Zamboanga City News September 2018

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

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.

Fun bike with Marines slated on October 6

By Monch Follosco

All is set for the “Funbike with the Marines for a cause 2018,” a 32-kilometer fun bike ride to benefit children afflicted with cancer.

The fun bike is one of the programs held in celebration of this year’s Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.

The Combat and Service Support Brigade of the Philippine Marines (CSSB-PM) in cooperation with Azzura Beach, Metro Bank Foundation, Inc., and the city government of Zamboanga are the lead agencies for the fun bike.

BGen. Ariel Caculitan, CSSC-PM Commander, said that the activity aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and to help alleviate financial constraints to families with pediatric cancer patients in the hospital.

“Definitely, this is intended for children cancer patients as part of the solution to help alleviate financially and with compassion, especially, to their families who are in agony,” Caculitan said.

The fun bike is open to all kinds of participants using bicycles such as mountain bikes (MTB), road bikes, fat bikes and BMX bikes.

The activity will start at the Paseo del Mar at 6 am with three pit stops at the Golden Haven Memorial Park, Cabaluay Barangay Hall and Victoria Barangay Hall. It will end at the Azzura Beach resort for the program and the raffle draw.

This is the first of its kind in support of tourism with free entrance to all participants and their families to Azzura Beach resort.

As of presstime, a total of 582 MBLT-11 personnel and 20 M. Abubakar Construction and Engineering workers have registered their participation.

Organizers are still inviting other interested participants to join the event for a cause.

Registration fee is P300 inclusive of event t-shirt, lunch and a chance to win a brand new mountain bike and other items.

Interested participants may register at the KCC Mall de Zamboanga fronting Watson or call 0917-659-6994/ 0917-770-6630/ 0917-707-2195 or visit the Facebook page @CSSS Brigade.

P60-M pet hospital to rise in Zamboanga City

By R. G. Antonet Go (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--The local government is eyeing the construction of a PHP60 million veterinary hospital to cater to sick animals, especially house pets.

Dr. Mario Arriola, Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet) head, on Monday said the pet hospital will be constructed at the compound of OCVet office in Barangay San Roque, this city.

“We thought of coming with the project since there is no government-operations pet hospital here,” Arriola said.

Arriola said the PHP60 allocation will include the construction of the building, purchase of equipment and manpower. It will also have a hospital head.

He said the pet hospital will also have facilities like any other medical facility such as the laboratory and different sections.

However, he said that only registered animals or pets can avail of its service once the hospital is operational.

PhilHealth to implement 9-month contribution rule to avail of benefits

By R. G. Antonet Go (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has announced that the sufficient regularity of payment (SRP) rule will be required for all benefit availments, effective October 1.

Philip Cataylo, assistant information officer of PhilHealth 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), said Friday the SRP rule is contained in PhilHealth Circular No. 2017-0021, which states that “to establish sufficient regularity payment, members should have paid six months contribution preceding the three months qualifying contributions within the 12-month period prior to the first day of confinement.”

“In effect, to be eligible to PhilHealth benefits, a member should have paid at least nine months’ worth of premiums in the 12 months preceding the confinements, including the confinement month of the patient,” Cataylo quoted the circular.

Previously, he said a member can already avail of the benefits with only three months of contribution within a six-month period. Cataylo said the circular also aims to ensure that PhilHealth members are diligently paying their monthly premiums.

“Effective October 1, 2018, it is already required for a member to have nine months premium contribution to avail of the PhilHealth benefit. Mahirap kasi, naaalala lang ang PhilHealth kung nagkakasakit at saka magbabayad ng contribution (Members tend to remember PhilHealth only when they are sick, and only then would they pay their contribution),” he added.

PhilHealth members, both in the formal and informal sectors, are covered by the new circular.

The formal sector members are those working in private and government institutions while the informal sector members consist of those self-employed, such as vendors, actors, physicians, lawyers, and others.

There are 2.2 million PhilHealth members here in the Zamboanga Peninsula, 609,474 of whom are from this city.

Traveling merchants add color to ‘Zamboanga Hermosa Festival’

By R. G. Antonet Go (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Some 80 traveling merchants are joining the “Baratilyo Sale” of this year’s Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the city government said Saturday.

Traveling merchants are those who travel from one place to another to sell goods, especially during fiesta and other special occasions of a particular city, town or province.

Benjie Barredo, City Permits and Licensing Division chief, said the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival “Baratilyo Sale” is slated to be held from Sept. 29 to October 31.

The festival's main highlight is the Oct. 12 feast day of the Our Lady of the Pillar, the most revered saint of this city.

Barredo said special business permits will be given to the merchants to do business here during the Hermosa Festival. They will be allotted a space along RT Lim Blvd.

The participating traveling merchants are from Manila, Albay, Cebu, Iloilo, Surigao, Davao, General Santos City, and Tawi-Tawi. Among the goods they sell are ready-to-wear garments, carpentry tools, and household items.

The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is one of the grandest local celebrations that attract both domestic and foreign tourists.

Zamboanga City sets int'l coastal cleanup on Sept. 23

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The local government has set the International Coastal Cleanup Day in this city on Sunday.

Rodrigo Pagotaisidro, Public Service Officer of the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources, said Saturday the cleanup seeks to drum up environmental consciousness among the residents.

Pagotaisidro said the expected participants include all local officials, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, uniformed personnel, civil society organizations, and people’s organizations.

He said the cleanup will cover all coastal and mangrove areas from Barangay Labuan in the west coast to the city proper and from Barangay Sangali in the east coast to the city proper. It will kick off at 5 a.m. and wind up at 10 a.m.

The cleanup day in this city was originally scheduled to be held on Sept. 16, but was moved to Sept. 23 due to the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong.

The International Coastal Clean-up Day is a global event that gathers people on beaches, coasts, rivers, waterways and even underwater divesites to remove trash.

Zamboanga City, Cebu City claim Batang Pinoy basketball golds

By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno (PNA)

BAGUIO CITY -- Zamboanga City came alive in the second half to trample Mandaue, 79-61, in the final of the Batang Pinoy boys’ basketball tournament at the St. Louis University Gym on Friday.

Down for most of the first half, the Zamboangueños outscored the Cebuanos, 48-23, in the final 20 minutes to pull away for good. Vince Waminal led Zamboanga City with 19 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.

In the girls' final, Cebu City pulled off a similar late breakaway to beat Pangasinan, 72-62.

The Cebuanas took over in the final period en route to the cruise control.

On the other hand, Pangasinan blasted Olongapo, 99-73, for the boys’ bronze, while Cebu province trounced Zamboanga City, 66-55, for the girls’ bronze.

Zamboanga City hosts Philippine Councilor’s League

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--Zamboanga City opened its doors to nearly 2,000 city and municipal from all over the country, as the city hosts the third quarterly meeting of the Philippine Councilors’ League 2018.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar thanked the PCL for choosing this city as the venue of the three-day national gathering, which opened Wednesday, September 19.

Salazar said the event will give Zamboangueños the opportunity to showcase their rich and colorful history, as well as the potentials of this city as a tourist and economic hub in Western Mindanao.

Although the event ends on Friday, she noted that several of the delegates are staying here until the weekend to visit such tourist spots as the pink sand beach on Greater Sta. Cruz Island and the other 11 islands.

“We thank the PCL for converging in the city and we thank God and Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar for this opportunity to host the PCL,” Salazar said.

“We extend a very warm welcome to all the delegates,” she added.

First district Rep. Celso Lobregat said the holding of the PCL here is a huge boost to the local economy and tourism, “having them to see for themselves our beautiful Asia’s Latin City.”

Lobregat hopes the participants will be impressed with the hospitality of the local council members, especially those who have never visited the city before.

“For and in behalf of the Congressional Office of District 1, I would like to welcome all the delegates of the PCL who will stay here for the next three to four days, Bienvenidos a todos!,” he said.

Myra Paz Valderroza-Abubakar, former city councilor and newly-installed Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director, said that 1,760 participants have registered as of Tuesday afternoon and “more are set to arrive Wednesday.”

Abubakar was involved in the preparations for the holding of the PCL here, herself being a former head of the PCL-local chapter.

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Abubakar last month as the new DOT regional director.

Benito Brizuela, PCL national executive vice president, said the main agenda of the PCL is the continuous local legislative education program (CLLEP) for its members.

Halal certification pushed in Zamboanga

By Rey-Luis Banagudos (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- “Halal” -- it is a sign that hangs at some beef and poultry shops as well as eateries here, in an attempt to lure Muslims to patronize stuff from them.

No agency, however, checks and certifies the authenticity of these “halal.” And for Muslims, eating kosher is not only a healthy practice, but a divine order.

There at least 300,000 Muslim residents in the city, whose total population is estimated to be over 1.1 million. In fact, thousands of Muslims from nearby provinces come to buy their food and other needed products in the city.

Today, an ordinance adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Zamboanga City seeks to ensure that local Muslim residents, or anybody else interested, will get only “certified” halal beef, poultry, and other goods.

The ordinance defines halal as “an Arabic term which means permissible or lawful. When referred to processed, semi-processed or raw food, it is anything which is allowed for consumption by Muslims.”

In many Muslim societies, however, halal also covers non-food items like cosmetics and even zakat -- a personal tax paid as charity which must come from legitimate earnings to be considered halal.

The ordinance is authored by Councilor Maria Paz Abubakar and was enacted by the city council on August 20.

The measure now awaits the signature of Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar to take effect. It is numbered as Ordinance No. 489, and titled “An Ordinance Establishing the Halal Inspection and Monitoring Council of the City of Zamboanga and for Other Related Purposes”.

In its section on “declaration of policy and purpose”, it states: “(I)t is the policy of the City to protect the interest of the Muslim populace and safely ensure compliance with international standards of good manufacturing and hygienic practices by institutionalizing a Halal system for food, non-food products and services in recognition and respect for the rich tradition and way of life of the Filipino Muslims.”

The ordinance seeks to create a regulatory body in Zamboanga City to “ensure compliance with the appropriate and applicable laws relative to Halal implementation.”

Under the measure, business establishments that cater to Muslim food and raw products must acquire Halal certification from accredited certifying body , before posting the “Halal” word or “Halal” logo in their establishments.

The logo, the ordinance states, refers to the common logo as adopted by the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotions Board to be adopted by the body or entity, such as the ordinance’s ordained council.

Among its powers and functions are drafting an ordinance on halal at the soonest time that will specify the mechanics and regulatory standards to guide the council, ensure compliance of the ordinance, inspect establishments, and investigate violations.

The body will be composed of the city mayor as chairman and the regional directors of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and Department of Trade and industry as vice-chairmen.

Its members include the regional directors of the Department of Science and Technology and Department of Agriculture; three Muslim scholars, a representative of a Muslim professional group, a Shariah counselor, the city council chairman of the Committee on Muslim and Cultural Affairs, City Agriculturist, City Veterinarian, and the chief of the city government permits and licensing office.

The enforcement agencies are the Philippine National Police, city health office and the city ordinance enforcement unit.

For its precedent legal bases, the ordinance cites RA 10817, otherwise known as the “Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board”; RA 9997, the “National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009”; RA 8435, the “Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997”; RA 7394, the “Consumer Act of the Philippines of 1992”; and, RA 3740, which is the “Act to Penalize Fraudulent Advertising, Mislabeling, or Misbranding, Stock Bond, Etc.”

Zamboanga City reigns in Batang Pinoy boys’ U-12 weightlifting

By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno (PNA)

BAGUIO -- Zamboanga City essentially ruled the boys’ under-12 weightlifting event of Batang Pinoy 2018 after taking three golds here on Tuesday.

Prince Tarro, Albert Delos Santos, and Christian Rodriguez captured the top spot for the Zamboanguenos as the said city, hometown of Olympic silver medalist and Asian Games gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz, already got into the gold medal board after only taking one silver as of 6 p.m. Monday.

Tarro beat Andrey Nonod of Quezon City in a one-on-one matchup in the under-34 kilogram category.

Tarro lifted a total of 86 kilograms compared to the 53 of Nonod.

Delos Santos, on the other hand, dominated the under-38 kilogram category, being the only weightlifter who breached the 100-kilogram mark by amassing 107 kilos against the 75-kilogram score of silver medalist Carl Paparon of Tagbilaran and the 52-kilogram total of bronze medallist Crimson Madiwo of Hungduan.

Rodriguez then won the over-38 kilogram category, topping the event with a 115-kilogram lift compared to the 100 kilograms of Cebu City's June Padahag and the 70 kilograms of Hungduan's Tristan Dag-O.

Alberto Bacaro Jr. grabbed the only other gold in the boys U-12 weightlifting event, highlighting a 1-3 finish for Cebu City in a tight under-30 kilogram battle.

Bacaro lifted a total of 72 kilograms, just a full kilo ahead of silver medalist Dave Pacaldo of Bohol and two kilos above fellow Cebuano Eron Borres, the eventual bronze medalist.

Zamboanga City gears for ‘Fiesta Pilar’ celebration

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--Preparations for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival by the city government are in full swing, with just two weeks left until its official kick-off on October 1.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar on Monday said the special events team has been conducting marathon orientations and meetings with partners, stakeholders, and participants to ensure the smooth conduct of all activities lined-up for the month-long fiesta celebration.

Salazar said the opening salvo for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival--one of this city’s most important festivals that honors its patron saint the Nuestra Señora de la Virgen del Pilar --will feature the Inter-Barangay Bandoreal Competition and Pink Parade.

Salazar said that a pre-fiesta extravaganza school tour and a Zambassadors mall tour will take place to drum up interest and support for Fiesta Pilar prior to the opening ceremony.

Thousands of visitors and locals are expected to converge in this city for the lined-up activities prepared by the local government.

The feast day proper on October 12 is a special holiday pursuant to Republic Act 7350, to allow residents and visitors to fittingly commemorate the feast day of Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar, the most revered patron saint of this city.

The highlights of the Hermosa Festival 2018 calendar are: Smoke Out Zamboanga – Grilled Food Fiesta and Zamboanga Grand Midnight Sale from September 29 to October 13; Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Opening Salvo featuring Inter-Barangay Bandoreal Competition on October 1; Hermosa Heritage Zone Walking Tour from October 1 to 11;

Original Chavacano Video Music Festival 2018 on October 8; Mascota de Zamboanga on October 9; Zamboanga Dancesport Competition on October 10; Streetdance Competition and Fiesta Main Program on October 11; and, the Feast of the Lady of the Pillar on October 12.

Salazar said that 250 teams will compete in the traditional vinta race during the Regatta de Zamboanga on October 7, which will be held off R.T. Lim Boulevard.

The Regatta will be held back-to-back with the Wow Sardines Boodle Fight, an activity that pays homage to this city’s image as the Sardines Capital of the Philippines.

‘TienDA sa BFAR’ benefits thousands in Zamboanga City

By R. G. Antonet Go (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Thousands of residents have benefited on Saturday from the one-day “TienDA sa BFAR” initiated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in this southern port city.

Isidro Velayo Jr., BFAR-9 director, said the conduct of the activity is in line with the agency’s 55th fish conservation week, which is from September 17 to 21.

Eight exhibitors, including the National Food Authority (NFA), have joined the conduct of the TienDA held at the compound of BFAR in this city. Among the products sold at cheaper prices were fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and process foods.

The NFA sold the government-subsidized rice at PHP27 a kilo. A maximum of five kilos is sold to an individual.

Velayo said they invited the NFA to join the TienDA activity to provide an opportunity to poor families to buy cheaper rice.

Asha Tasi, a resident of Barangay Sta. Barbara, was elated that BFAR has conducted the activity since she was able to buy rice and shrimps at cheaper prices.

“It's cheaper here, I hope they will hold again similar activity since it is of big help especially to those who have less in life,” Tasi added.

TienDA is a new marketing scheme which ensures that farmers’ products can be directly sold to consumers in urban areas without the intervention of middlemen.

It was initiated by Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

‘Kalinaw Kultura Mindanao’ launched in Zamboanga

By BONG GARCIA

THE National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in partnership with the Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has the Kalinaw Kultura Mindanao in this southern port city.

PIA Director-General Harold Clavite said the primary purpose of Kalinaw Kultura Mindanao, which was launched on Friday, September 14, is to raise public awareness about the rich, diverse, dynamic, and colorful Mindanao cultural heritage.

The launching kicked-off with a motorcade from Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue to the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) campus where the formal program was held.

It was followed by the Kalinaw Kultura Fashion Show at the KCC Mall de Zamboanga.

The Kalinaw Kultura Mindanao is anchored on the theme “A culture of peace, peace through culture.”

Clavite said the program also seeks to develop deep appreciation for Mindanao culture through observation, instruction, and experience of local creative content and talents as well as promote and encourage preservation of Mindanao’s crafts and creative arts.

Dr. Pilar Banaag, NCCA communication committee vice chairperson, said the program aims to promote the different cultures and to clear some wrong notions of which people from Mindanao have projected pertaining to the different areas in the region.

The Kalinaw Kultura is a Mindanao-wide cultural dissemination road show to be held in the cities of Iligan, Butuan, Zamboanga, Davao and Koronadal.

The launching here is the third of a series since the first and second was held in Iligan and Butuan Cities. The next venue are in Davao and Koronadal Cities.

DOT-9 holds tourism crisis management symposium

By R. G. Antonet Go (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Tourism industry stakeholders from all over the region underwent a symposium on Tourism Crisis Management on Tuesday to heighten preparedness in their respective businesses.

Myra Paz Abubakar, Department of Tourism-9 (DOT-9) director, said the symposium aims to highlight crisis management as integral to the successful implementation of tourism programs and sustainable management of destinations.

She aid crises can happen anytime and can potentially debilitate a "profitable and robustly growing" tourism industry in the region.

The Tourism Act of 2009 , she said, provides the imperative for the DOT to develop a crisis management framework most relevant, and can be implemented by tourism industry stakeholders to mitigate possible social, economic and environmental impacts should any crisis occur.

The symposium attendees were tourism stakeholders both from the local government units and private sector, as well as security sector from all over Zamboanga Peninsula.

“We deem it timely to hold the event and call all tourism stakeholders for a meaningful exchange of ideas and deepen understanding of the PUKSA Crisis Management Flow, which the Department wishes to share to all tourism stakeholders,” Abubakar said.

PUKSA is a crisis management program tailored to the tourism industry. It will become a continuing cycle of establishing systems and procedures to be used in combating risk factors identified as PESTE: Political turmoil, Economic instabilities, Social disturbances, Technological attacks and Environmental hazards.

Among the topics discussed were: understanding crisis management and the tourism industry; situational awareness; emergency management in the tourism industry; and, briefing on how to draft an emergency management plan.

Participants also held a workshop on the formulation of crisis management plan and presentation of the draft on tourism crisis management plan.

Eugene Boco, safety and security consultant, told symposium participants that the emergency management plan they will draft should be based and applicable to a certain area or tourism site.

Boco said there should also be coordination between the tourism establishment and the local government, which is the lead agency as far as security is concerned.

City’s public service awards on exhibit

By Claudine Uniana

City Hall, through the Museum Services Division (MSD) under the Office of the City Mayor officially launched Monday an exhibit showcasing the city’s accomplishments founded on service and stewardship.

Dubbed as “Reconocimiento de Buen Servicio Publico,” the exhibit features the various awards and citations bestowed on the local government during the incumbency of Mayor Beng Climaco from 2013 to present. The exhibit is mounted at the City Hall lobby and runs until the end of the month.

On exhibit are the different plaques, trophies and certificates given to the city by different government agencies, non-government organizations and institutions in recognition of its many accomplishments, initiatives and programs.

Museum curator Arch. Ildenfonso Torres Jr. said in addition to its mandate of promoting Zamboanga’s cultural heritage, the Museum Services Division is also tasked to provide information to the public regarding the developments in the city.

“The display aims to communicate to the public the accomplishments of the city government. These awards and recognitions signify the city’s public service,” he declared.

For a whole month, the different trophies, plaques and certificates are showcased at the City Hall Lobby. These include those given by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC); Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI); United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure), Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS 2), and Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (ENGAGE) Projects; Save the Children; Community and Family Services International (CFSI); the Regional Competitive Council IX; the Department of Health; the Department of Interior and Local Government; the Department of Trade and Industry; the Department of Labor and Employment; the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; the Department of Information and Communications Technology; the Department of Education; the Department of Agriculture; National Nutrition Council; the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PhilTOA), among many others.

Also on display are numerous certificates recognizing and appreciating the continuing efforts, initiatives and programs of Mayor Beng Climaco to uplift the lives of Zamboangueños.

Busy Monday for Diaz

By MARIANNE L. SABERON-ABALAYAN

MONDAY, September 10, turned out to be a busy day for 18th Asian Games Indonesia weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.

She visited Ateneo de Davao University (Addu) Matina campus early morning and paid Grade School head master Geraldine Niña Rocel Libron a courtesy visit.

Addu Grade School promotions head Mitzi Gay B. Ferrariz, in a phone interview with SunStar Davao, said, "She was there to make a courtesy visit before heading to the airport. She mentioned about promoting the sport, weightlifting, in schools all over the Philippines."

Ferrariz also said Diaz, the lone Filipino Rio Olympics 2016 silver medalist was welcomed by student photojournalists of the Magis Guild organization.

"She was in Ateneo to promote the sports to the kids and to give inspiration to pupils to persevere in getting their goal," Ferrariz said, adding that Diaz also shared inspiring words to PSYSC Science Olympians.

The latter, replying to SunStar Davao's query, said she just dropped by at Addu and was already heading to the Davao International Airport for her 10 a.m. trip to Zamboanga City. Diaz has some relatives here and in the Island Garden City of Samal.

In Zamboanga City, a heroes welcome greeted her and Asian Games boxing bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial, which was highlighted by a motorcade in the city's major thoroughfares.

"Nakakaiyak ang pagwelcome ng mga bata sa Mampang Elementary School they remind me why I am here," Diaz posted on her Facebook account.

Early evening, she visited her Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Gym in Barangay Mampang where she hails and taught children some basics of the sport.

She went Facebook Live, showing the young athletes training in the gym, which she said was built after her Rio silver win.

"Forty-two athletes are training here and 17 athletes are competing in the Batang Pinoy (nationals) in Baguio City," the proud Diaz added.

She went on interviewing some Baguio-bound athletes while giving some inputs to some who were practicing to lift.

Zamboangueño Asian Games athletes honored

By R. G. Antonet Go (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The city government on Monday honored the three Zamboangueño athletes who participated in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia, which was held from August 18 to September 2.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar also welcomed the athletes and personally handed them cash rewards at the city hall.

Hidilyn Diaz who won the gold medal for the 53kg women category weightlifting received PHP300,000; while Jefferson Loon who won the bronze medal for pencak silat, and Eumir Felix Marcial who won in boxing, received PHP100,000 each.

The City Council also passed a resolution of commendation for the three athletes, coupled with certificates of recognition from the city mayor’s office.

From the airport, the athletes were welcomed by hundreds of Zamboangueños at the city hall grounds. The athletes thanked their families and the city government for the support.

"I am happy because I am now back in Zamboanga City where I was born. I am proud to be a Zamboangueño and I am so thankful to everyone," Diaz told the Philippines News Agency.

The 2016 Olympic Summer Games silver medalist urged everyone, especially the youth to get into sports as this would build one’s character and a chance to represent the country in international sporting events.

P2.5-B deal to stabilize Zamboanga City power

By JORDEENE SHEEX LAGARE

A P2.5-billion deal with a joint venture will help stabilize power supply in Zamboanga City, according to the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong on Thursday said Zamboanga City residents stand to be spared soon from rotating brownouts after the awarding of an investment management contract (IMC) to the joint venture of Crowninvestment Holdings Inc. and Desco Inc. to help resolve business and financial woes of Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative Inc. (Zamcelco).

“The offer is truly great for Zamcelco. An offer that perhaps you cannot refuse. I am already optimistic when one co-op works with another co-op, what more with a P2.5-billion investor?,” Masongsong told reporters.

He said if the bidding process for the IMC is delayed further, debts of Zamcelco will just increase, adding that the offer of the lone bidder is “too tempting.”

Masongsong added that the next step for the IMC winning proposal is confirmation of the deal in the annual general membership confirmation that will be forwarded to the agency for evaluation and confirmation.

Last week, the joint venture announced that it clinched the IMC, besting Davao Light and Industry, Nikolas Management, Filinvest and Comstech, which did not submit a financial proposal.

Zamcelco failed to secure a bid for the IMC in the last three years.

The co-op and the joint venture believe the capital to be infused in the debt-ridden Zamcelco would immediately spur businesses in the city as it would be used to repay the power co-op’s existing obligations.

They would also inject capital to upgrade Zamcelco’s existing facilities and improve its services in order to reduce its 23 percent systems loss and avoid further power interruptions.

The co-op and the joint venture are prepared to immediately deposit the money once all steps are taken to approve the IMC.

Zamboanga City officials welcomed the awarding of the contract.

“Zamcelco hit the jackpot with the bid of Crowninvestment,” Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe said, adding that he hopes no one would derail the process now that it is in the final stages.

Meanwhile, the City Council approved last week a resolution signifying its support to the joint venture.

Councilor Cesar Jimenez, proponent of the resolution, said the P2.5-B bid would pay the debts of the cooperative to various independent power producers and the joint venture would be able to reduce the high systems loss.

The joint venture is glad that the Zamboanga City Council is fully supporting its offer.

“City officials and key stakeholders recognize that Zamcelco needs capital and professional management to upgrade the city grid and improve electricity services for the consumers,” it said.

Zamcelco, which manages the distribution of electricity in Zamboanga City, has been saddled with about P2.145 billion in debts to its power suppliers, including a P373.897-million loan from the NEA as of August this year.

The NEA has created a task force and management team to temporarily address the aggravating operational performance and financial conditions of Zamcelco.

Daming pera! Zamboanga City to give more benefits to health workers, senior citizens, public teachers

(Politiko Mindanao)

The city government of Zamboanga is set to increase the monthly allowance of the barangay health workers, nutrition scholars and daycare workers next year, Mayor Beng Climaco said.

The local chief executive also said that in the 2019 budget, there will be appropriation for the cash incentives of the senior citizens and allowance of public school teachers.

From the current P1,000 monthly allowance for the barangay health workers, nutrition scholars and daycare workers, Climaco said they will receive additional P300 or a total of P1,300 monthly allowance each beginning next year.

“That amount may not be enough to compensate what these workers are doing for the health, nutrition and childhood education in their barangays, but little as it may we recognize their efforts and to them we are very thankful for,” she said.

For the first time beginning next year, the mayor said the city government will also give birthday cash gifts for senior citizens, pursuant to a city ordinance, at P500 for ages 60 to 69, P700 for ages 70 to 79, P800 for ages 80 to 90, P1,500 for ages 91 to 94, and P2,000 for 96 to 99 years old. Those aged 100 and above will receive the centennial incentive of P50,000 on top of the P100,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for a total of P150,000.

Another ordinance enacted recently by the Sangguniang Panlungsod grants financial assistance to any public school teachers in the elementary and secondary levels, who would want to pursue their masteral or doctoral degree.

Under the ordinance, the beneficiaries are entitled to P10,000 cash assistance every semester (with at least 6 academic units per sem), and P20,000 for doctoral dissertation.

Climaco said the city government is now finalizing the items in the 2019 executive budget amounting to P2.8 billion, which will include the additional benefits for the health workers, senior citizens and public school teachers.

DTI sets roadshow on R.A. 11032 in Zamboanga

By BONG GARCIA

ABOUT 300 representatives from the government and the private sector are expected to attend the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) roadshow on the Ease of Doing Business Law on Monday, September 10.

The activity will discuss the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act 11032, known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, said the participants will come from Zamboanga Peninsula and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Jain said there will be two sessions, one in the morning with the private sector, and with the government sector in the afternoon.

R.A. 11032, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law on May 28, 2018, amended R.A. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.

Jain said the law promotes ease of doing business in the country by cutting red tape in government agencies that delays the delivery of efficient services.

She said the law also promotes sound and good regulatory management practices and improves the ranking of the Philippines in terms of competitiveness.

The law also aims to strengthen the capability of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to pursue anti-red tape cases through increased penalties for violations of the Anti-Red Tape Act.

The law also creates the Anti-Red Tape Authority, which is under the Office of the President, to receive complaints, initiate investigations, and assist in filing of cases related to anti-red tape.

It shall also recommend policies, processes, and systems to improve regulatory management of all local government units and national government agencies.

City allots P12-M birthday cash gifts for the elderly

By BONG GARCIA (SunStar Philippines)

THE Zamboanga City Government has allocated P12 million to give cash incentives as birthday gifts to senior citizens in this city.

The giving of the cash incentives is pursuant to City Ordinance No. 466, which grants annual birthday cash incentives starting this year to senior citizens.

Maria Socorro Rojas, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) chief, said that 3,336 senior citizens, who comprised the first batch of beneficiaries, have received their gifts on Tuesday, September 4.

The distribution of the cash incentives by the CSWDO personnel was held at the Vitaliano Agan Coliseum in Tetuan village.

Rojas said that Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, who will celebrate her birthday on Friday, September 7, graced the event by doing the ceremonial distribution and unveiling of a giant birthday cake for the senior citizens.

Under the ordinance, Rojas said the birthday cash incentives will be given annually starting this year to all senior citizens at different amounts per bracket: P500 for ages 60 to 69; P700 for ages 70 to 79; P800 for ages 80 to 90; P1,500 for ages 91 to 94 and P2,000 for ages 95 to 99.

However, she said that only legitimate members of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines-Zamboanga City chapter are eligible to receive the cash gift.

The mayor said this is a first for senior citizens in Zamboanga City to receive birthday cash gifts from the local government.

She said the city government also started last year, for the first time, the giving of centennial incentive of P50,000 to senior citizens aged 100 and above.

DSWD-9 to launch Info Hub program

By R. G. Antonet Go (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 9 will soon open its Info Hub or Information kiosk to better update the public on its programs.

The Info Hub program is due for launch next week, Ivan Eric Salvador, DSWD - 9 information officer told the Philippines News Agency in an interview Tuesday.

Salvador said a total of 14 television sets worth PHP200, 000 would be purchased by the department and are scheduled for distribution to various DSWD centers within the region.

"These are TV sets where information of DSWD programs is in the loop," Salvador said.

He said the info kiosks will show short videos of DSWD - 9 programs on social pension, supplementary feeding, adoption, and center-based programs, among others. Info Hub is an innovation of the DSWD - 9 office to integrate information, communication, and education (IEC) materials of the agency into digital and electronic formats.

The initiative aims to reinforce the knowledge of the public on various programs and services of the DSWD by providing a centralized hub for information and other relevant contents for public information.

The recipients of the Info Hub television sets include the Reception and Study Center for Children and Home for the Elderly, both in Barangay Talon-Talon; Area Vocational and Rehabilitation Center and the Processing Center for Displaced Persons, both in Mampang; Home for Women in San Roque, Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth and Balay Dangpanan sa Kabataan, both in Zamboanga del Norte, Crisis Intervention Unit in Sta. Barbara; five social welfare and development teams offices, and the regional office.

ZCMC inaugurates new Cancer Center

By Dexter Yap

The Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) has inaugurated its new Cancer Center over the weekend.

The new Cancer Center aims to make treatment for the disease more affordable to patients especially those who need to seek treatment elsewhere.

"Cancer patients will no longer go to Manila,Cebu or Davao for treatment as the cancer center is 98% complete and the LINAC machine is expected to arrive and be installed before the year ends," said First District Congressman Celso Lobregat.

Lobregat reportedly assisted the medical facility in obtaining P333.9-million in funding for the center.

In his conversation with DOH Undersecretary Roger Tong-an, Congressman Lobregat committed to continue assisting ZCMC in the implementation of its major infrastructure programs as well as the continued delivery of health services to the people of Zamboanga City and Western Mindanao Region.

Zamboanga hospital inaugurates P90-M emergency care center

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The government-owned Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) on Saturday has inaugurated its PHP90 million Emergency and Critical Care Center (ECCC) to cater to trauma patients.

Dr. Ahmed Khaayser Igasan, Emergency Room head, said the ECCC has a 36-bed capacity and has its own emergency, operating and observation rooms, computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound, laboratory, and X-ray.

Igasan said the ECCC will also composed of four departments: Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetric and Gynecology.

He said the establishment of the ECCC is part of the efforts of ZCMC to modernize its facilities and improve public services.

The ECCC will also serve patients from the entire Zamboanga Peninsula, including those from Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces, which are part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), he added.

“Hopefully, all trauma cases can be addressed with the new facility,” he said.

The ZCMC is a 500-bed capacity hospital that also serves as a training facility authorized by the Department of Health (DOH).

(Foreigners visit “Once Islas”)11 Islands receive more than 800 visitors

By RG Antonet A. Go

Zamboanga City’s 11island-group, the newest tourism attraction to be developed by the city government, has been visited by more than 800 people since its soft opening last July 1.

Sarita Sebastian Hernandez, City Tourism Officer, said that among visitors of the islands are foreigners coming from the United States, Qatar, United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada.

According to the tourism officer, the visitors love the island’s rock formation, fine white sand, and the pristine waters.

There are three islands open for the public at present. These are Siromon, Baong-Baong and Bisaya-bisaya.

“If things will go right, this will be one of the best destinations del diatun nacion,” Hernandez said.

She also sees this as an asset to the tourism industry of the city as it is community base operated and supervised by the City Tourism Office.

The city will still construct facilities for the use of guests. These include comfort rooms, watch towers, picnic huts, and other environmental- friendly infrastructure.

The island is also good for swimming, snorkeling, trekking, and other water activities. For the tour, they can choose full route where they can see all the islands or the Bisaya Bisaya Baung Baung tour.

Once (11) Islas is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and can be visited by guests using 17 registered pump boats. The islands are closed to the public during Monday and Friday.

The islands are closed during Monday for clean-up and for religious obligation by its residents on Fridays.

Interested parties must reserve at the City Tourism Office, present the reservation slip at Barangay Panubigan, proceed to the terminal accompanied by a local guide and depart for the mainland not later than 3 p.m.

Entrance fee is P100, environmental fee P100, and ferry costs P2,500 for 15 persons or P170 per person.

The 11 Island-group is composed of Bisaya-bisaya, Kabugan, Siromon, Baong-Baong, Buhbuh, Simadang, Salangan, Lambang-Lambang, Bagias, Lampinigan, and Sibana Islands.

Zambo barangay receives P7.19-M projects

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The city government on Friday unveiled two infrastructure projects worth PHP7.19 in Barangay Mampang, this city.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, who led the unveiling ceremonies, said the construction of the two projects is a show of gratitude to Barangay Mampang for hosting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the 2013 siege.

The first project Salazar unveiled is a covered court worth PHP3.995 million located at the campus of Mampang Elementary School. The second project is a wellness center costing P3.195 million.

The two projects were constructed by private construction firms under the supervision of the City Engineer’s Office.

Salazar has assured that services will be augmented in Barangay Mampang through additional infrastructure projects and programs.

“Let us continue to make our children’s future a reality today!” Salazar told those who attended the unveiling of the two projects.

The barangay of Mampang has served as home to thousands of IDPs of the 2013 siege since three transitory sites were constructed in the area.

City Social Welfare and Development Officer Socorro Rojas on Friday said there are still 246 families housed in two transitory sites in Mampang.

Zamboanga City readies for Batang Pinoy 2018

By R. G. Antonet Go (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Preparations are underway for this city’s participation in the Philippine Youth Games (PYG) or Batang Pinoy 2018 national competition this year.

Dr. Cecilia Atilano, city sports development officer, on Wednesday said the Batang Pinoy 2018 is scheduled to be held from September 15 to 21 in Baguio City.

The Batang Pinoy is the national youth sports competition of the Philippines for athletes enrolled in elementary and secondary who are under 15 years old, including out-of-school-youth. It was established through Executive Order No. 44, which was signed by then President Joseph Estrada on December 2, 1998.

Atilano said this city is sending a 199-man delegation to the Batang Pinoy competition, including coaches and city government officials. Most of the local athletes are products of the yearly summer learn-to-play a sport of the city government, she added.

There are 26 sports events during the athletic event, including archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball 3-on-3, boxing, chess, cycling, dance sport, gymnastics, judo, karatedo, lawn tennis, pencak silat, rugby football, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and wushu.

Atilano said the local athletic delegation is eyeing the top place in this year’s Batang Pinoy.

“We are monitoring the progress and training of the athletes. They should be in good health for the athletic competition,” she said.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Zamboanga_City_News_September_2018&oldid=1119632"