priority program of the administration to acquire the land and develop it.”

The sanitary landfill disposal facility according to Gonzales will avoid the pollution of the city’s ground water and will result to less impact to the environment and health of the people.

He said the program will be implemented by phase and they will check on how the city can use the purchased three hectare land.

After the opening of the new sanitary landfill the Lumbangan Controlled Disposal Facility will be closed.

The OCENR collects 140 tons of garbage per day.

Tourist police gets DOT TOPCOP training

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez(JPA/PIA 9-Zambo City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 25 (PIA) -- Some 60 policemen directly assigned and involved in protecting and looking after the welfare of tourists got a “Tourist Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection” (TOPCOP) training from the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The recently conducted three day training was held at the Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 in Camp Romeo Abendan, Barangay Mercedes, here.

The training involved handling and approaching tourists, basic courtesy, securing tourist destinations, and differences in culture and traditions.

Lecturers/trainers include: P/Sr. Supt. Christian Haveria- Asistant Chief Public Safety Division and Chief Tourist Safety and Protection from the Philippine National Police- National Headquarters in Manila; Dr. Susan Reyes-Anthropologist and Director of Philosophy; Luz Navarro-Team North America of DOT; and Mila Say of DOT Planning Division.

Training participants include Tourist Police, Aviation Security Group and police from the Regional Office IX .

DOT Regional Director Mary June Bugante said the training was just in time for the city’s grandest annual event-the Fiesta Pilar celebration or Zamboanga Hermosa Festival this October.

It is during this October festivity month where hundreds if not thousands of tourists are expected to visit the city for the various activities lined up for the event.

DOST launches STARBOOKS in Zamboanga Peninsula

(PNA/PIA9-BST)

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has recently released a P760,324 grant to the Regional Information Technology and E-Commerce Committee-9 (RITECC-9) to carry out the project “Piloting of STARBOOKS in selected schools and libraries here in Zamboanga Peninsula.”

DOST Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said the project, which is implemented through DOST's Grants-in-Aid (GIA), is aimed provide an effective and efficient access to Science and Technology (S&T) information through the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). STARBOOKS, which stands for Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk Station, is a stand alone, onsite research kiosk that provides free access on S&T information for academic and livelihood use, Manzano explained.

Manzano said the system provides relevant and latest information on S&T subjects.

Manzano added that the users can have access to thousands of titles of books, journals, scientific researches, technical and annual reports and other latest data and information contained at the DOST’s Science Information Network (SciNeT), Philippine eLib project sources, freely-available online resources, and subscribed databases.

The project also aims to create and enhance interest of students in the field of S&T, encourage their great and curious minds to develop new ideas, inventions and innovations and stimulate and inspire their capacity to get involved in research and entrepreneurship, Manzano said.

She said the recipients of the project are selected educational institutions and libraries here in Zamboanga Peninsula with S&T priority subjects in their curriculum as identified by the RITECC-IX members.

RITECC-9, which implements the project, is a special committee on ICT under the Regional Development Council-9 (RDC-9).

Manzano said that other schools who wish to avail of the STARBOOKS will be given the contents and software for free.

However, she said they are required to provide for the computer system with the minimum requirements specified for the installation of the STARBOOKS software.

STARBOOKS is the First Philippine Science Digital Library developed by the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) of DOST.

For more information about the project, Manzano interested parties may visit or call the DOST regional office at Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062)991-1024 and look for Ms. Thelma E. Diego.

Zamboangueño is TESDA Regional Galing Mason 2011

By R.G. A A. Go

A Zamboangueño won the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Skills Demo Competition in Masonry or the TESDA Galing Mason 2011 held last September 15 at the TESDA Office located at Barangay San Roque.

TESDA Information Officer Joy Wee named the winner as Raymundo Lacastesantos.

There were eight mason contestants. Two from Zamboanga City, three from Zamboanga del Sur, two from Zamboanga del Norte, and one from Zamboanga Sibugay.

During the competition, the eight masons showed their skills on plastering, hallow block laying, and concrete slab construction.

An interview was also conducted on the eight contestants by the panel of judges to check on their work experience and family life. The contestants were judged based on workmanship, techniques, and speed.

The winner is set to receive P25,000 and a certificate. He will also represent Region IX in the National Skills Demo Competition in Masonry scheduled on October 21 to 25 in Manila.

16 winners coming from the different regions will compete in the National Skills Demo Competition in Masonry.

The activity is done yearly to promote Filipino workers, specifically, masons who have shown pride and great improvement in their work while being responsible members of the family and the community.

The competition was made possible in partnership with Holcim Philippines and TESDA.

The guest during the activity was Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Public Works and Highways Nenita Robles and Holcim Philippines Representative Daryl Jean Villanueva.

Pasonanca Watershed Bill gets Chiz committee approval

(Zamboanga Today news post)

Consolidated House Bill No. 4830 progressed one step forward after the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources approved the measure during its regular session at the Jose P Laurel session hall of the Upper house.

Committee chairman Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero gave the bill principally authored by Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Erico Basilio A. Fabian its approval and sent the measure to a technical working group for consolidation and approval by the senate’s plenary session before it gets sent to President Noynoy Aquino to finally certify the measure into law.

The bill elevated to the upper house after gaining congress approval, seeks the establishment of the Pasonanca Watershed Forest Reserve as a protected area under the category of natural park and providing thereof for its management and for other purposes.

Approved House Bill 4830 was introduced in the senate by Reps. Francisco T. Matugas, house committee chair on Environment and Natural Resources and Jose Emilio Abaya, chair of the House Appropriations committee and was championed in the upper house as Senate Bill No. 2144 by Sen. Pia Cayetano.

The Pasonanca Watershed bill sailed through the committee hearing and passed muster with principal author Rep. Fabian and his staff in attendance. Senator Escudero assured the Zamboanga solon of the bill passage and requested all pertinent papers be submitted to his committee soonest for consolidation.

Rep. Fabian expressed gratitude to Sen. Escudero for the swift approval of his measure and said the landmark bill is a legacy for all of Zamboanga City as the measure will protect the vital Pasonanca watershed area, the main source of potable water for the city’s over 65,000 consumers.

Fabian also took time to extend his gratitude to his house colleagues anew for passing the measure in congress enabling early deliberations on the measure for its possible passage into law in this 15th congress.

Another Fabian bill now in the senate awaiting deliberation is House Bill No. 425 which seeks to increase the current bed capacity of the Zamboanga City Medical Center from 250 to 500.

It has mustered house approval too and is with the committee of Sen. Pia Cayetano for the formulation of a counterpart bill in the senate.

ADZU leads Inter-school ‘best-of-3’ cage tourney

By MONCH L.FOLLOSCO

The Ateneo De Zamboanga University (ADZU) basketball team won over Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) in the first game during the championship round for the "best of 3 series’ of the Zamboanga Inter-School Basketball League (ZIBL) at the Golden Boys basketball gym recently.

It was an exciting game as both teams supporters and basketball enthusiasts were glued on their seats watching both teams struggling at the hard court to win the game.

Ateneo’s powerhouse cager Pardo (#8) made a sweeping seven 3-point shot in the entire game with a total 36 points followed by Impe (#14) with 12 points; Basiri (10), 8 points; Pardo (18), 8points; Apostol (11) with 5 points and other team mates to lead in the final score of 84-81 against WMSU team.

Both teams will play the second game in the ‘best-of-3 series’ (college division) championship round on September 25 (Sunday) at 5p.m. at the Golden Boys Gym.

ZIBL organizer Jing Eustaquio said the champion will receive cash prize of five thousand pesos and a trophy while the second place will receive a trophy.

“This is to build up relations among schools, students and parents,” Eustaquio said as he appealed the public to support basketball leagues in the city. (Monch L. Follosco)

PhotoCAP: ADZU cager Impe (14) goes for a drive against the defenders of WMSU during best-of-3 series championship round. ADZU won with a final score 84-81.

Pioneer operation

by Tony Pe. Rimando(Manila Buleetin Mindanao NewsBits#3)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The first-ever kidney transplant in Region 9 has been set on October 1 at the Western Mindanao Medical Center (WMMC) in this city.

Dr. Michael Abutazil, chief of the newly established WMMC Renal Transplant Unit, said the first kidney transplant patient is a 45-year-old man, whom he did not identify, from Sindangan in Zamboanga del Norte. The kidney donor is reportedly the patient’s 41-year-old first cousin.

Abutazil said a series of tests on the donor and patient were earlier conducted even as the hospital previously purchased an aesthesia machine together with numerous special instruments needed for the region’s first-ever kidney transplant operation.

BSP governor sees vast potential in Zambo City

by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao(JPA/MVC/PIA9-ZC, with news from City Hall)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 19 (PIA) -- As greatly affected the city is with the erratic peace and order condition in this part of the country, it cannot be denied that “La Hermosa Zamboanga”, “Asia’s Latin City”, has vast potential to be one of the major economic contributors of the country.

Zamboanga City, some 460 nautical miles (850 kilometers) from the country’s capital city of Manila, is strategically located that it is considered the southern gateway to the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) due to its proximity to the three countries.

Although lost in the countless negative news about Mindanao as a whole, the city never lacks for economic activities, the reason why it is called the economic or industrial center of Western Mindanao.

Last September 15, one of the country’s authority in economy and finance visited the city and immediately saw a great economic prospective in the city.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco came to the city as the guest of honor during the inauguration of the new BSP Building here. But while looking around, Gov. Tetangco cannot help but marvel at the many economic indicators he is witnessing.

As head of the country’s biggest bank, it is but natural for him to know that one indicator of economic activity in an area is the number of banks in it.

“Zamboanga City alone has 55 bank branches. This could be one of the reasons why bank deposits here grew 12% and reached P46.7 billion in 2010”, he pointed.

To further stress his point, Tetangco said, “Clearly, you do not lack for capital or funding here”.

The mere fact that the city hosts the country’s biggest bank is enough statement of its great value to the country’s economy and Tetangco can never be proud of it.

“That this land now hosts the Bangko Sentral, a government institution mandated to provide stability to our economy through responsive monetary and banking policies, makes a powerful statement about our nation’s independence”, Tetangco said.

He added that the construction of a new and bigger office here manifests their commitment to strengthen Bangko Sentral’s presence here to help the entire region attain its full potential.

During a press briefing, Tetangco said the increase in the amount of bank deposits here is a good indicator of economic stability. But he also left a challenged to the city officials and other concerned government agencies.

“P46.7 billion is a significant amount. The challenge now here is to be able to use those funds to further push developments in the region”, he said.

“That shows that there is really a great deal of opportunity. Banks here and businessmen, together, should try and further help in the development of the region and the funding is not a problem as shown by the high level of deposits”, he said.

Gov. Tetangco was accompanied by other bigwigs from Bangko Sentral like Monetary Board Members Alfredo Antonio, Ignacio Bunye, the former Spokesperson of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Peter Favila, the former Department of Trade and Industry Secretary, Felipe Medalla, Armando Suratos, and Deputy Governors Diwa Guinigundo, Jr., Nestor Espenilla, and Jun Zuñiga, Managing Director, Regional Monetary Affairs Sub-Sector Pedro Tordilla, Jr., and Rosabel Guerrero, Director of the Department of Economic Statistics, among others.

Positive growth

(Manila Bulletin Mindanao NewsBits#5)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (PNA) – Two Mindanao regions have registered high employment rates in July this year, the National Statistics Office (NSO) said.

The NSO said that the number of employed persons in the country in July this year was estimated at 37.1 million based on its Labor Force Survey (LFS) for the period.

This translates to an employment rate of 92.9 percent, the NSO data said.

The two Mindanao regions with high employment rate in July this year are the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), with 96.7 percent and 96.3 percent, respectively.

Tarsiers found in Zamboanga

By Nonong Santiago

Bohol cannot anymore boast exclusivity of its famous tarsiers.

Tarsiers, one of the smallest and oldest living primates in the world is also endemic to Zamboanga City and other provinces in Mindanao.

Last Wednesday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mayor Celso Lobregat and Councilor Gerky Valesco released one female tarsier at the Pasonanca watershed area.

Valesco disclosed that a man who was cutting grasses at the lot owned by a certain Mrs. Rubio in barangay La Paz saw three tarsiers (a male, female and its offspring) at past 4 p.m..

The councilor said the young primate escaped while the two older ones were taken to the residence of Mrs. Rubio who then turned over the little creatures to the DENR Wildlife and Protected Area Division for further disposition.

Valesco said one of the tarsiers was wounded when it was hit with the bolo and taken to the Department of Agriculture's animal clinic for treatment. However, the little primate died yesterday morning.

The dead tarsier was then turned over to Jennifer Madjos, a B.S. Biology instructor of the Western Mindanao State University' College of Science and Mathematics.

Madjos disclosed the tarsier will be stuffed and preserved with the use of formalin.

Michael Dela Cruz, Protected Area Superintendent disclosed in 2007 a group of scientists from Kansas University U.S.A. discovered tarsiers to exist in Zamboanga City particularly at the Pasonanca watershed area.

Dela Cruz said the scientific name of the tarsiers of Zamboanga is Tarsius Syrichta Carbonarius while those found in Samar, Leyte are called Tarsius Syrichta Leytensis.

According to Dela Cruz, based from monitoring, there are seven barangays in Zamboanga City where the nocturnal animal abound. These are barangays La Paz, Pasonanca, Baluno, Dulian, Lumayang, Tolosa and Bungiao.

The DENR official said the tarsiers are solitary animals and it does not want to be held captive as there are tendencies it will commit suicide. Since 2008 until present, at least ten captured tarsiers have already been released to the wild, Dela Cruz said.

At 100, ZGCC to host historical golf tourney

(Zamboanga Golf and Country Club)

If Zamboanga Golf and Country Club (ZGCC) had been a person, it would be too old and weak already. But it’s not. In its 100th birthday, this Mindanao’s premier golf course is still very vibrant, dynamic, and as stunning as ever.

And to celebrate the centennial anniversary of its establishment, the officers and men of ZGCC will throw the grandest and biggest tournament in the history of golf in Zamboanga City, if not in the entire country.

“This tournament is in itself a historical event as we are holding it in time for the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the club,” said Mr. Leonardo Rey D. Vasquez, president of ZGCC.

Mr. Vasquez said that more than 200 golfers from different major golf clubs all over the country will converge in this City for a two-day historical sporting event, which will run from 17-18th of this month.

“We have participants from as far as the cities of Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Ozamis, and of course Zamboanga,” he revealed.

This golf tournament, according to one of the ZGCC directors Mr. Butch Blanco, is also “a very good avenue to promote tourism in Zamboanga City.” “This is the right time to also showcase our beautiful City and what it can offer,” he added.

In less than a month before the City’s grandest festival “Fiesta Pilar,” this is the right time where visitors especially those from outside the City can roam around and tour historical and beautiful spots in the City such as the famous Fort Pilar Shrine, Pasonanca Park, the Yakan Village, Zamboanga Barter Trade Center and many more.

A data from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) revealed that Zamboanga golf course was founded on June 1910. A year after that, the club was formally organized with Major General John J. Pershing as its founding president.

Gen. Pershing was the concurrent governor general of then Moro Province. It was the period when the country was under the American occupation. Though the construction of this beautiful sport facility was realized during war time, its symbolism revealed its opposite since this golf course has been a venue for fostering sportsmanship and culture of camaraderie among the golf enthusiasts. And that culture has remained and has been nurtured up to this time.

According to Mr. Blanco, aside from observing the 100th year of the club, the holding of this golf tournament dubbed as: “Celebrar Cien Años de Golf,” is to actually “foster camaraderie through sports.”

And to also build teamwork among the different clubs, he said that the format of the game will be “team play,” where team with highest points will be declared winner. The teams will be further identified by classes – A to C – according to the number of players, in accordance with the standard rules in playing golf.

As a grand sporting event, winners can also expect very attractive cash prizes. Mr. Blanco revealed that more than one million pesos are at stake in this tournament.

An 18-hole ZGCC, describes by GolPh as one of the best in Mindanao, is located in a 16-hectare lot in Calarian Village, about five kilometers from downtown Zamboanga. NSCB information describes the ZGCC’s course as having a “fine layout with winding fairways, dogleg situations, and good green planted to Tifton 228.”

It added that the bunkers of this majestic golf course have the unique pinkish sand from Sta. Cruz Island, a tourism destination famous for its powdery pink sand and beautiful corals.

In addition, golfers playing at ZGCC can enjoy the panoramic view of the beautiful Basilan Strait, which is simply breathtaking. GolfPh added that playing in its course is a “golfing paradise.”

Among the amenities of the club are its tee houses, very comfortable locker rooms and shower facilities, club restaurant serving delicious foods, and function rooms. The location of the course is surrounded by different beach resorts such as the beach park, La Vista del Mar and Arcillas Beach Resort.

The scenic ZGCC and Zamboanga Golf and Beach Park is maintained and operated by the Philippine Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA; formerly Philippine Tourism Authority).

The holding of “Celebrar Cien Años de Golf” is made possible by ZGCC, Pogi Boys of Davao City, TIEZA, City Government of Zamboanga, Department of Tourism, JMJ, DMCI, Universal Canning Corp., Budgetwise, Resort’s World Manila, Standard Insurance, Brent Hospital, Oishi, Philippine Airlines, Samsung, Cherry Mobile, Mr. Tony Calabria, Hon. Erico Basilan Fabian, , Landbank of the Philippines, and Development Bank of the Philippines.

This historical golf tournament is organized by ZGCC led by its officers: Mr. Vasquez (President), Mr. Henry Ratag (Vice President), Mr. Edward Balagapo (Secretary), Mr. Joenas Suaso (Treasurer), Mr. Joseph Dy (Auditor), and Board of Directors: Mr. Patrick Lee, Mr. Raymond Padayhag, Mr. Blanco, Mr. Romy Urian, and Mr. Noel Arquiza.

Zambo city intensifies breastfeeding campaign, enacts ordinance

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez(JPA/PIA 9-Zambo City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA) -- To further drum beat and encourage the practice of breastfeeding in the various workplace in Zamboanga, the city Council enacted Ordinance 377 known as breastfeeding ordinance.

Claudine Uniana of the City Information Office, in a press statement said the ordinance is geared at intensifying practice of breastfeeding in the city.

Uniana explained “the ordinance pushes for the establishment of a work environment that fulfills the basic physical, emotional and psychological needs of mothers and infants as well as protecting working mothers by providing safe and healthy working conditions, taking into account the maternal functions, facilities and opportunities that will enable mothers to combine family obligations with work responsibilities.”

She further explained, “Ordinance No. 377 recognizes breast milk as the best source of nutrition for babies and that breastfeeding promotes the development of emotional bonding between mother and child, bestows upon the newborn infant protection against infection, provides the mother natural contraception after delivery and protects mothers from closely spaced pregnancy.

Uniana confirmed the ordinance mandates all private enterprises, government agencies including their subdivisions and instrumentalities, and Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) in the city to establish lactation stations where working mothers can breastfeed or hand-express breast milk during lactation breaks.

The ordinance clearly states that lactation stations must be equipped with “lavatory for hand washing unless there is an easily accessible lavatory nearby; refrigeration or appropriate cooling facilities where to store the expressed breast milk; table; comfortable seats; electrical outlets and other necessary items.

“Nursing mother employees shall also be allowed to take break intervals in addition to regular time-off for meals to breastfeed or expressed milk after asking permission from her supervisor” Uniana said.

Any private establishments or government institution caught violating the ordinance shall be imposed a fine of P1, 000 for the first offense; for second offense, a fine of P2, 000 and non extension of Sanitary Permit will be accorded to violators and a fine of P3000 and cancellation or revocation of business permits or license to operate for third offense.

Computer literacy program for mentors

By NONOY E. LACSON

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Some 1,400 public elementary school teachers and administrators in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Regions 9 and 12 are now computer-literate, according to the Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS2) Project of the Department of Education (DepED) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The project, which is aimed at helping the DepED improve basic education in high-poverty conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, partnered with Microsoft Philippines to train the teachers on MS Office software and the use of the MS Encarta electronic encyclopedia.

It also provided the teachers’ schools with 224 desktop computers, 50 notebook computers, 116 printers, 14 small projectors, and MS Office and Encarta software for the teachers’ use.

During the recent EQuALLS2 ICT forum, Mindanao teachers said they are now using their new information technology (IT) skills for faster preparation of lesson plans and reports, cross-referencing and enrichment of lessons, preparation of attention-getting and learning-enhancing visual aids, electronic presentations and activity materials, and computation and recording of student grades.

DepED-ARMM Secretary Baratucal Caudang said he hopes the ICT for education will be implemented in more areas in his region.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Ray Laguda disclosed that the department is now re-assessing its information and communications technology (ICT) program for education strategy and will include the project findings and the Mindanao leaders’ and educators’ inputs in its deliberation.

DepEd Director for Technical Services Paul Soriano added that they are now looking at the most cost-effective scheme for providing computers to all schools nationwide.

Also at the forum were representatives from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JAICA), and the Korean International Cooperation Agency.

DA promotes La Paz Ceylon tea

by WPeñaflor(JPA/WPEÑAFLOR, DA9-PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA), La Paz, Experiment Station, Zamboanga City is undertaking the propagation of La Paz Tea (Ceylon Tea variety) for planting materials in preparation for the establishment of a tea production Centre in the area.

Mr. Orlando Telmo, Station Superintendent of La Paz Experiment Station, said the DA has allocated funds for the project to plant La Paz Tea in the Barangay .The wild and abandoned matured Ceylon Tea varieties in the bushes of the barangay, caught the attention of Secretary Proceso J. Alcala during his first visit to Zamboanga City.

He encouraged the farmers to plant the tea as it demands a high importance to the tea drinkers and can give significant source of income to landowner and laborers in Barangay La Paz. The humidity, cool temperatures, and the high altitude of the area can provide a climate that favor the production of the high quality tea. Secretary Alcala is promoting the planting of Ceylon Tea all over the country.

Telmo said the Ceylon Tea variety in La Paz was planted way back 1980s by Bureau of Plant Industry in some selected area of DA La Paz Experiment Station but its efficiency remained static without research component to backstop its development in Western Mindanao.

There is a need to refine the technology for more efficient operation. The Secretary is eyeing the planting of Ceylon tea on large scale. There are several fully matured Ceylon tea trees existing that served as the mother tree and the source of the planting materials.

Telmo said the DA and the Alternative Center for Organizational Reform and Development Inc. (ACORD) an NGO, agreed to produce and expand the Ceylon Tea production in Zamboanga City due to its high demand at an alternative price in both the domestic and export market.

It is highly profitable when cultivated with the use of modern technologies. It can be processed into finish product and essential to human health. Under the agreement the DA will conduct research and development, undertake the training, establish techno demo farm, central nursery for mass production of planting materials.

The ACORD will take charge of marketing and operation of the project. The DA has already established two nurseries for the planting materials. He said several farmers in the area have indicated their interest to plant the tea in their respective areas.

The region is requesting the DA central office to send an expert on tea production to train local technicians and farmers planting and maintaining the tea to sustain its productivity. As of the moment the undertaking is still in plant propagation stage. Several contractual workers were hired by the agency to assist in the preparation of the nursery for the Ceylon Tea varieties. Telmo said the propagated La Paz Ceylon Tea Varieties now at nursery level can be transplanted to its planting sites after 18 months, but the technicians, the interested landowner and farmers must undergo the proposed series of training and seminars to be conducted by tea experts from DA or tea producers who are engage in tea productions.

The La Paz Tea (Ceylon Tea) is particularly prized form of black tea which increasingly becoming an important bush crop in the country.

It is rich in antioxidants and health promoting ingredients which can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and tooth decay. It also stimulates the control of the nervous system thereby increasing the alertness and decreasing drowsiness and fatigue.

It is a calorie free matured beverage without colouring agent of preservatives. The introduction of Ceylon Tea in the rural areas of La Paz shall utilize the labor resources abundantly available in the farm thereby generating employment.

It will provide quality planting materials for rehabilitation of degraded hillside development zone, likewise utilizes the marginal area where other field crops are no longer economically viable. Sustainable development of the Ceylon Tea production in Zamboanga Peninsula is believed to have great environmental, economic and social impact if given the appropriate direction and support by both the government and private sectors.

Zambo City Gears up for “Hermosa Festival 2011”

(JPA/PIA 9-Zambo City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 12 (PIA) -- The city is in its festive mood as preparations for the grandest festival in Zamboanga-the “2011 Zamboanga Hermosa Festival,” is now being undertaken.

The month-long festivity is in honor of the city’s Patron saint Nuestra Señora La Virgen Del Pilar, whose feast day is on October 12.

City Mayor Celso Lobregat convened concerned offices and agencies of government including the police and the military to look into the details with regards to the various activities lined up for the celebration.

A committee that will work on the preparations, planning and budgetting was formally created by the city thru Executive Order No. CL-418-2011 with City Administrator Antonio Orendain Jr. as chair and City Tourism Officer Sarita Hernandez as co-chair.

City Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias said the committee was created to ensure a more vibrant, colorful and successful fiesta celebration.

The annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is one event in Zamboanga that is being attended not only by the catholic devotees here but also visitors from neighboring cities and regions and even other countries visit Zamboanga to witness and be part of the celebration.

Although the actual feast day is on October 12, activities however will be a month long affair starting first day of October.

This year’s fiesta celebration is anchored on the theme: “Vamos a Zamboanga,” stressing on the city’s goal to promote Zamboanga as a tourist and investment destination in this part of the country.

Cadastral survey

by Nonoy Lacson (Manila Bulletin Mindanao Newsbits # 5)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Region-9 office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-9) has included the 31 municipalities in the region to be covered under the enhanced cadastral program.

The enhanced cadastral survey program was announced by DENR-9 Director Arleigh Adorable at 3rd Regional Management Conference held recently in Pagadian City, which was participated in by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officers, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers, and other key personnel of the DENR-9.

DPWH undertakes more than P100-M projects in Zambo

(PNA/PIA9-BST)

The government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is undertaking more than P100 million worth of road facelift projects covering two main components of this city's highway in the east coast, a DPWH official said.

DPWH district engineer Marham Acas said these are the portions in Sitio Tuktukalaw, Barangay Quiniput, 44 kilometers east of this city and the stretch from the Barangay Bolong to Barangay Dita, 33 kilometers and 41 kilometers east of this city, respectively.

Acas said the source of funds for the two facelifting projects is the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of second district Rep. Erico Basilio Fabian.

Fabian's district covers 61 of this city's 98 villages which are all located in the east coast.

Acas said the Tuktukalaw section is program for completion before the year ends and would be followed by the Bolong to Dita stretch of the highway.

He said the facelift projects are imperative to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and convenience to travelers from and to the nearby provinces as well as the transport of farm and other products.

This city's highway in the east coast serves as the main thoroughfare from Zamboanga City to the nearby provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur and other parts of Mindanao

First-ever crime lab in Zampen inaugurated

by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao(JPA/MVC/PIA9-Zambo City, with news from Nonong Santiago)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -– The Philippine National Police (PNP) got a very important capability and facility upgrade with the inauguration of the P14 million crime laboratory, in partnership with the United States Government, inside the historic Camp Eduardo Batalla, along RT Lim Boulevard, this city.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas personally inaugurated the facility together with Mayor Celso Lobregat, PNP 9 Regional Director General Elpidio de Asis, and key PNP officials in the region.

Thomas said the project is one of the unique accomplishments of their government as it is sure to improve the police’s capabilities. He added that there is a very dire need of experts that will help solve cases to bring justice to the victims.

Mayor Lobregat, on his part, agreed with Thomas saying the state-of the-art facility will help police authorities in properly solving the criminal cases.

“With the crime lab, Zamboanga City now has Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)”, the mayor said.

Lobregat expressed his gratitude to the US Government, thru Amb. Thomas for the project, manifesting US-Philippine partnership.

Chief Supt. Lorlie Arroyo, the designated crime lab director, also thanked Thomas for his efforts in realizing the facility in the city as it will help investigators hasten the resolution of criminal cases not just in the city, but the whole region.

Amb. Thomas commended all the men and women who are behind the success of the project.

Consumers of cooperatives join advocacy

(from Manila bulletin)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – At least nine million consumers of various electric cooperatives in the country are expected to turn-off their lights at 9 p.m. tonight as a sign protest on the rising prices of electricity.

In his recent consultation with stakeholders in this city, Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP) Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones said the protest action dubbed “9-9-9-9” will be conducted by the consumers to show their disgust on the additional charges in their electricity bills being collected by certain electric cooperatives in various provinces.

Briones said he is questioning why the electric cooperatives are collecting the Member Contribution for Capital Expenditures (MCCE), which he said is amounting to some P55 billion annually, from the consumers.

As this developed, he said AGAP wanted the officials of the Department of Energy (DoE) and National Electrification Administration (NEA) to make an inquiry regarding this matter.

The party-list representative said the concerned electric cooperatives should be converted to regular cooperatives, and be transferred under the supervision of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), so the consumers will benefit from their operation.

As he added that this will pave the way for the prices of the electricity to go down.

In another development, officials of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) commended the Food Processor Association of Zamboanga (FPAZ) for providing free livelihood trainings in the various villages in this city.

USAID commended FPAZ president Edsel Mari Acuña and vice president and City Councilor Miguel “Mike” Alavar III for conducting livelihood seminars in several areas here.

The commendation was announced at the graduation rites of the 99 participants from three areas who completed the free livelihood training in fish processing.

Robert Burch, USAID office of education chief, and Alejandra Bonifaz, EQUALLS2 OSCY specialist, were impressed with the performance of the FPAZ staff led by Acuña and Alavar, and other trainers who have been their partners in extending skills in food processing to the unemployed and less fortunate people.

The USAID and the FPAZ has the same goal, which is to help the people to be productive and earn a living.

Zambo city says yes to proposed livelihood training center for farmers, fisherfolks

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez(JPA/PIA 9-Zambo City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 5 (PIA) -- Farmers and fisher folks sectors here will soon have its own livelihood training center as the city government approved in principle its proposed establishment.

City Mayor Celso Lobregat said the livelihood center is his administration’s support and assistance to the concerned sector.

In a press statement, City Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias said the proposed center will be the existing building presently occupied and used as Agricultural Field Office (AFO) located in Barangay Tumaga, just adjacent to the City Agriculturist Office (CAO).

In the event of the proposed center’s establishment and operation, “personnel of the AFO will be accommodated by the CAO,” Covarrubias said.

Covarrubias explained, “The livelihood training center will be a venue for famers and fisherfolks to expand technical skills and knowledge concerning income-generating activities.”

“It will be supervised and managed by the City Agriculturist Office,” she added.

Zamcelco project supervisor endorses coal-fired power plant

by Allen Abastillas

The establishment of a coal-fired power plant by Conal Holdings at the Zamboanga Ecozone is a welcome development to Zamboanga City and additional energy source for the local consumers, Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative Manager Jesus Castro said.

Castro stressed that Mindanao needs 900 megawatts of electricity to meet the total demand and this cannot be maintained by the hydro-electric source at the Maria Chistina Falls.

Agus Grid in Maria Cristina and Pulangi only produce 700 megawatts for the whole Mindanao.There is need to add more electicity source so that more investors will come in Mindanao, Castro explained. “The establishment of the coal-fired power plant in Zamboanga City, will benefit the people,” Castro said.

The government encourages local government units to conduct their own power feasibility study on how to develop their resources for energy.

The move of Mayor Evelyn T. Uy of Dipolog City who is also the chairperson of the Regional Development Council-9 to conduct study on how to tap the two big rivers of Dipolog City and Dapitan City to produce hydro electric is also a great endeavor for the good of the people,Castro said.

He said that most areas in Luzon use coal-fired power plants like in Pagbilao, Quezon province and in Central Luzon. Also using coal-fired power plant for electric source is Toledo City in Cebu.

Sen. Cayetano to co-author bill increasing ZCMC bed capacity

By Nonong Santiago

The overcrowding problem of the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) may soon be over.

This after House Bill 422 authored by Congressman Erbie Fabian increasing the bed capacity of the ZCMC from 250 to 500 will be co-authored by Senator Pia Cayetano.

Cayetano, who is also a Nacionalista Party member like Fabian, vowed to sponsor the bill in the Senate to fast track its approval.

“My friend Senator Cayetano chairs the Committee on Health in the Senate and my bill is now at her disposal. She is set to call another hearing and even promised me that she will co-author the bill in the Senate,” Fabian said.

Fabian said no less than Dr. Romeo Ong, chief of the ZCMC was present during the budget briefing of his edict.

The congressman stressed the need to increase the bed capacity due to the overcrowding problem the hospital is facing at present since many of the patients do not only come from this city but other nearby provinces as well.

He commended Ong for his managerial skills in running the medical facility.

Fabian said aside from increasing the bed capacity, additional nurses and doctors are also needed in the hospital.

Zambo city to give vehicles, pump boats to 98 barangays

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez(JPA/PIA 9-Zambo City)

Zamboanga City, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- To better respond to emergencies and criminality in every barangay, the City Government is planning to arm all of the city’s 98 barangays with vehicles and pump boats before the end of 2013.

Mayor Celso Lobregat recently made this announcement of the city government’s intention to purchase vehicles for the 90 barangays in the mainland and 8 pump boats for the island barangays.

City Council Chairman on Committee on Appropriation revealed the city has already earmarked some P14.2 million as proposed budget appropriation for the purchase of 14 pick-up for the first batch of vehicles for the barangays.

He clarified that the intention to purchase vehicles for the 98 barangays is a continuing appropriation before the chief executive’s term ends in 2013.

To date, the continuing allocation for the purpose has reached P50million.

Guingona said since last year, the city has been allocating funds for the purchase of vehicles for the barangays.

Guingona said the latest proposed allocation of P14.2 million for the purpose has already passed first reading. He hopes his colleagues in the city council will support its passage in the third and final reading in the next council session.

Zamboanga City hosts Mindanao-wide Philspada Olympics

  • Source: hhttp://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=51968
  • Thursday, September 1, 2011
by Patrick Keanu Gracia(JPA/MVC/PKG/PIA9-Zambo City/WMSU)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) -- The City is this year’s host of the 2011 Philspada Olympics or the Philippine Sports for the Differently-abled National Paralympic Committee which will start tomorrow, Sept. 2 until Sept. 4, with this year’s theme “Training the Trainer’s Technical and Classification Seminar Mindanao-wide”.

Participants were warmly welcomed by Mr.Teddy M. Kahil, the city’s Persons with Disabilities Affairs Unit (PDAU) chief and newly re-elected Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) Persons With Disabilities Federation President, Ms. Elaine Jane E. Lumayno, the Zamboanga Federacion del Organisacion de Disabilidad (CZFOD) President and Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) PWD’s Federation Treasurer, and Henry Salac, CZFOD Secratary, PDAU Staff and PWD’s media coordinator.

The Philspada activity will formally start on Sept. 2 at the Don ¬¬Juanito Bruno Gymnasium at Western Mindanao State University with Hon. Mayor Celso L. Lobregat as the keynote speaker. Afterwards, the activity will continue at Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex for the demonstration and training until Sunday.

According to Philspada Execom member Mr. Octavio Gonzales, the activity will be an introductory activity for PWDs in terms of sports. Philspada-NPC is now heading to finish it throughout Luzon, Mindanao and Visayas areas in preparation for the upcoming Philspada National games in Marikina City this November and the upcoming ASEAN Philspada games in Indonesia this coming December.

Lumayno acknowledged the efforts of the Philspada-NPC to select Zamboanga City as the venue of Mindanao-wide activity. She is also happy of the support of the city government officials headed by Mayor Celso L. Lobregat, City Councilor Hon. Rodolfo R. Lim, and Mr. Francisco L. Barredo, City Social Welfare and Development Officer.

The sports fest aims to give the PWDs the chance to excel in sports and eventually represent the country in the coming Paralympics.

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