Zamboanga City News September 2012

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Zamboanga City - Archived News

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

City Hall, NSO conduct registry of Zambo agri-based sector

By Vic Larato

In response to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2012-119, the National Statistics Office (NSO) and the city government through the City Planning and Development Coordinator’s Office (CPDCO) headed by Engr. Rodrigo Sicat has conducted a series of barangay consultations and trainings for the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) in this part of the region.

Engr. Sicat said the RSBSA is an electronic compilation of basic information on farmers, farm laborers and fisherfolks, who are the target beneficiaries of agriculture-related programs and services.

He added the establishment of the RSBSA database envisions manageable access to baseline agricultural information by government stakeholders. “Through this system, government planners and policymakers could effectively formulate significant policies and programs for agricultural development,” he explained.

Specifically, the registration activity was aimed at gathering demographic and socio-economic profile of the farmers, farm laborers and fisherfolks such as sex, age, marital status and highest educational attainment, whether with sources of income other than farming and fishing; membership in agriculture/fisheries organization, whether an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary in the case of farmers and farm laborers, whether the households of the farmer/farm laborer or fisherman is a beneficiary of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT)/Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

In Zamboanga, the Trainor’s Training was conducted Aug. 28-31 at Cecile’s Catering and Pension House in Tumaga where City Government Staff from the CPDCO, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD0), City Agriculturist’s Office, City Civil Registrar’s Office and City Human Resource Management Office were trained as Lecturers and Training Facilitators. Prior to the actual field survey, the interviewers together with the Punong Barangays and secretaries will undergo orientation and training on RSBSA manual and forms. These were conducted on September 14-18, 2012 at the Ayala and Don Pablo Gymnasiums, September 20-24, 2012 at the Curuan and Cabaluay Gymnasiums and September 26-29, 2012 at the City Health Office and CSWDO Conference Rooms.

As a result of the trainings, 414 field interviewers will be hired to conduct the registration activity and the NSO will pay the interviewers. A maximum of 30 days was projected to finish the registry operation. The time frame for the actual registration is set for October 2012.

ZEWCS, Y&L Global Manpower, PESO- CSWDO conducts recruitment activity

By Monch L. Follosco

The Zamboanga East and West Central School Batch ’72 in partnership with Y&L Global Manpower and the Public Employment Service Office, City Social Welfare Development Office (PESO-CSWDO) conducted a two-day ‘Special Recruitment Activity’ at the PESO-CSWDO from September 27-28, 2012. Project Coordinator Ester Doroteo says this is part of the series of activities in preparation of the ZEWCS Alumni Homecoming on October 6, 2012, at the Zamboanga West Central School with Rod Macansantos as Alumni president.

Aleh Scan Services proprietor Abdelrahman Abdo based in Doha, Qatar, accredited with Y & L Manpower Corporation said their agency hires beautician, nurses, all types of construction workers skilled and unskilled for Doha Qatar with or without passport.

“We take care, help and guide them (applicants) as we coordinate different agencies and our agency will pay everything through the employer,” Abdo said. “This is the fourth time since late 80’s and 2000’s he visited Zamboanga with many opportunities at stake with Zamboangueños abroad.” Zamboanga from the very beginning is a very beautiful place, peaceful and nice to go, according to Abdo.

Meanwhile, the ZEWCS will conduct a medical and dental outreach mission and gift-giving at the Covered Court of the Zamboanga West Central School (ZWCS) in Barangay Zone 1 from 8 o’clock in the morning until 12 noon today, September 29, 2012.

Earlier, ZEWCS Alumni Batch ’72 conducted 1st batch computer training and the 2nd batch will be held on October 5, 2012, for students and teachers for free.

Interested parties may contact Ester Doroteo at cellular number 0906-3680873.

Also the Zamboanga City PESO-CSWDO in coordination with DOLE, POEA, ABS-CBN, TESDA, DFA and NSO will be launching “Job Fair,” on October 1, 2012, at Plaza del Pilar, near Fort Pilar, as part of the Fiesta Hermosa celebrations.

ICT Roadshow in Zambo City a big success

By R.G. A A. Go

The ICT Roadshow was a big success as hundreds of students, local government officials, and representatives of different sectors participated during the three-day event, RITECC IX chairman Maureen Bello said.

Held from September 26 to 28 in the different venues in the city, the Roadshow showcased several activities which is expected to boost the ICT in this city.

The Roadshow kicked off at Astoria Plaza, Grand Astoria Hotel tackled which tackled business and career opportunities in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and other related Information Technology (IT) services in store for Zamboanga.

“The ICT Roadshow, ya dura se kame man plano. It’s a very good opportunity for Zamboanga City to be part of the national road show of ICT,” Bello told local reporters in an interview.

According to Bello, the Roadshow will pave the way for the entry of investments especially in the BPO and ICT industry.

“The city has a big potential when it comes to BPO and ICT because we are the Asia’s Latin City and we have quality graduates. Si pwede kita lieba kanila aki na Zamboanga that means more employment for our people especially local graduates...they don’t need to go to Manila or other cities they can stay here and earn well,” he said referring to ICT and BPO industries.

Because of the road show, it’s expected that the people will become more aware of the ICT and BPO and become interested together with the investors, the RITECC IX chairman said.

The City Government of Zamboanga together with the Zamboanga Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) sponsored the activity.

The ICT Road Shows aims to: 1. expose key influencers such as parents, teachers, student leaders, guidance counselors, local government officials and other key stakeholders on the benefits of the IT-BPO industry at the micro level with the testimonials from selected IT-BPO workers, parents, IT-BPO practitioners, industry associations, and companies; 2. build positive image and perception on the IT-BPO industry and convey clearly the key message that IT-BPO is the one of the best choices for entrepreneurship, career development and advancement among the workforce. 3. showcase the IT-BPO industry as one of the key economic drivers in the country through walking tours to IT-BPO companies (for cities with existing locators); 4. to initially introduce the Smarter City/Countryside concept through the use of ICT as a tool for social and economic development; and 5. forge partnership with the private and public sector by providing job opportunities and trainings to students and graduates related to IT- BPO.

PHIVOLCS' teachers training gains positive response

By R.G. A A. Go

The on going teachers training in the city is gaining positive results, according to the officials of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Being conducted from September 25, 26, and 27 at Grand Astoria Hotel, the training mustered several participants.

“So far we have a good number of participants I hope that these teachers will learn from what our staff will impart to them,” said Delfin Garcia of Manila-based PHIVOLCS.

The main purpose of the teachers training is to give them lecture materials that would be used in the class to teach pupils on how to react during the occurrence of earthquake and tsunami.

Garcia said they were hoping the teachers will impart the knowledge to the children. “We will be teaching the teachers what to do then they give it to the kids, the kids give it to the family may domino effect iyan.”

"Bale el responds very interesting para kanila,” PHIVOLCS Zamboanga City Officer-in-Charge Allan Labayog, one of the lectures, said referring to the teachers.

He said most of the teachers were already aware of tsunami and earthquake but hey must be briefed when it comes to technical terms so they can explain it properly to the school children.

The local PHIVOLCS officer asked that "now that the training is being done, use the materials man maximize conel use del materials try to reecho it to other teachers and students. El preparation ta ase kame ahora is not only for today but the generation to come.”

He believes that teaching children is very important because what they learned they will bring it when they will grow up.

The project was made possible by PHIVOLCS, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, and UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

Some 150 participants and the teachers will be divided into three batches and 50 per batch. The participants are composed of elementary science teachers.

The training for teachers will be done whole day. In the morning, the topic will be understanding tsunami and earthquake and in the afternoon, the teachers will give a demonstration on how they will use the said materials for teaching.

Elementary school teachers were given the priority because the materials are designed for elementary and the bond between a teacher and a pupil is strong in elementary.

The PHILVOCS office will distribute sets of educational materials per school plus a CD Tsunami Teacher and Tsunami Glosary, it was learned from Labayog.

The materials are composed of big poster sized information regarding Tsunami and Earthquake to include colorful and attractive drawings. At the back are guides for the teacher on how to teach the students.

The teachers training was graced by representative from PHIVOLCS Manila,the Divisions School Superintendent Pedro Melchor Natividad, Department of Science and Technology Brenda Nazareth Manzano, PHIVOLCS Station chiefs from Bislig, Kidapawan, General Santos City, and Dipolog who came together with representatives of other agencies.

Symposium on volunteerism set in Zamboanga

(PNA), GHG/FMS/DMY

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 26 (PNA) -– The Philippine Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), in partnership with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region 9 will conduct a Regional Symposium on Volunteerism here on Oct. 4.

NEDA 9 officer-in-charge Gemma Mendoza said, the symposium will help advocate volunteerism especially at the local level particularly in the barangays.

She said, the symposium will also serve as a venue to generate inputs from the regional level for the formulation of the Road Map for the Voluntary Sector as provided for in Republic Act (RA) 9418, otherwise known as the Volunteer Act of 2007.

It was stated in the Act that "the inculcation of volunteerism as a way of life shall rekindle in every Filipino the time-honored tradition of bayanihan to foster social justice, solidarity and sustainable development."

Activities during the symposium include presentation, open forum and small group workshops.

Zamboanga City declares state of calamity

By Roel Pareño

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The city government declared a state of calamity as flash flood brought by continuous rains left more than 1,000 families displaced and one killed.

Mayor Celso Lobregat said the City Council approved Monday night the declaration of state of calamity after it was recommended by the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC).

Lobregat said the approval would allow the city to use the calamity funds in the repair and rehabilitation destroyed by floods and implement the needed assistance for those affected by the disaster.

Classes remained suspended in all schools that are still under water or being used as evacuation centers, Lobregat added.

The city agriculture reported hundreds of hectares of farmland and fishponds destroyed by the flood but has yet to determine the damage brought by the flooding that inundated 10 barangays.

Zambo City turns over P18.6-M projects to DepEd

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 24 (PNA) -- Mayor Celso Lobregat has turned over to the Department of Education (DepEd) four infrastructure projects implemented by the city government in two different schools on Saturday.

Assistant Secretary Elena Ruiz and Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera were present during the ceremonial turn over ceremonies of the P18.6 million projects that were part of the city government continuing program to upgrade the education in the city.

“Our assistance and support to education is unceasing and unrelenting. The city government’s investment in education and other education-related projects will be intensified and further strengthened,” Lobregat declared.

The projects consisted, among others, a library building construction of which cost P1.6 million and a three-storey 12-classroom building with funding worth P13.7 million at the Talon-Talon Elementary School.

Included in the project was the rehabilitation and repair of the Home Economics Building worth P600,000 and the repair and rehabilitation of a two-storey 12-classroom building worth P2.9 million at the Zamboanga West Central School.

The new library building at the Talon-Talon Elementary School replaced the old and dilapidated facility while the three-storey 12-classroom building augmented the existing 21-classroom building. It has become a 33-classroom building.

The symbolic turn over ceremonies were among the activities during the Teacher's Summit held in the city during the weekend.

Lobregat said the four projects form part of the latest education-related projects that the city government is implementing.

Zambo Mayor exhorts teachers to improve quality of education

(PNA), GHG/TPG/MMG

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 23 (PNA) – Mayor Celso Lobregat challenged all teachers in this southern port city to exert all efforts to improve the quality of education by lowering the dropout rate and improving students’ performance in the national achievement test.

Lobregat issued the challenge on Saturday during the Teachers’ Summit attended by some 10,000 elementary and secondary school officials and teachers.

The Division of City Schools headed by City Schools Superintendent Pete Natividad spearheaded the event in celebration of Teachers’ Month themed “My Teacher, My Hero.” September 5 to October 5 of every year was declared as the Teachers’ Month.

“The City Government of Zamboanga has done its share, in fact, the city government has done more than what is expected and the challenge now is for you to make sure that the dropout rate will be decreased, the cohort survival rate will increase and the performance of students in the national achievement test will improve,” Lobregat said.

Lobregat has initiated, starting in 2007, massive and sustained investment in education that has reached P1.38 billion as of June 30, 2012.

The local government, since the time of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, has placed so much priority to education as it is part of the social contract with the people of Zamboanga City as embodied in the City Development Strategy (CDS).

The city’s investment in education includes the construction, repair of school buildings, fences, comfort rooms, stages, covered courts and other education-related projects in public schools; all intended to ensure a better future for the city’s youth.

In the same message, Lobregat cited the very crucial and significant role played by teachers in the lives of every individual.

“Without teachers, there would have been no professionals in our midst. Without my teachers, I would not have become mayor today neither you would become teachers today”, he said.

"Teachers are not only the sources of knowledge, but it is from them where people always find guidance, friendship, discipline and love," he stressed,

He took the opportunity to thank the teachers for the work they are doing for the young children and on a personal note, also expressed his gratitude to the teachers for the support and cooperation to his administration.

The activity, held at the Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum was highlighted by the induction of officers of the Federations of Zamboanga City Teachers, Parents-Teacher Association, School Supreme Government and Student Pupils Government and the awarding of the most outstanding teacher in the elementary and secondary levels.

Present during the summit were Education Assistant Secretary Elena Ruiz and Education Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera.

Other guests included Vice-Mayor Cesar Iturralde, Councilors Benjamin Guingona, III, Myra Paz Abubakar, Percival Ramos, Eduardo Saavedra, Mike Alavar and Reynerio Candido, Rotary Club President Santiago Araneta, Tzu Chi Foundation and People Power Revolution Volunteers chair Dr. Anton Lim and numerous others.

Zamboanga City’s YSP-PAZ receives ASEAN AWARD in Bangkok, Thailand

By Aldrin Bucoy-Abdurahim

Zamboanga City Pride, Youth Solidarity for Peace-Peace Advocataes Zamboanga, having represented the Republic of the Philippines had been recognized by the TEN ASEAN Countries here in Bangkok, Thailand with the International Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) ASEAN AWARD.

Together with other Awardees from Brunei, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, Philippines had been recognized with the said Award and including Christian Joseph Bautista as the ASEAN Youth Awardee from the Philippines.

The Youth Solidarity for Peace, youth arm of PAZ and Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP) had been recognized by no less than President Benigno Aquino III, TAYO Foundation and the National Youth Commission as the TAYO AWARDEE for Year 9.

Receiving the Award from the organization from the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand is Mr. Aldrin Bucoy-Abdurahim, Executive Coordinator. Together with him as part of the Philippine Delegation includes NYC Chairman Hon. Leon Flores III, NYC Commissioner George Nava, Mr. Carlo Orosca, Christian Bautista and NYC International Affairs Officer Ms. Mignonette Reposar.

The TAYO ASEAN AWARD is given to outstanding youth organizations from the ASEAN Countries who played significant contributions to the causes of peace, development and international understanding. The said award paid tribute to these organizations support to make the “Power of the Youth; Unity of ASEAN”.

The TAYO ASEAN AWARD coincided with the Annual Youth Day Meeting from September 17-21, 2012 at Bangkok, Thailand. The said meeting focused on sustaining the youth efforts through recognized youth ministries and commissions on agendas like reforms, statutes amendments and calling fro recommendations to better improve the alliance and be able to sustain the efforts.

The YSP-PAZ, now internationally recognized will heighten its involvement in building a greater peace constituency from among the youth who can invest much volunteerism to make the City more peaceful and progressive.

The organization hopes to achieve a vision of being the Center and model for peace education in Zamboanga City and all over the country. The power of one cannot be that great without the power of everyone.

The organization would like to express our deepest thanks to PAZ, IRSMP, ZABIDA, YSP networks, Schools Division of Zamboanga City-Department of Education, NYC, Mindanao Peace Weavers, all members and officer s of the Youth Solidarity for Peace.

City, film council forge pact

By Bong Garcia

THE local government and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) formally entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Friday paving the way for the construction of a cinematheque, a theatre that will screen for free restored Philippines movies in Zamboanga City.

The signing ceremony spearheaded by Mayor Celso Lobregat and FDCP Chair Briccio Santos was held at the City Hall conference room.

The MOA signing was witnessed by vice mayor Cesar Iturralde, FDCP executive director Teodoro Granados and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-Zamboanga deputy director Melodino Patiño.

The local government, based on the agreement, shall lease to the FDCP, a portion of the lot covered by a usufruct agreement with the BSP covering 406 square meters for a period of 20 years and renewable for another 20 years.

The lot located at Pettit Barracks will be leased at P1 per month.

Upon expiration of the lease contract, ownership/possession of the building and other improvements shall be transferred to the city without compensation to the FDCP.

The FDCP shall undertake the construction and development of the cinematheque in Zamboanga at Pettit Barracks at its own expense. It shall likewise observe the provisions of all existing ordinances, laws, rules and regulations and the usufruct agreement of the BSP and the City Government in the construction of the building and the usage of the premises assigned taking into consideration that Pettit Barracks is a heritage zone.

In the meantime, while the cinematheque construction is still under process, the FDCP has agreed to provide the necessary equipment to include projector and screen to be installed as a permanent fixture at the multi-purpose hall of the multi-purpose building at the Paseo del Mar, which will be for perpetual use for film showing.

The FDCP also agreed that said equipment shall no longer be removed when it moves to its new and permanent cinematheque once it is constructed.

It likewise agreed to provide and spend for the personnel that will operate the projector during screenings by the FDCP at the multi-purpose hall.

Santos thanked the City Government for providing the site for the project and commended the city officials for sharing in the vision and goals of the FDCP.


Zamboanga City food fest reels off Friday

(PNA), LAM/TPG/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 20 (PNA) -– The two-day Zamboanga Food Festival featuring mouth-watering cuisines and delicacies prepared and presented Chabacano style reels off Friday in this southern port city.

It will be held at the Plaza del Pilar starting at 6 p.m. onwards.

The two-day food galore officially opens the Tourism Week celebration here and is another initiative that seeks to promote Zamboangueño cuisines and Zamboanga City as a leading culinary destination in the region.

Expected to show off their delectable menu are nine of Zamboanga’s renowned restaurants and caterers--Mai-Chai, Alavar’s Seafoods House, Teng’s Grille, Chinito’s, 4 H Club, Tropics Fine Cuisine, Dear Manang Catering, Fish n’ Chips and Collete’s Buko Pie.

Organized by the city government, the food festival is sponsored by San Miguel Brewery and Globe Telecom.

Another kick off activity for the Tourism Week celebration starting Friday will be the Libre Paseo, a free tour of this city’s attractions and tourist sites from September 21-23.

Secondary students from public schools will be the participants in the Libre Paseo activity.

Mayor Celso Lobregat has declared September 21-27 as Tourism week in Zamboanga aimed at fostering awareness among the people about the importance of tourism encompassing its social, cultural, political and economic value.

Series of activities have been lined up and will culminate on September 27 which is dubbed as World Tourism Day and is themed “Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development.”

On Saturday, the city government through the City Tourism Office will also initiate Ayuda Limpiesa Año 9, a clean-up drive at the main public market intended to showcase Zamboanguenos’ sense of volunteerism to be participated in by different city departments, government agencies and various schools.

The drum and lyre competition for elementary level will be the culminating activity set at the Paseo del Mar on September 27 at 4 p.m.

Call Center to hire Zamboangueños

(Zamboanga Today)

TeleTech BPO, one of the biggest and probably one of the best call center in the country is on a roll as it prepares for another job fair invasion in Zamboanga City.

The company announces that an immediate and on the spot hiring for qualified applicants will be conducted on September 20 and 21, from 9am-5pm at the Peace Net Cafe,2nd Floor, Lim Town Center, La Purisim, this city.

Qualifications are as follows: (1)must be 18 years old and above; (2) should have finished at least 2 years in college; (3) should have strong written and verbal English communication skills, knowledge in Spanish is an added value; and (4) should be computer literate. Convergys further announces that applicants should bring with them their comprehensive resume for screening and interview on their choice of date mentioned above.

Jerico Bustamante, the BPO’s partner in the city for the Career Fair said the effort is a public service program especially for the many in search for employment. When asked why TeleTech has chosen Zamboanga City as their hub for recruitment, Bustamante confidently answered, “But of course, Zamboanguenos have it all. The skill and the track record of excellence and commitment answers it all. Without also forgetting the edge we have for the call centers’ Spanish account”.

Meanwhile, the call center company commits to provide hired individuals a generous compensation and relocation package to where the call center is situated. The company welcomes inquiries through their hotline numbers 0917-953-0052 for globe subscribers and 0922-259-7176 for sun subscribers.

PHIVOLCS to train teachers on quake, tsunami from September 25 to 27

By R.G. Antonet Go

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is set to conduct a teachers training on earthquake and tsunami so these teacher can reecho it to the students from September 25, 26, and 27 at a local hotel in this city.

Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Allan Labayog of PHIVOLCS Zamboanga City said the project was made possible by PHIVOLCS, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, and UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

There will be 150 participants and the teachers will be divided into three batches at 50 individuals per batch, composed of elementary science teachers.

The training for teachers will be done all day long where in the morning, the topic will be understanding Tsunami and Earthquake and in the afternoon the teachers will give a demonstration on how they will use the said materials for teaching.

According to Labayog, the City was chosen for the project because “El original na plan di-ila for those areas tiene maga historical account del tsunami and at the same time those areas prone to tsunami it came out na one of the areas prone to tsunami and with the history of tsunami is Zamboanga Peninsula. Yan include kanatun na list para man disseminate na school children.”

Elementary school teacher were given the priority because the materials are designed for elementary and the bond between a teacher and a pupil is strong in elementary.

The office will distribute sets of educational materials per school plus a CD Tsunami Teacher and Tsunami Glosary.

The materials are composed of big poster sized information regarding Tsunami and Earthquake to include colorful and attractive drawings. At the back there will be guides for the teacher on how to teach the students.

The materials will be distributed only after they trained the teachers on how to use the said educational materials.

PHIVOLCS Director, Renato Solidum are expected to be present while lecturers from PHIVOLCS Manila, the Divisions School Superintendent Pedro Melchor Natividad, Department of Science and Tecnology Brenda Nazareth Manzano, PHIVOLCS Station chiefs from Bislig, Kidapawan, General Santos City, and Dipolog as well as other agencies are confirmed to come.

Referring to the traning, Labayog said that “Grande este ayuda especially teachers na coastal areas. They will be having this material what will be the proper action when it comes to earthquake and a tsunami event this will be a guide for them cosa debe ase si chene earthquake tsunami. It will also be a guide for them to come up with a disaster plan.”

Aside from this, according to Labayog, majority of the development of the city is along the coastal areas and many schools are also located along the coastal areas the reasons why the city became part of the project.

City gears for food fest on Sept. 21-22

By R.G. A A. Go

The City Government of Zamboanga, through the City Tourism Office, gears for the Zamboanga Food Festival where local delicacies will be showcased from September 21 to 22 at Plaza del Pilar around 5 o’clock in the afternoon.

Sarita Sebastian Hernandez, City Tourism Officer, said eight restaurants will be participating during the Zamboanga Food Festival.

According to Hernandez, during the food festival there will also be music and entertainment that will be performed by local talents.

Paella, Pochero, Ropa Vieja, Callos de Andalucia, Gata de Nangca, Galantina, Cocretas de Patatas, and Curacha Con Gata are the local cuisines that will be showcased.

There will also be a competition where the Best Local Cuisine and Top Seller will also be awarded, the City tourism officer said.

During the Food Festival, the public can also avail of a meal for only P150 where they can choose from different local food specialties.

The food fest is in line with the Zamboanga City Tourism Week where several activities are scheduled from September 21-27.

Crucial ingredient in Zambo 'pot'

By Paterno Esmaquel II (Rappler.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Their city is a melting pot, and the youth, who can tap social media to influence the political landscape, is its most crucial ingredient in the 2013 elections.

These are the key messages of two Mindanao-based speakers before an audience of around 300 students at Rappler's #MoveZambo event in Zamboanga City on Friday, September 14.

Mahmor Edding, political science professor at the Western Mindanao State University, stressed at the event held at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University that the youth can change the city's political situation.

“It is in your hands, believing that you constitute more than one-third of the voting population of the city. The 2013 elections is indeed your decision,” he told the audience composed of Christian and Muslim students from various schools.

Political tension, ethnic groups

The 2013 elections in Zamboanga City, is expected to take place within a heated context.

Political tension is escalating, with rape convict Romeo Jalosjos Jr aspiring to be its mayor.

The city has also suffered an image problem, which, reflective of reality or not, is worsened by high-profile killings and kidnapping incidents. One of these cases is the killing of Universidad de Zamboanga president Arturo Eustaquio III last April 1.

These are parallel issues in the city, which he called a melting pot composed of 10 major ethnic groups.

With a population of 775,407 (based on latest government concensus), Edding said Zamboanga City is made up of the following ethnic groups:

Zamboangueño-Chavacano – 272, 986

Tausug – 98,334

Bisaya/Binisaya – 73,446

Cebuano – 47,482

Sama Abaknon – 36,211

Yakan – 16,090

Tagalog – 15,619

Hiligaynon, Ilongo – 12,574

Badjao, Sama Dilaut – 3,478

Subanen – 1,021

Biggest problem: apathy

Another speaker, the Ateneo de Zamboanga Communication Department's Monabelle Blanco-Delgado, urged the youth to use social media to change the city's political landscape. She said students' involvement could solve the Zamboanga elections' biggest problem.

“The problem with elections in Zamboanga is apathy, more than anything else...People unfortunately simply are not that interested to get involved,” Delgado said.

But Delgado noted Zamboanga City needs a “model” that could tap social media's potential and, at the same time, cater to residents who do not use the Internet.

Responding to a student's question, Edding added that young people should acquaint themselves with issues in Zamboanga City, the Philippines, and the world as well. “What will you post on Facebook if you don't know anything?”

Rappler held #MoveZambo as part of Rappler's Move.PH chat series, which advocates the use of social media for social change. Its next stop is at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños on Wednesday, September 19, with the theme “Pushing Development Forward.”

The three learning institutions in Zamboanga Sibugay that availed of STARBOOKS are the Sibugay National High School, WMSU-External Studies Unit in the municipality of Siay, and La Dicha National High School in Malangas town.

In Zamboanga del Sur, it includes the Zamboanga del Sur National High School in Pagadian City, Lantungan National High School in Aurora town and, the Molave local government unit (LGU) e-Community Center.

In Zamboanga del Norte, the beneficiaries are the Zamboanga del Norte National High School in Dipolog City, and Dapitan City National High School.

Manzano said that her office has received numerous requests for STARBOOKS from other learning institutions in the region.

The DOST will deploy STARBOOKS, the software of which is free of charge, as soon as the requesting parties are ready with the hardware requirements.

The STARBOOKS is a stand alone, onsite research kiosk that provides free access on Science and Technology (S&T) information for academic and livelihood use.

Manzano said the mobile library differs from other library portals as it does not require Internet connectivity to deliver information to its users. Manzano said the project is aimed at providing Filipinos with relevant and latest information on science and technology.

Users can access thousands 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, Manzano said. She said the science digital library also contains various videos on DOST-developed technologies for entrepreneurs looking for potential science-based livelihood.

The videos range from food processing to laundry soap making and other livelihood materials, she said.

The DOST-STII will continuously build up the STARBOOKS content to ensure that the information offered are rich, appropriate and timely, she said.

The DOST expects that this project will spur a wave of S&T enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, she said.

18 libraries, learning centers in Region 9 avail DOST’s STARBOOKS

(Mindanews)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/14 September) – Eighteen school libraries and learning resource centers in Region 9 have availed the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk Stations (STARBOOKS) project since its launching last year.

The STARBOOKS, which was launched on November 23, 2011 in the region, is the first Philippine Science Digital Library developed by the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Brenda Nazareth-Manzano, DOST-9 director, said that 10 of the 18 school libraries and learning resource centers are in Zamboanga City, three in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, two in Zamboanga del Norte and three in Zamboanga del Sur.

The libraries and learning centers from Zamboanga City are the Regional Science High School, Zamboanga City High School (ZCHS)-main, Ayala National High School, Vitali National High School, Talon-Talon National High School, Maria Clara Lobregat National High School, Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology (ZSCMST), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU-University Library), WMSU-College of Agriculture, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Training Center.

The three learning institutions in Zamboanga Sibugay that availed of STARBOOKS are the Sibugay National High School, WMSU-External Studies Unit in the municipality of Siay, and La Dicha National High School in Malangas town.

In Zamboanga del Sur, it includes the Zamboanga del Sur National High School in Pagadian City, Lantungan National High School in Aurora town and, the Molave local government unit (LGU) e-Community Center.

In Zamboanga del Norte, the beneficiaries are the Zamboanga del Norte National High School in Dipolog City, and Dapitan City National High School.

Manzano said that her office has received numerous requests for STARBOOKS from other learning institutions in the region.

The DOST will deploy STARBOOKS, the software of which is free of charge, as soon as the requesting parties are ready with the hardware requirements.

The STARBOOKS is a stand alone, onsite research kiosk that provides free access on Science and Technology (S&T) information for academic and livelihood use.

Manzano said the mobile library differs from other library portals as it does not require Internet connectivity to deliver information to its users. Manzano said the project is aimed at providing Filipinos with relevant and latest information on science and technology.

Users can access thousands 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, Manzano said. She said the science digital library also contains various videos on DOST-developed technologies for entrepreneurs looking for potential science-based livelihood.

The videos range from food processing to laundry soap making and other livelihood materials, she said.

The DOST-STII will continuously build up the STARBOOKS content to ensure that the information offered are rich, appropriate and timely, she said.

The DOST expects that this project will spur a wave of S&T enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, she said.

MDG Fund reps recognize Zambo City nutrition program

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 14 (PNA) -– Delegates from the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund have expressed their commendations on what they termed as impressive implementation of the nutrition program in Zamboanga City by the local government through the City Health Office (CHO).

Assistant Secretary Maria Bernardita Flores of the National Nutrition Council of the Department of Health (NNC-DOH) specifically commended Mayor Celso Lobregat for the support that the city government had extended to the nutrition program.

“We have visited some barangay wellness centers and the hospitals. We met with some mothers and children, and we are humbled by what we saw. We will leave Zamboanga City with a heavy heart,” Flores said during the delegates’ courtesy call on Lobregat in City Hall Wednesday afternoon.

For his part, Stephen Anderson of the World Food Program (WFP) said one of the reasons for the successful implementation of the MDG Program in this part of the country is the city’s main resources like the people and staff engaged in the program.

“We have seen the achievements in working with these people. In Barangay Canelar we saw healthy children who were interacting well with barangay officials in terms of nutrition and breastfeeding,” Anderson told Lobregat.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Oyen Casanova Dorotan of the Office of the Presidential Anti-Poverty Commission said the people of Zamboanga City are fortunate to have Lobregat as mayor, who is very supportive of the social investment program.

“Very few mayors who feel the merit of social investments, and Zamboanga City is doing that through the initiatives of Mayor Lobregat,” Dorotan said, explaining that social investment or investment in people is very important in controlling or reducing poverty.

“Also, by the time we touched down Zamboanga City we can see the ambience of prosperity,” she said.

Other members of the MDG Fund delegation, who visited City Hall, were Tomoo Hozumi and Henry Mdebwe, both of UNICEF, Lawrence Jeff Johnson of the International Labor Organization, Mari Fare of UNCO and Kazuyuki Tsurumi of FAO.

Zambo City to host National ICT Road Show on Sept 26

(DOST-IX PRESS RELEASE)

In an effort to promote Zamboanga City as the next target of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies, some 300 stakeholders composed of businessmen, academe, national government agencies, local government units, ICT professionals / enthusiasts, and private individuals will converge in the 2012 ZamPen ICT Conference & Trade Exhibit : An ICTO Roadshow on September 26, 2012, at Astoria Plaza, Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City.

The event’s theme “Harnessing ICT for Smarter Countryside”, will lead the way towards the development and understanding of knowledge, linking communication and technological gaps, building more sustainable projects, widening local and international networks, improving society in general, and of course envisioning Zamboanga City as part of the “Next Wave Cities” in the Philippines, and the rest of the region as an investment hub. Honorable Undersecretary Louis Napoleon C. Casambre, Executive Director of DOST-ICTO will be the keynote speaker.

Highlighting the road show, is an industry panel discussions of distinguished resource speakers from various ICT industry associations, such as the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Animation Council of the Philippines, Incorporated (ACPI), Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (HIMOAP), and Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA).

Successful blogger and social media entrepreneur, BPO company owner, BPO project leader, call center supervisor, programmer, and parent of an IT/BPO worker are expected to share their experiences and challenges in taking advantage of the fast growing IT-BPO industry.

Spreading the benefits of economic growth across the nation, the whole day event will tackle 1) The ICT industry and the “Next Wave Cities” in both government and private perspectives; 2) Zamboanga City as a Next Wave City; 3) Smarter Countryside; and 4) iGov Philippines.

Sustainable Development Specialist based in Canada, Mr. Nicholas Luff, will make a presentation on “Developing Cross-Sector Partnerships at a Global Stage: Case Studies between the Philippines and Canada.

The Honorable City Mayor Celso L. Lobregat will officially welcome the delegates and host the Fellowship Night.

The road show is organized by Regional Information Technology and Electronic Commerce Committee under the Regional Development Council (RITECC – RDC IX) and Zamboanga ICT Council of Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce & Industry Foundation (ZICTC-ZCCCIF), with support of the Information and Communication Technology Office - Department of Science and Technology (ICTO-DOST), Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. IX (DOST-IX) and the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP).

The ICTO-DOST is the Philippine government’s lead agency on ICT-related matters. Its primary thrusts are 1) ICT Industry Development; 2) eGovernment; 3) ICT Policy Development; 4) Internet for All; and 5) Cybersecurity.

Participation to the event is free-of-charge. Invitees and other interested individuals must confirm their attendance to the Event Secretariat: DOST IX @ 991-1024 or 991-2051 (Thelma or Jill) or NCC @ 993-2878 (Leony or Christine) or email at ritecc9secretariat@yahoo.com.

Phivolcs holds exhibit in Zambo City

(PNA), GHG/P. GARCIA/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 12 (PNA) -– The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is holding an exhibit in this southern port city to keep the public informed about earthquake, tsunami and volcano.

Phivolcs-Zamboanga City Science Research Analyst Engr. Allan Rommel Labayog said the exhibit “is one way of explaining (to the people)everything about earthquake and other natural phenomenon in the simplest form.”

On exhibit at the local Phivolcs office in Barangay Sta. Maria are the new information materials which our office our main office installed last week, Labayog said.

The newly-installed information materials were divided into different category like earthquake, tsunami, volcanoes, and earthquake drill, Labayog said.

The digital seismogram which is being used to monitor and measure the strength of earthquake is also on exhibit.

Hero dog gets stem cell treatment

By Julie S. Alipala (Inquirer Mindanao)

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Kabang, the female Aspin dog who lost her upper snout when hit by a motorcycle while saving the lives of two girls, will be staying in Manila for two weeks for a stem cell treatment before further surgery in the United States.

Veterinarian Anton Lim said the stem cell treatment will boost the dog’s immunity before she is flown to the US within the month. Kabang was flown to Manila on Sunday morning.

Lim said they were able to raise at least $10,000 from donations to shoulder expenses for Kabang’s surgery on a protruding bone on her face. “We are halfway there. As I have said, we need around $20,000,” he said.

“Team Kabang is really grateful for the global effort as we received donations from almost a dozen countries,” he added. The Animal Welfare Coalition of the Philippines has also helped provide medicines for Kabang.

Zambo gears up for Fiesta Hermosa 2012

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (JPA/PIA 9-ZBST)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 10 (PIA) -- Anchored on the theme “Fiesta Hermosa 2012... Mas Alegre na Zamboanga (It’s more fun in Zamboanga),” the city gears up for the feast day of Nuestra Señora de La Virgen del Pilar, the grandest event in Zamboanga this October.

Mayor Celso Lobregat convened concerned parties to finalize the events for the celebration, which will commence on October 1 and culminate on October 12, the fiesta day.

“The other day, Mayor presided over a coordinating conference to finalize preparations for Fiesta Hermosa, a series of activities starting from October 1 leading up to October 12, fiesta day and declared a holiday in Zamboanga,” Sheila Covarrubias, city information officer, said.

She added that even if Zamboangueños look forward to the celebration, the mayor has reminded residents to pray and honor the La Virgen del Pilar, the real meaning of the event.

Covarrubias said a series of city and private groups-sponsored activities were lined up for the event.

These include the Regatta, a sail boat race at the R.T. Lim Boulevard; Mascota competition, a contest of beautiful Zamboangueño-made gowns; agri-trade fair, an exhibit of agricultural products at the Plaza Pershing; dance sport competition; Pesca Kita, a fishing competition at the Paseo del Mar; Wow sardinas, a sardine-eating spectacle at the R.T. Lim Boulevard; float parade and a street dance competition.

“The festival is also packed with sports activities such as golf, table tennis, dart, basketball and others as well as art exhibits and beauty pageants for both adults and children,” she said.

Lobregat orders medical aid for Basilan ambush victims

By Sheila Covarrubias

Mayor Celso Lobregat on Friday afternoon mobilized the city’s medical resources to assist victims of the ambush in Tumahubong, Sumisip, Basilan and were rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) for treatment.

Lobregat together with City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos proceeded to the ZCMC to look into the situation of the victims and to provide the necessary medical assistance.

Aside from shouldering medical expenses of the victims, Mayor Lobregat also provided cash assistance to each of the victims to help them in other needs. The provision of medical assistance and other needs form part of the city’s social services.

Agbulos said he is closely coordinating with the ZCMC for other needs of the victims during their stay in the hospital.

The 10 victims rushed to the ZCMC Friday afternoon were among the 36 rubber tappers from the Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative (TARBIDC) who were ambushed by gunmen believed to be Abu Sayyaf guerrillas early morning Friday. One was killed while the 35 others were wounded during the incident.

Reports show that the victims together with several others were on board two trucks and were on their way to the cooperative’s rubber plantation before 8am Friday when the gunmen rained them with bullets.

The gunmen used high powered rifles in spraying bullets on the rubber plantation workers.

LTO IX gears for law enforcement summit

By R.G. Antonet Go

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) IX is making all the preparations to conduct Regional Law Enforcement Summit this month of September to be held either in Zamboanga City or Pagadian City.

Atty. Aminola Abaton, LTO IX Regional Director, said the upcoming event aims to convene stakeholders especially those in line with law enforcement. “The summit will be done because gusto natin magkaroon ng unified interpretation sa implementation ng batas trapiko,” Abaton said in an interview. According to Abaton, the LTO IX office will invite the academe, local government unit (LGU), transport sector and others for the two-day summit. “We are expecting around 100 to 150 inviduals coming from Region IX to participate the summit,” he added.

The helmet law, clean air act, seatbelt law, anti-carnapping law and other transport laws will be the topics to be discussed. Planning and workshops will also be conducted during the summit.

The output presented by the participants will be presented to the different concerned agencies so that their ideas from the workshop might be used. LTO Assistant Secretary Virginia Torres will be invited to grace the summit, it was learned from Abaton.

300 lactating mothers gather for simultaneous breastfeeding

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (JPA-PIA9, ZBST)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, SEPT. 7 (PIA) - - A crowd of lactating mothers simultaneously breastfed their babies during the synchronized breastfeeding activity, an obvious message conveying that “breastfeeding is still best for babies.”

The simultaneous breastfeeding program was an initiative of the city government through the City Health Office (CHO) as the culmination activity of the month-long observance of the National Breastfeeding Month, August.

The observance of Breastfeeding Month is mandated under Republic Act 10028, otherwise known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009.

City Health Officer Dr. Rodel Agbulos said, “The activity was a promotion of breastfeeding as the best and safest food for babies.”

Lectures on the importance of and health benefits of breast milk to babies were also given to the mother-participants during the activity.

The occasion was graced by officials of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Atty. Anne Saguisag and Dr. Paul Andrew Zambrano.

ZCWD to put up more collection outlets

By R.G. A A. Go

More collection outlets of the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) will soon be established in the city, the local water district spokesperson said.

ZCWD Information Officer Dolly Galvan said the establishment of outlets is for the convenience of the customers especially in paying their water bills.

“The office has plans in putting up collection outlets in Barangay Putik and Sta. Cruz. We also have plans to put up a Satellite Office in Barangay Vitali,” Ms. Galvan said. “We aim to serve the nearby barangays and for the convenience of the ZCWD’s customers.”

The collection outlets to be put up in Barangay Putik and Sta. Cruz will be receiving payments of water bills while the Satellite Office in Barangay Vitali will be receiving payments of water bills, application for new connections, and complaints.

The ZCWD has been facing problems on people lining-up and flocking inside the water district and authorized banks when paying water bills, especially during holidays and long weekends.

At present, the ZCWD office has five windows which can accept payments for water bills, they also have a satellite office in barangay Ayala and they also go to barangay Sangali once a month to accept payments for water bills, application for new connections, and complaints.

The city water district also authorizes two banks where customers can pay their water bills at the Amana Bank and Philippine Postal Savings Bank. It has more or less 55,000 water customers and is serving more or less 54 out of the 98 barangays.

Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction forum slated in Zamboanga City

(PNA), LAM/TPG/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 4 (PNA) -– The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the Local Government Academy (LGA) is conducting a one-day forum in this southern port city on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction: A Collaboration Workshop for the Zamboanga River Basin.

The forum, scheduled on September 6, is in partnership with Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID) and the office of Senator Loren Legarda, who will be the keynote speaker.

Among those expected in the forum are the local government units (LGUs) in the periphery of the 18 major river basins (MRB) in the country consisting of 47 provinces, according to a statement release by the DILG regional office.

It said that the activity aims to enhance the capacity of LGUs to be the forefront of the government’s initiative to adapt, mitigate and prepare for climate change and disasters.

The DILG said that through the forum they hope to initiate a shift from a reactionary into a proactive and collaborative approach in building communities resilience to disasters.

ZCCCI unveils Zambo City ITC Council

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 4 (PIA) -- The Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (ZCCCII) launched the Zamboanga City Information and Communication Technology Council (ZCICTC) geared at promoting and advocating the advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the city.

The newly created council, also an affiliate of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), aims to generate new ICT and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) businesses in Zamboanga City to raise public awareness in information technology.

It also aimsto rally industry and civil society in general for easier adaptation of its benefits; foster sustainability and steady generation of resources for the industry and establish and increase collaboration and private-public partnership for development.

As a new entity needing of its symbolic identity, ZCCCI is inviting all interested groups or individuals to participate in the ongoing Logo-Making Contest.

The contest is open to all Filipinos nationwide 16 years old and up, who can come up with a logo bearing the aspiration of the council.

Entries, according ZCCCI, should be in digitized or in .jpg file, or freehand illustration or drawing to be submitted in a short-sized bond paper, with a brief rationale of the design. The logo should only bare two to four colors, with the digital entries to be submitted in colored and grey scale versions.

Participants are allowed to submit as many entries as they can together with the application form and valid identification cards.

Deadline of submission of entries is on September 17.

Entries will be judged according to the following criteria: overall concept and impact of the design (30 percent), relevance to the aspiration of Zamboanga City ICT Council (30 percent), creativity (20 percent) and originality (20 percent).

Three winners will be selected with first prize bringing home P10,000 and certificate, second prize with P4,000 and certificate and third prize will receive P2,000 and certificate.

Winners will be awarded during the ZamPen ICT Road Show on September 26 with the theme “Harnessing ICT for Smarter Countryside” at a local hotel here.

Official forms can be downloaded at the website https://dl.dropbox.com/u/12326467/ZICT%20Logo%20Contest%20AppForm.docx, or you can visit the facebook page at http://facebook.com/ZamboangaICT.

Entries can be submitted to Zamboanga ICT Council, c/o DTI-Zamboanga City Office, 2nd Floor VHW Bldg., Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City, or thru email at zict.org@gmail.com.

For more information, applicants can contact Joseph Curada of ZCICT Council at telephone number (062) 990-1009 or Marjorie Pascual of DTI-Zamboanga at (062) 955-3237 or email them at zict.org@gmail.com.

Sept 21-27 declared Tourism week in Zambo

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (JPA/SC/CIO-PIA9 ZBST)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 3 (PIA) -- Mayor Celso Lobregat has issued an executive order declaring September 21-27 as Tourism Week in Zamboanga City with the aim of fostering awareness among the people about the importance of tourism encompassing its social, cultural, political and economic value.

Executive Order No. CL 469-2012 likewise directs the implementation of different activities in celebration of the Tourism Week in Zamboanga.

The celebration will lead up to September 27, designated as International Tourism Day which will be observed around the globe based on the call of the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

The celebration's theme is “Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development.”

In line with this, the City Tourism and Investment Division under the Office of the Mayor has lined up several activities in observance of Tourism Week in Zamboanga.

These include Libre Paseo, a free tour of the city’s attractions located at the city proper area from September 21-23; Zamboanga Food Festival at the Plaza del Pilar from September 21-22 at 5 p.m.; Ayuda Limpiesa Ano 9 at the main market on September 22 at 8 a.m.; and the drum and lyre competition for elementary level and the culminating program at the Paseo del Mar on September 27 at 4 p.m.

All sectors and interested individuals are enjoined to participate in the forthcoming events.

For further details contact the City Tourism Office at the Paseo del Mar with telephone numbers 992-3007.

The tourism industry in Zamboanga has boomed and surged ahead over the last 9 years, as cited in a study of the city’s Business Risk Assessment and Management of Climate Impacts conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines and the Bank of Philippine Islands.

Based on the study, tourist arrivals increased by more than 200 percent during the last 10 years, as the number of hotels increased by 250 percent and number of hotel rooms grew by 76 percent.

NIA Assures Enough Irrigation Facilities

By NONOY E. LACSON

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) assured that “there is nothing to worry during El Niño phenomenon,” saying that all the water reservoirs and irrigation systems nationwide, particularly in Mindanao, have enough water supplies even during the expected dry spell.

In a statement sent here, NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel disclosed that they are monitoring all the irrigation systems in the country, and expressed confidence that the farmers will not be affected by dry spell or the El Niño phenomenon in the last quarter of this year.

Reports from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said a strong possibility regarding El Niño to develop towards the last quarter of 2012.

“We are more worried on the rainy season because our irrigation systems are usually destroyed on that season especially during heavy rains,” Nangel lamented. “During dry spell, we believe that we have enough supply of water for our farmers.”

Nangel also said that they are now repairing all the damaged irrigation systems in the country that were destroyed by the past weather disturbances.

“Before the El Niño phenomenon, we expect that we are fully operational and farmers have nothing to worry,” Nangel stated.

Nangel also insisted that despite some “minor” hindrances such as calamities and the delay on the release of funds, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the NIA were still on the right track to pursue the rice sufficiency target by 2013.

“Yes, we can still achieve rice sufficiency by 2013,” Nangel said.

Meanwhile, Budget Secretary Butch Abad reportedly assured the NIA that the government will find ways to fund the damaged irrigations systems in the country.

“We welcome Secretary Abad’s statement as this will help our irrigation system to be fully operational,” Nangel said, adding that they also earmarked some P400 million for the repair of the destroyed irrigation systems during the onslaught of the “hanging habagat” or southwest monsoon.

Zambo City hires 54 new teachers

(PNA), SCS/TPG/MMG

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 1 (PNA) –- Fifty-four new teachers have been hired by the Local School Board effective Sept. 1 in line with the city government’s massive and constant assistance and support to the education sector.

Mayor Celso Lobregat personally administered on Saturday morning the oath of office of the newly-hired teachers, as he urged them to treasure the trust and confidence bestowed on them by the city government through dedicated and committed service to Zamboangueño children.

Lobregat said the 54 newly-hired teachers, having been chosen among the more than a hundred applicants, should be model government employees by putting into practice the oath they swore to comply.

Of those newly-hired, 24 are elementary school teachers while the rest are secondary school teachers.

Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro, through Lobregat’s request, has granted additional 50 teacher slots for Zamboanga City in reciprocation of this city’s all-out support to DepEd through school buildings and other education-related programs.

Since improving the city’s finances, the Local School Board has maintained 80 teacher slots.

Standing as witnesses to the oathtaking rites, held at the City Hall conference room Saturday morning, were Human Resource Management Officer Erlina Sanchez and City Councilors Rodolfo Lim and Myra Paz Abubakar.

Lim, the chairman of the City Council’s Committee on Education, said Zamboanga City is one of the few cities in the country that grants salaries and benefits to teachers that are at par with those granted by the national government.

Abubakar, for her part, has called on the newly-hired teachers to value the oath of office and their profession as teachers as well as to be good models to the students.

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