Zamboanga City News September 2015

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Zamboanga City - Archived News

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

DTI sets Consumer Welfare Month activities

By Bong Garcia

A TOP official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said they have lined up various activities in line with the observance of the Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) starting Thursday, October 1.

Engineer Rolando Acuña, DTI provincial director, said the activities include the General Assembly (GA) on October 2 of the local Federation of Consumer Groups and the organization of the Regional Consumers Conference on October 27.

Acuña said the GA is in preparation of and to ensure the active participation and involvement of the local groups to the Regional Consumers Conference.

Acuña said they acknowledge the important role of consumer organizations in as much as they represent the consumer sector in consumer advocacies, promotion of business regulation, and in government policy-making bodies.

He said the Regional Consumers Conference will serve as an avenue for the agency to disseminate and assimilate information on policies affecting consumers.

He said it also aims to elect and induct a new set of officers of the Regional Federation of Consumer Associations (REFCA)-Zamboanga Peninsula and to strengthen and further the association so it can effectively partner with business and government sectors to widen the scope of consumer protection.

This year's observance of the CWM is anchored on the theme "Consumer Protection in the Asean Economic Community."

"This is aligned with the regional call for cooperation on enhancing consumer protection in the Southeast Asian region relative to the integration of markets in Asean," said Acuna.

He said this annual celebration aims to promote sound consumer information on subjects that affect the consumers and to encourage dialogue and cooperation between and among consumers, businesses, and government sectors in strengthening consumer awareness and protection.

The observance of the CWM in October of every year is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1098.

Zambo first responders undergo Incident Command System training

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 29 (PNA) -– The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is conducting a three-day basic training on Incident Command System (ICS) for the first responders in this city.

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, CDRRMO chief, said the training, which kicked off Tuesday and ends Thursday, is aimed to capacitate the responders on how to address different scenarios “when they cropped up.”

Apolinario said the participants of the ICS training include policemen, soldiers, CDRRMO personnel and volunteers.

“We have to be capacitated on how to address a situation,” Apolinario said.

He said the situation may include human-induced violence like terrorism as well as natural calamity.

Apolinario said the training is consist of ICS introduction; organization and structure; incident facilities; organizing and managing events; incident assessment and management by objectives; incident resources and management; incident and event planning; and, transfer of command demobilization and closeout.

Apolinario said the ICS is to ensure the safety of the responders as well as the individuals to be rescued and provided assistance.

He said the ICS could also help achieve the tactical objective and “this will also bring efficient use of resources.”

“When you respond to a situation, you know what you are going to do there, you know what to bring, and what needs to be done immediately when you arrive at the area,” he added.

Zambo City receives Seal of Good Housekeeping award

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 28 (PNA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) formally turned over to Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar this city’s PhP3-million subsidy from the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) as part of the incentive for the local government being a recipient of the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping for 2014.

The symbolic as well as the real check worth PhP3 million was handed over during the flag ceremony Monday in front of City Hall by DILG City Director Mohammad Taha Arakama to Salazar and Eng’r. Rodrigo Sicat, city planning and development coordinator.

The PCF for the city government is an incentive fund in the form of counterpart funding to high-impact capital investment projects in the Annual Investment Program (AIP) and funded out of the 20 percent Local Development Fund (LDF).

It is being administered by the DILG in collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to recognize good governance particularly in the adoption of “good housekeeping” along the governance areas development planning, sound financial management, transparency and accountability and valuing performance monitoring.

The city government has passed the 2012 Seal of Good Housekeeping and the 2014 Good Financial Housekeeping and is awarded the PhP3-million PCF incentive.

Salazar said the subsidy will be used to fund modular-type projects in the 2015 AIP that is to be completed within one year from the date of receipt of the PCF check.

Meanwhile, Engr. Sicat said the city government has proposed the construction of a day care center each in Barangays Tumaga and San Roque with tables and chairs and other instructional facilities and materials.

The city government's counterpart will be the day care workers’ honorarium year round.

The proposed construction of day care centers is in line with this city’s priority thrust on Security, Health and Education (SHE).

Zambo City gov’t activates human rights action team

By Bong Garcia

MAYOR Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has issued an executive order constituting the City Human Rights Action Team (CHRACT) and defined its duties and responsibilities.

Salazar said the creation of the CHRACT is aimed to ensure accountability of local authorities in the promotion, protection and full realization of all human rights, particularly the disadvantaged and ordinary people.

Salazar said the CHRACT activation, through E.O. BC-137-2015 issued on Wednesday, is also aimed to instill great public awareness on human rights at the grassroots level

Based on the E.O., the newly-created CHRACT is composed of personnel from the City Social Welfare and Development Officer, City Planning and Development Coordinator, City Health Officer, Human Rights Affairs Officer of the police, City Schools Division Superintendent, Barangay Human Rights Action officer, Association president, and at least one representative from the Civil Society Organizations, Non-Government Organizations and People’s Organizations that advocate human rights.

The order also created a CHRACT secretariat that shall be composed of the representative from the offices of the City Administrator, CPDC, and CSWDO.

The duties and responsibilities of the CHRACT are as follows: development and implementation of a human rights plan of the local government programs; the integration of human rights programs, projects and activities in the annual budget appropriation; recommendation of appropriate legislations to the Human Rights Committee of the City Council, among others.

Salazar said the creation of the CHRACT is in accordance with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Joint Memorandum No. 1, series of 2014 dated December 16, 2014.

Zambo City gears for Hermosa Festival

(PNA), RMA/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 26 (PNA) – The city government, in a bid to increase participation, has reopened the registration of entries to the various competitions, except for the street dance competition, lined up for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival on Oct. 1.

The festival highlights the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar,locally known as Fiesta Pilar on Oct. 12.

Belen Sheila Covarrubias, city hall information officer, said the registration remained open for the bandoreal parade; mascot; original Chavacano video music festival; parade of lights (float competition); and, dancesport competitions.

Covarrubias said that local artists who wish to put their masterpieces on display during the Zamboanga Art Exhibit at Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar from Oct. 5 to 7 may likewise register.

She said the registration forms were available for download from www.zamboangacity.gov.ph or may be secured at the Information and Communication Division, 2/F City Hall Annex Building.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Committee is inviting any person, group, organization, institution or company to participate in the float competition dubbed as “Parade of Lights” on Oct. 9.

Fabulous cash prizes are at stake: Php 75,000 for the first prize; Php50,000 for the second prize; Php30,000, third prize; Php20,000, fourth; and, Php 10,000, fifth prize.

The event is a parade lights-decorated and illuminated floats of various shapes and sizes, showcasing any of Zamboanga’s iconic landmarks, symbols, products or the stories, legends, multiculturalism and dynamism of its people.

The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is this city’s grandest celebration in honor of Our Lady of the Pillar, the most revered saint of this city.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the team “Junto y Unido: Celebracion de Harmonia y Buen Amistad (Together and United: Celebration with Harmony and Good Relations).”

City gov’t invites participants to ‘Parade of Lights’ on Oct. 9

By Vic Larato

The city government’s Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Committee is inviting any person, group, organization, institution or company to participate in the float competition dubbed as “Parade of Lights” on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. on R.T. Lim (Cawa-Cawa) Boulevard.

Fabulous cash prizes are at stake: P75,000 for the 1st prize, P50,000- 2nd prize, P30,000- 3rd prize, P20,000- 4th and P10,000- 5th prize.

The event is a parade lights-decorated and illuminated floats of various shapes and sizes, showcasing any of Zamboanga’s iconic landmarks, symbols, products or the stories, legends, multiculturalism and dynamism of its people.

Interested participants are required to fully accomplish a registration form with complete float description or synopsis together with the sketch of entry on a ¼ sized illustration board, which will be read during the actual day of the parade as the float approaches the endpoint of the route.

All registration forms must be obtained from and submitted to the Information and Communications Division Office in City Hall on or before October 1.

For more details, interested parties may visit the Information and Communications Division Office in City Hall or call 990-1356 and look for Christian Olasiman or Cedric Zabala.

Zamboanga City reaps three awards in 12th CAEXPO

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 24 (PNA) -– The Philippine delegation, courtesy of this city, reaped three awards at the four-day 12th China-ASEAN Exposition (CAEXPO) in Nanning, China.

The 12th CAEXPO was held from September 18 to 21 at the Nanning International Convention and Exposition Center (NICEC) in Nanning, Guangzhou Autonomous Region in the People’s Republic of China.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Thursday that two of the three awards -- the best city of charm and the best trade organizer -- were handed over to this city.

Salazar said the third award -- best in investment promotion -- was handed over to the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Zamboecozone).

Salazar said that Zamboanga City, as this year’s “City of Charm” at the Philippine Pavilion, this city (on a tie with Thailand) bested all other city of charm pavilions from China and ASEAN in view of its capacity to draw crowd during the four-day CAEXPO.

Showcasing this city’s unique and colorful history and culture through songs and dances including the beautiful sites and attractions, the Zamboanga - Philippine pavilion was crowded with people from all over, showing interest in the presentations and taking photos with the Zamboangueño dancers.

The best trade organizer award was based on the capacity of the Zamboanga-Philippine delegation to draw the most number of trade visitors and buyers.

Zamboanga’s products--Sotto delicacies, EJT bottled goods, Universal Canning sardines--were the best sellers at the Philippine commodity trade pavilion.

The best investment promotion award was based on the quality of the conferences organized by the Philippines that showed to China and ASEAN that the country can invite high level officials and at the same time produce good quality conferences.

Zamboecozone Chairman and Administrator Christopher Lawrence Arnuco represented the country during conferences related to industrial parks and Philippine promotions. Salazar also pitched for Zamboanga’s potentials.

This is the third time that the Philippines won the best investment promotion conference award and this year, it is a tie with Laos and Myanmar.

Salazar expressed pride and thanked the members of the delegation that worked hard for the achievements, specifically the City Investment and Promotions division headed by Angelique Go as well as the members of the City Council, the department heads and the representatives from the Zamboanga Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Los Contratistas de Zamboanga and the exhibitors and the small medium enterprises (SMEs) that supported the promotion campaign for this city.

“We thank everyone who worked hard for the success of CAEXPO and the China business opportunities,” Salazar added.

For 12 years now, the CAEXPO has been a standout from other trade fairs bearing the missions of consolidating the friendly relationships between China and ASEAN, accelerating the China-ASEAN Free Trade Act (CAFTA) construction and promoting the cooperation between both sides in various fields.

SRPI focuses on short, medium term power for Zambo City

(R.G. A A. Go)

The San Ramon Power Incorporated (SRPI) is currently focusing on the short term and medium term power supply which includes the modular genset and to contract power with Western Mindanao Power Corporation (WMPC) to ensure power for Zamboanga City while waiting for the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) to finish the process of the Investment Management Contract or IMC.

OIC of the SRPI Project, Archie Donato, said the short term solution is the Alsons 10 MW Modular Genset while the medium term solution is to contract power from WMPC and the long term solution is the SRPI’s construction of the coal fired power plant. “While we are doing the IMC process, we are focus on the short term and medium term power supply for Zamboanga City.”

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) already started the hearing for the Alsons 10 MW Modular Genset last August 6 and a second hearing is set by October 1.

For the genset, Zamcelco will have to pay the payment securit. But, “That is not an advance payment. That is payment security in the form of letter of credit hindi yan advance payment.” Donato stressed.

The money will be used for setting up the genset which will require expenses which includes freight from Singapore, customs taxes, transshipment to Zamboanga City, payment to the contractor to put the interconnection lines to commission the units, and the fuel as the genset is diesel powered.

The office is targeting to have the genset running by December hoping that the ERC will issue the provisional authority earlier.

Meanwhile, Zamcelco have already contracted with WMPC where it was signed and submitted to ERC for hearing and the tentative schedule for the first hearing is on September 30.

Zamcelco contracted 50 MW out of the plants 100 MW capacity for 10 years. Recall that WMPC’s contract with the National Power Corporation will end this December 31, 2015.

But included in the provision is when the coal fired power plant of SRPI is in place Zamcelco will have the option to reduce or terminate after five years.

Donato assured that they have given the priority to Zamcelco and the company is firmly committed to deliver their obligation.

2 Chinese cities invite Zambo for sisterhood

(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/CITY HALL PR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 21 (PNA) – This city has forged a letter of intent (LOI) for a sisterhood agreement with Guigang City, a first level port city in China on the sidelight of the 12th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) to establish friendship ties through sharing of experiences and best practices in areas of mutual interest.

Organized by the government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the formal signing of the LOI that will pave the way for the sisterhood agreement took place Saturday, Sept. 19, with Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and Guigang City Mayor Li Xingyuan leading the ceremonies at Room 108 of the Nanning International Convention and Center (NICEC).

The NICEC is the venue of the 12th CAEXPO that kicked off Sept. 18 and will culminate Monday, Sept. 21.

The signing of the LOI is the initial step towards the formalization of a sisterhood agreement that will take place when Guigang City officials will visit this city soon.

Under the LOI, the proposed sibling agreement is purposely to promote mutual understanding and friendship, consolidate, develop friendly cooperation relationship according to the principle of “China-Philippine Bulletin for Establishing Diplomatic Relationship.

Both cities under the LOI agree, on the bases of mutual benefit, “to carry out various exchanges and cooperation on aspects such as economy, trade, science and technology, culture, education, sports, health and several others to promote common prosperity and development between the people of both cities.”

Zoushan City located in Zheijang province, one of China’s special economic zone has also invited the local government for a sisterhood agreement.

Salazar together with City Investment Promotions Officer Marie Angelique Go and Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Chairman Christopher Lawrence Arnuco initially held talks with Zoushan officials last Wednesday and preparations for the signing of LOI are also underway.

During the visit to Zoushan, Salazar met with Zoushan City Vice Mayor Jiang Jianming and visited Chang Hong International Shipyard where the Foreign Affairs Office presented the city’s economic, planning and infrastructure initiatives.

The linkage between this city and the two China cities were facilitated by the CAEXPO organizers and the local business community that form part of this city’s delegation to the 12th CAEXPO in Nanning, China.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo, the overall head of the Philippine delegation, together with Philippine Consul General to Guangzhou, China Marie Charlotte Golim Tan and representatives from the different national government agencies such as the Committee on International Trade and Exposition Missions (CITEM), Board of Investments (BOI) and other agencies also witnessed the formal event.

Joining Salazar were Councilors Luis Biel III, Benjamin Guingona IV, Vincent Paul Elago and Juan Climaco Elago, various department heads, Department of Tourism (DOT) Maryjune Bugante, DTI Provincial Director Rolando Acuña, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Cisinio Cano, the Los Contratistas Group represented by Raymond Go, Zamboanga Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce represented by Ho Peng Ang and numerous others.

The officials from Guiyang City present during the event were the following: Liu Zhiyong, vice chairman of CPPCC, Guangxi Zhuag autonomous region; Luo Shabon, deputy director of CPPCC society and legislative committee; Wang Ke, secretary of CPC Guiyang municipal committee, director general of standing committee of Municipal People’s Congress; Lei Yingmin, deputy secretary of CPC Guiyang Municipal Committee; Song Zhenhuan, standing committee of Municipal People’s Congress, deputy mayor of Guiyang municipal government and Huang Weiping, secretary-general of Guiyang Municipal party committee.

12th China-ASEAN expo opens: Zambo rolls out best products

By SheIla Covarrubias

Nanning, China—Zamboanga City rolls out to the China and ASEAN market the best of the best products and services it can offer, as the 12th China-ASEAN Expo formally opens here at the Nanning International Convention Exposition Center (NICEC) in Nanning, Guangxi Province, China, Friday, September 18.

Zamboanga’s Mega sardines are among the over 500 brand names from all over China and ASEAN that are featured in the commodity trade pavilion. Local exhibitors to include the Sotto delicacies, EJT Food products and the pearls of Sitti Onggo among others complete the list of exhibitors in the expo.

Mayor Beng Climaco head of the Zamboanga delegation together with some members of the City Council leads in the different activities intended to promote the city’s trade, tourism and investment potentials in the CAEXPO which is emerging as a special international event held on a yearly basis co-sponsored by the governments of China and the 10 ASEAN countries.

Now on its 12th year, the CAEXPO stands out from other trade fairs and bears the missions of consolidating the friendly relationships between China and ASEAN, accelerating the CAFTA (China Asean Free Trade Agreement) construction and promoting cooperation between both sides in various fields.

Zamboanga City’s participation in the 12th CAEXPO has 3 major components: the Commodity Trade Pavilion, the Philippine National Pavilion where Zamboanga is the City of Charm and the Philippine Promotion Conference that includes business matching activities and sisterhood relationships.

On the first day of the 12th CAEXPO concurrent with the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS), Mayor Climaco attended the grand opening ceremony Friday morning that was keynoted by H.E. Zhang Gaoli, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council of China; welcomed guests at the Philippine pavilion; attended the Promotion Conference on ASEAN Industrial parks where Zambo Ecozone Chair Christopher Lawrence Arnuco pitched for the different ecozones in the country and met with the international press in the afternoon.

On the second day of the event, the mayor spearheaded the signing of the Letter of Intent (LOI) that will pave the way for a sisterhood agreement with Guigang, a city in the Guangxi Province, a first level port City. She will likewise spearhead the tour of the Philippine pavilion as well as the commodity pavilion and later make a presentation about Zamboanga City during the Promotion Conference of the Philippines.

Last Sept. 16, the mayor also signed a pledge of commitment with the city of Zhoushan in Zeijang Province, one of China’s special economic zone, whose fishing industry is number one in China.

The proposed twinning agreements went through the Department of Foreign Affairs’ approval, in compliance with the Bureau of Local Government supervision of the DILG requirements.

A mayor’s forum is also set on Sept. 20 to mark 2015 as the China-ASEAN maritime cooperation year that explains for the event’s theme of “21st Century maritime Silk Road” providing for more business opportunities for China and ASEAN countries to enlarge the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area with the ultimate goal of expanding bilateral cooperation and to reap more tangible economic returns.

Over the past 12 years, CAEXPOs have brought together high quality resources of China and ASEAN countries, formed multi-level, wide-ranging and cross regional exchanges and cooperation mechanisms and provided the most convenient platform for comprehensive cooperation between China and ASEAN, so that the bilateral cooperation has stepped from consensus to practice.

Meanwhile, the selection of a City of Charm for every country during CAEXPOs is one way to enrich China’s cooperation with ASEAN and to extend the current country-to-country cooperation among cities. As a city of charm for the year, the featured city will comprehensively exhibit its development and business opportunities in trade, investment, science and technology, culture and tourism.

For this year, the cities of charm for every country are the following: Hongkong for China, Bandar Seri Begawan for Brunei, Phnom Penh for Cambodia, Kepulauan Riau for Indonesia, Oudamsay for Lao PDR, Malacca for Malaysia,

Dawei City for Myanmar, Zamboanga City for Philippines, Singapore Chinburi Province for Thailand and Lao Cai Province for Vietnam. Thailand is the Country of Honor, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) is the Special Guest Country.

Zambo Vet office vaccinates 20,850 pets

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 19 (PNA) – The Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet), in line with its Oplan Alias Rabies program, has vaccinated 20,850 pets against rabies since January this year.

“This (program) is one our strategies to attain the Rabies Free Philippines 2020,” Dr. Arnedo Agbayani, OCVet’ animal health services division chief.

The Rabies Free Philippines 2020 is a vision of the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program of the Department of Health to eliminate cases of rabies in 2020.

Agbayani said that 90 percent of the 20,850 vaccinated pets were dogs while the remaining 10 percent were cats and other household pets.

He said the vaccination was done by them in the barangays to include during the “Dia de Alcalde (Mayor’s Day)” program and other special occasions.

Last year, the OCVet has vaccinated at least 17,000 pets in this city.

DTI sets investment conference in Zamboanga Peninsula

(PNA), FPV/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 18 (PNA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to hold a two-day Zamboanga Peninsula Investment Conference (Icon) to present the many investment opportunities the region has to offer.

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, said Friday the Icon, which set to be held from October 8 to 9, will highlight investment opportunities in the six champion products, and an emerging industry of the region.

“ZAMPEN ICon aims to lure investors to the region by presenting to them the vast opportunities that our six regional champion products namely rubber, seaweeds, mango, processed fish, coconut and coconut products, abaca; and the emerging industry cacao have to offer. This is one way of showing to them that the region is ready for our investors,” Jain said.

She said the Icon targets 350 participants coming from industry experts, farmers, growers, producers, manufacturers and processors, government agencies, financing institutions, research institutions, and the private sector.

She said they have included three important activities such as the plenary session, business matching, and investment exhibit as highlights of the two-day event.

For the plenary session, Jain said aside from the six regional champion products and cacao as emerging industry, discussions include Investment Opportunities in ASEAN; ASEAN Economic Community Game Plan and the National Development Agenda; Regional Clusters and the Philippine New Industrial Policy; Investment Opportunities at the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and Freeport (Zamboecozone); and, finally, government support for the region.

Jain said the business matching will be handled by DTI, with the Board of Investments (BOI) documenting the proceedings.

Jain said that each province, the Zamboecozone, the Department of Tourism, and Zamboanga Information and Communications Technology Council will showcase their investment initiatives and areas for the investment exhibit.

She added that investment opportunities on the Regional Champion Products will be displayed.

She said interested participants are encouraged to confirm their attendance with the nearest DTI offices in their area.

She said that a minimal amount of Php1,200 for non-chamber members and Php1,000 for chamber members will be collected for registration.

DOST set to open PhP10-M innovation centers in Zambo City

By R.G. Antonet A. Go [(PNA). CTB/TPGJR/RGAAG]

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 17 (PNA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is set to open two innovation facilities worth PhP10 million to cater to the needs of the students, local inventors and other stakeholders in this city.

DOST Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said Thursday the facilities, each worth P5 million, include Food Innovation Center and Manufacturing and Engineering Innovation Center.

Manzano said in an interview at the sideline of the opening of the three-day 2015 Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (RICE) that the Food Innovation Center will be established at Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) campus.

Manzano said the center, which is expected to be opened before the yearend, will cater to the needs of the students, local inventors as well as food processors.

The equipment needed for the construction of the center which include spray dryer, vacuum fryer, and other food processing apparatuses are set to arrive within this month.

Manzano said the Manufacturing and Engineering Innovation Center will be placed at the campus of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU).

She said the center will house engineering equipment such as boiler, printers, and other modern engineering equipment.

She said the center will be open next year. It will be used by students, researchers, inventors, and other stakeholders.

USAID, Zamboanga City join hands to promote adoption of e-payment system

(PNA), LAP/BNB/PR/EDS

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 16 (PNA) -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Manila and the city government of Zamboanga signed a new partnership that will allow residents to pay government taxes and fees anytime, anywhere using electronic channels.

USAID’s E-PESO Activity will introduce new electronic payment (e-Payment) systems, using innovative technology,to support the city’s goal of increasing revenue generation through an improved and more transparent tax collection process.

The cooperation is part of the two entities' collaboration under the Cities Development Initiative (CDI). A key element of the Partnership for Growth, CDI focuses on strengthening the economic competitiveness and resilience of secondary cities to become engines of growth.

Under the PFG, the U.S. government is working with the Philippine government, the private sector and civil society organizations to put the Philippines on an accelerated growth trajectory that benefits the majority of its population.

Prior to formalizing the cooperation, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco signed Executive Order BC 129-2015 to regulate cooperation on electronic payment systems and make Persons-to-Government payments more accessible. The Executive Order also mandated the creation of a technical working group composed of Zamboanga City local division chiefs and key personnel tasked to work with E-PESO counterparts on the project.

To develop the local electronic payments ecosystem, USAID and the Zamboanga City government will also work with local utility companies and businesses. Members of the private sector represented by the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., Zamboanga Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Inc., and the Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association were on hand to signify their commitment to support the shift to electronic payment systems.

DOST holds invention contest in Zamboanga City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 15 (PNA) –- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is conducting a two-day invention contest in this city.

DOST Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said Tuesday the contest dubbed as the 2015 Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (RICE) will run from Thursday until Friday and will be held at the Centro Latino of Paseo del Mar, this city.

Manzano said so far 87 entries are vying for the six categories of the two-day contest. It will be held jointly by the DOST and the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI).

“We are conducting this very significant event to give recognition to inventors and researchers,” Manzano said.

She said they believe that Filipinos are not short for ideas, and “the DOST is here to support local innovative ideas that work and can help the country.”

She said the RICE is a good venue to promote science, technology, and innovation so as to encourage more people, especially those in the academe and industry to actively engage in research and development initiatives.

Eng’r. Mahmud Kingking, DOST assistant regional director, said most of the 87 participating entries involved students from college and high school levels.

There are also entries from local inventors and other cities and provinces in the region. The winners in the regional level will compete in the national level later this year.

The contest is anchored on the theme “Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating and Inventing for Global Competitiveness.”

Job interviews set at PESO Sept. 14-18

By Sheila Covarrubias

Job interviews for various positions offered by four companies that will soon operate in Zamboanga will be held starting today, Sept. 14 to 18 at the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in Pettit Barracks.

Shakey’s, Spruce Phils., Ace Hardware and KCC Mall are making available various positions that can be applied by either college graduates, those still in college level or even high school graduates.

Interested applicants are invited to visit the PESO office in Pettit Barracks 8-5pm from Sept. 14-18 for interviews by human resource personnel from the said companies or industries, as facilitated by the PESO.

Meanwhile, more or less 523 skilled workers were hired on the spot during the September 8 Job Fair conducted by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

More than a thousand other qualified applicants are also set to undergo examination and other procedures.

The day-long Job Fair, held as part of the birthday offerings for the birthday of Mayor Beng Climaco September 7, made available over 2,000 positions for local placement to qualified skilled and unskilled job seekers.

Over 2,600 applicants registered during the fair held at Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar.

The activity was held in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). It aimed to provide employment opportunities and ultimately address the poverty problem in the city. It also intended to meet the manpower requirement of various industries that will soon operate in Zamboanga. Another job fair is set in October in line with the Fiesta Hermosa Festival 2015.

ZCWD, Manila Water kick off joint venture to lower NRW

By R. G. A A. Go

Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) announced the start of its joint venture June this year with Manila Water to help lower ZCWD’s Non Revenue Water (NRW).

"We have already awarded, we have joint venture with Manila Water to reduce the unaccounted water," ZCWD General Manager Leonardo Rey Vasquez said in an interview.

Vasquez said in five years by 2019 or 2020, the NRW of the ZCWD will have to go down to 25% from 47% with expertise of Manila Water.

"This 47% of NRW transmits to more or less P148 Million loses a year for the city’s water district," he added.

At present, in Barangay San Jose Gusu in n the west coast isolation is now being done to include district metering, and zone metering.

Aside from these, bidding is being done worth P152 million for the replacement of major pipelines in the city, according to Vasquez.

The payment scheme for Manila Water will be performance based on the NRW reduction.

NRW is caused by leaking pipes or pilferage. Because of these, they already placed meters in their major pipelines to know how much water gets in, how much sold, and losses.

These NRW were incurred in the downtown area as pipelines are already old such as pipes since 1911 and 1914 which most probably are leaking.

If this NRW will be recovered, this will be used expand the services of the ZCWD to other consumers.

Zambo features Sta. Cruz in travel show in Manila

(PR)

Zamboanga City Tourism Office showcases the pinkish white sand of Sta. Cruz Island in the 2015 International Diving and Resort Travel Show Philippines 2015 at the SMX Megatrade Hall of the SM Mega Mall in Mandaluyong City from September 11-13, 2015.

Mayor Beng Climaco sent Mr. Richard Aliangan, Rodel C. Rodriguez, and Eufemia T. Lorenzo of the City Tourism Office to oversee the Zamboanga City booth as she sees the opportunity to feature the pinkish white-sand island during the business to business meetings between 100 foreign buyers and sellers as well as promote to 2000-4000 divers/traders delegates. The said personnel can likewise avail of the dive seminars by acclaimed dive experts and underwater photographers.

Sta. Cruz Island is voted by CNN as one of the top ten best beaches in the world this year and is a promising dive destination for local and international divers. As visitor arrivals in the said island tremendously progress, the City Government of Zamboanga through the City Tourism Office is committed to develop the said island within the allowed parameters as well intensify its promotions locally and abroad.

The International Diving and Resort Travel Show is an endeavor of the Department of Tourism Dive – Market Development Group (Dive MDG) with support from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) in partnership with the LX Development Group (LX Group), an organizer of the DRT shows in Hong Kong, China, and Japan.

ZCWD inaugurates batching plant, production well

By Ed D. Baños (CREAS-ZCWD)

In its effort to better serve its consumers , the Zamboanga City Water District inaugurates today a batching plant in Mercedes and its underground production well in Pasobolong today.

Top city officials to include Mayor BengClimaco, Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde, District 1 Rep. Celso Lobregat and District 2 Rep. Lilia Macrohon Nuno along with the city’s councilors from the two districts have been invited to attend the simple blessing and inaugural rites together with ZCWD top officialdom headed by Board Chair Engr. EfrenAranez and General Manager Leonardo Rey Vasquez.

Father Alain Ruiz, Mercedes parish priest, will preside over the blessing rites in the twin sites.

Engr. Arnulfo Alfonso, Assistant General Manager for Technical Services Group, disclosed the twin projects will allow the city water district to address its more urgent requirements.

The P8 million batching plant, which will be blessed and inaugurated first, will allow the city water utility firm to handle its asphalt requirements for pavement restoration in areas where they excavate.

Meantime, the Pasobolong production well will augment the production capacity of the district and serve consumers in the area.

The batching plant is a mobile plant that can be wheeled anywhere in the city to be near any water district work site, Alfonso added elaborating on the added feature of the asphalt making equipment.

The Pasobolong production well will be put into operation as the 25th active production well of ZCWD.

Production wells augment the water supply of the district by as much as 20 percent.

Meanwhile, Engr. Marlie de Fiesta, in charge of the projects execution, said these will hasten completion of road restoration program of the district as asphalt will now be readily available to the city water district.

The mobile nature of the plant will allow the district to move it closer to worksites now that the pipe-laying project of the district in the west coast will soon get underway.

The P535 million project will involve the laying of close to 25 kilometer of pipeline to interconnect into the system the 50 mld( Millionliters per day) Primewater plant in Patalon, which is projected to come on stream second half of 2016.

‘We will continue to improve our facilities all for the benefit of our thousands of water consumers in the city, in the hope of achieving our goal of providing clean potable water to every household in Zamboanga’, ZCWD General Manager Leonardo Rey Vasquez emphasized.

Zamboanga hermosa festival preparations underway

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 10 (PNA) -– Preparations are underway for the annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the biggest and grandest celebration of this city.

The highlights of the festival is the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar--the most revered saint of this city--on October 12, locally and widely known as “Fiesta Pilar.”

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has issued Executive Order No. BC 134-2015 organizing the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Committee that undertakes the preparation, planning and budgeting to stage a festive, colorful and unforgettable fiesta celebration for locals as well as domestic and foreign visitors.

In her order, Salazar designated Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, city disaster risk reduction and management officer and concurrent OIC-city administrator, as the festival committee chair.

Apolinario said the festival will include activities such as sardine-eating festival dubbed as “Wow Sardinas,” regatta, mascot and various competitions.

He said the festival will also endeavor to increase people’s awareness and interest in the rich history and cultural heritage of this city as well as its potentials for the promotion of the local tourism industry.

This year’s festival is anchored on the theme “Junto y Unido: Celebracion de Harmonia y Buen Amistad (Together and United: Celebration with Harmony and Good Friendship).”

Zambo weightlifters reap 5 gold, 1 silver in Thailand tilt

By Sheila Covarrubias

Zamboangueño weightlifters Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia brought honor and fame to the Philippines anew when they bested their rivals in the recently concluded Asian Weightlifting Championship held in Phuket, Thailand Sept. 3-12.

Diaz harvested 3 gold medals in the senior men and senior women category while Colonia reaped 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal 56 kg category men’s division.

Colonia won the first ever gold medal in the Asian Senior Championship Games.

The Asian Weightlifting Championship was participated by 44 Asian countries.

As this developed, Mayor Beng Climaco conveyed her message of gratitude and commendation to the two Zamboangueño weightlifters saying they made Zamboanga City very proud.

She likewise lauded the coaches of the team that include Prof. Elbert Atilano and Aldanete Alfonsito for working equally hard to achieve the most coveted gold medals.

Both Diaz and Colonia also won medals in the Southeast Asian Weightlifting Championships held also in Thailand last June 26. Diaz was a gold medallist in the 53 kg category and Colonia won a bronze medal in the 56 kg category.

The two weightlifters were feted by Mayor Climaco in a heroes’ welcome rite held in front of City Hall last July 13.

Zambo City gov’t set to commemorate 2nd anniversary of ‘Zamboanga Siege’

(PNA), FFC/BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 8 (PNA) -– The local government has lined up activities for the commemoration of the 2013 Zamboanga siege.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar told the Philippines News Agency that the city will be observing a day of prayer for peace on Wednesday.

Salazar said the activities aim to honor the fallen and the unsung heroes of the 21-day siege, the civilian victims, the police and military forces who risked their lives in defense of the city.

“We will commemorate the second year of the siege by praying for all the departed, most especially the victims,” Salazar said.

Salazar said that part of the activities include the conduct of a flag-raising ceremony at Sitio Sumatra also known as Sumariki, a deep mangrove area in Barangay Sta. Catalina, 1.76 kilometers east of the city hall.

She said Barangay Sta. Catalina was one of the memorable locations of the siege since it was where the government forces and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) intruders engaged in heavy fighting for days.

The city mayor also said the local government will tie up with the Sta. Catalina barangay council headed by chairman Jimmy Villaflores for other activities dubbed as “A Day to Remember in September.”

She admitted that the journey to recovery and building back a better Zamboanga is far from over yet although it’s been two years since the infamous siege in this city.

“We still have a long way to trek in terms of permanent shelters for the internally displaced persons. We still have problems in electricity and water, but we are addressing them,” Salazar said.

Salazar added the other problem they are confronting is the provision of sanitation facilities in the identified sites where permanent shelters are built and to be built.

Zambo gears up as City of Charm

(Investment Promotion Services PR)

Over 80 Zamboanga delegates gear for the second biggest trade event in China, the 12th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), taking place on September 18-21 at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nanning, Guangxi.

This year, Zamboanga City will be featuring its highly-diversified culture at the Philippines’ National Pavilion. Dubbed as Asia’s Latin City, Zamboanga is the home of the Spanish-based creole Chavacano, including other Hispanic influences manifested in its rich and complex culture.

Zamboanga-based manufacturers and exporters will promote and exhibit a wide range of products varying from food, agri products to fashionable woven cloths. Zamboanga City’s continuously growing economy offers promising trade and investment opportunities for ASEAN member countries.

The Philippines reported a total of USD 1.857 million in sales from its previous participation in the CAEXPO. Once again, Philippine manufacturers and exporters are eager to set new record by promoting a distinct variety of products for an elaborate pool of consumers.

The 12th CAEXPO will feature the Maritime Silk Road of the 21st century as its theme in connection with the mark of the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Year. This will work in providing more business prospects for the ASEAN countries to promote free trade, to further expand the bilateral cooperation and to achieve a larger gross in the economy.

The Philippine delegation to the 12th CAEXPO will be led by Mayor Beng Climaco, together with Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo of the Department of Trade and Industry. Partner agencies include the Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, Investment Promotion Agencies, the Department of Tourism, Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai and the Board of Investments.

WestMinCom marks 9 years of service in Mindanao

(Zamboanga Today)

Marking its nine years of serving the people in Mindanao, the Western Mindanao Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines (WestMinCom, AFP) held a wreath laying ceremony, thanksgiving mass, blessing of new facilities, lunch party, awarding ceremony and evening socials to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the Command at Camp Navarro, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City last August 28, 2015.

Led by Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero, Commander, WestMinCom, the Officers, Enlisted Personnel and Civilian Employees of the Command together with the WestMinCom Forward Liaison Elements (WMC-FLE) commemorated the sacrifices of our fallen heroes in a wreath laying ceremony held at the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Camp Navarro, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City.

Subsequently, a thanksgiving mass and blessing of all the renovated facilities of the Command was held which was administered by Brigadier General Tirso Dolina, AFP Chief Chaplain, and graced by Ms. Maria Corazon Guerrero, wife of Lieutenant General Guerrero.

Partner stakeholders and city officials were accorded certificates of appreciation for their invaluable support and services extended to the WestMinCom which contributed in the accomplishment of its mission during the lunch party held for the August birthday celebrants at the Officer’s Club in Camp Navarro.

Among those who were awarded were Hon. Celso Lobregat, Zamboanga City District I Representative; Hon. Lilia Macrohon-Nuño, Zamboanga City District II Representative; Hon. Ronald Maravilla, Barangay Captain, Labuan, Zamboanga City; Cliff Reynera, General Manager, Eco Bottling Enterprises; Edgar Tam, President, Myler Agribusiness, Inc. Company;

William Tiu-Lim, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ayala Seafoods Corporation; Anita Lee Kaw, President, Universal Canning, Inc.; Noel Tatel, General Manager, Barcode Restaurant; Ricardo Marmoleño, proprietor of the Ric and Remy’s Bakeshop; Brother Felipe Belleza, Jr. of the La Salle Academy, Iligan City; Lorraine Olaso, proprietor of the ACO Construction; Joel Consorte, Cabato Enterprise; Raymond Young of the Max’s Restaurant; and Erlinda Langkay of the Rotary Club of Zamboanga City West.

The same award was accorded to several establishments, academic and government institutions, including the Southern City Colleges; Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology; WestMinCom Forward Liaison Elements, US Pacific Command; 5th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force (5SAB, SAF); Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga; Bureau of Fire Protection Zamboanga Sibugay; Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc.-Zamboanga Plant; Smart Telecommunications-Zamboanga City; Globe Telecommunications, Inc.-Zamboanga City; and Department of Health Region 9 (DOH-9).

The Command also distributed bags to the birthday celebrants and held a raffle draw during the lunch party and the socials held at the WestMinCom Gymnasium at 7pm of the same day.

Four gov't agencies receive Citizens Satisfaction Center for Seal of Excellence award

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 5 (PNA) – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has awarded the Citizens Satisfaction Center for Seal of Excellence to four government agencies for exemplary service rendered to the public.

The awardees are the following agencies: Pag-IBIG Fund-Zamboanga Branch Office; Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHilHealth)-Zamboanga City Officer; Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)-Dipolog City; and, Land Transportation Office-Ipil district.

Atty. Macybel Alfaro-Sahi, CSC regional director, said the awardees receive glass plaque and Php 100,000, which they could used to further enhance the delivery of services.

Sahi said the plaque and cash were handed over to the awardees by CSC Commissioner Nieves Osorio in an awarding ceremony held Thursday in this city.

Sahi said he hoped the award would inspire the awardees to continue delivery of excellent service and motivate the other agencies to improve their services to be able to achieve such award.

The Citizens Satisfaction Center for Seal of Excellence is an award given to government office that demonstrated exemplary frontline service to its clientele.

President Aquino allocates PhP124M to build marine base in Zamboanga village

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 4 (PNA) -– President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has allocated PhP124 million for the purchase of a lot and the construction of marine base in Barangay Rio Hondo, this city, Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Friday.

The Philippine Navy, through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), is now coordinating with the Department of National Defense (DND) for the implementation of the project, she said.

The barangay of Rio Hondo was one of the staging areas of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members of the 21-day September 2013 siege.

Salazar said the establishment of the military security camp was based on the post-conflict needs assessment (PCNA) conducted by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and other agencies.

Salazar said the construction of the military facility in Barangay Rio Hondo is expected to help ensure security in the area and in the neighboring areas considered as vulnerable to lawless elements and other illegal activities.

Salazar has sought the intervention of DND Sec. Voltaire Gazmin for the expeditious release of remaining funds under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) Plan as well as the funds needed by the sectors listed in the PCNA document.

The Z3R plan is a PhP3.5-billion package, as approved by President Aquino.

Of the total amount, P2.56 billion has been downloaded for shelter, land acquisition, land development, assistance and contingencies.

PLDT turns over assistance for Dia de Alcalde missions

By Jasmine Mohammadsali

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Company yesterday turned over to the City Government its initial batch of medicine supply in support of the City Government’s continuing thrust and advocacy for health.

Mayor Beng Climaco gratefully accepted the 39 boxes of medicine from personnel of the PLDT at City Hall. The chief executive disclosed that the medicines will be utilized in the medical and dental outreach missions conducted in the Dia de Alcalde program, a service oriented caravan spearheaded regularly by Climaco along with City Government teams.

The donated medicines form part of the partnership between the City Government and the PLDT, whose team will be accompanying the Dia de Alcalde caravan beginning Friday, September 4, in six barangays identified as critical areas to perform community outreach activities and information advocacy.

The information advocacy is also intended to prevent communities from accidentally cutting into and damaging PLDT’s fiber optic lines which provide the City its internet connection.

Zambo to conduct jobs fair

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR/PR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 2 (PNA) -– The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) announced that 2,000 job vacancies are up for grabs in a one-day Jobs Fair in this city on September 8.

The day-long Jobs Fair, in time for the 49th birthday of Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, is aimed to provide employment opportunities and ultimately address the problem on poverty in this city.

The Jobs Fair is likewise intended to meet the manpower requirement of various industries that will soon open in this city.

It will be held in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

At least 2,000 job vacancies for local placement will be made available to qualified skilled and unskilled job seekers.

Job seekers are encouraged to grab the rare opportunity and anybody who is a college graduate of any course, experienced or inexperienced; college level, high school graduate or high school level with ages 18 and above may apply for any of the positions available.

The applicants are advised to bring their resume’ and other credentials for screening and interview. They should be in business attire.

Pre-registration is ongoing at the PESO-CSWDO in Pettit Barracks until September 7. Registration may also be done during the Jobs Fair.

CHO strengthens brgy nutrition committees

By Sheila Covarrubias

The City Health Office with support from the ACF (Action Against Hunger) International is intensifying efforts to strengthen Barangay Nutrition Committees (BNCs) in the city specifically in the 8 barangays hosting transitory sites.

City Health Officer Rodel Agbuloso recently initiated a gathering of barangay chairmen from Baliwasan, Kasanyangan, Mampang, Mariki, Rio Hondo, Taluksangay, Tulungatung and Upper Calarian to discuss objectives for the formation/ activation or reactivation of the BNCs as well as plan initial steps regarding the activity.

The gathering, held from August 18-20 at a local hotel coincided with the Training Workshop of BNC on Nutrition Program Management.

Aside from the 8 concerned barangays, BNCs will also be activated in the 10 transitory sites.

The plan for the activation or reaction of the BNC/s is primarily to develop a comprehensive Barangay Nutrition Action Plan (BNAP) which will serve as blue print of planned activities by BNC members and allot appropriate budget accordingly. It is also to formulate efficient and sustainable nutrition and health interventions in the BNAP to solving identified problems related to nutrition and health in the community.

Agbulos said the plan is also to integrate BNAP to Barangay Development Plan (BDP) to ensure appropriate funding for the activities to materialize, establish linkages with CHO, local government units and non-government organizations to mobilize efforts and resources for collaborative work and achieve a common goal and ultimately to create an integrated mechanism in the monitoring and evaluation of programs and activities at the community level. —

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