Zamboanga del Norte News February 2014

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Zamboanga del Norte - Archived News
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Seal of Zamboanga del Norte
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines
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Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Norte

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.

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Saint James Cathedral in Dapitan City
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City Hall of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
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Situbo Falls, Zamboanga del Norte

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.
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Statue of Christ, Pangalalan, Sindangan
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Our lady of the most Holy Rosary, Estaka
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Manukan Mini Museum Landmark

Zambo. Norte to purchase new heavy equipment

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte will purchase 25 new heavy equipment to be used in the implementation and construction of infrastructure projects in the province.

The provincial board has recently approved the allocation of P61,305,000 from the P91,305,000 appropriation under the 2014 GeneraL Supplemental Budget No. 1 for the acquisition of said the heavy equipment consisting of 3 bulldozers, 5 six-wheeler dump trucks, 3 back hoes, 1 telescopic crane, 4 road rollers, 1 loader truck, 1 tanker, 4 graders and 3 payloaders.

These will be distributed to the province’s three districts for speedy implementation and completion of all infrastructure projects lined up by the provincial government.

Vice Governor Senen O. Angeles also vouched for the need to procure brand new and high-quality equipment saying, “our existing equipment are old and some are dilapidated and worn-out.”

“The existing heavy equipment are not sufficient since some of these are undergoing repair while the new equipment purchased by the past administration are not serviceable. So, we need additional fleet for each district,” he added.

In a related development, the provincial government is set to give Dipolog City P30-million as financial assistance out of the supplemental budget which comes from the 2013 un-appropriated balance. This will be used in the implementation of the city’s infrastructure projects.

“For ten years, the city has not received anything from the provincial government. Hence, it is high time for the city to receive such an assistance from the provincial government,” Board Member Romulo Soliva said.

Police intercept explosive chemical in Zamboanga del Norte

By Roel Pareño (philstar.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Alerted police personnel tracked down and intercepted two plastic bags of chemical explosives attempted to be slipped in to a bus terminal in Sindangan town, Zamboanga del Norte, an official said Thursday.

The official said the local police of Sindangan town initially received information from their agent that suspicious powder was being transported by a female courier on a passenger bus plying the Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte to Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay Monday.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO), said police forces were immediately alerted and tracked down the chemical explosive that was later identified as potassium nitrate at the bus terminal in Sindangan town.

Police investigation disclosed that nine kilos of chemical explosives were contained in two plastic bags being transported by an unidentified female passenger.

Police Inspector Rochel Galo, who led the operation of the Sindangan Police Station, disclosed the suspected courier boarded the bus at Barangay Galas, Dipolog City and disembarked at Dohinob, Roxas town after requesting the driver of the bus with body number 10413 to transport the chemical powder to Ipil town with P20 freight fee.

Huesca said the police were conducting further investigation to determine the use of the intercepted explosive chemical and the motive of delivering it to Ipil town, capital of Zamboanga Sibugay province which celebrated its 13th founding anniversary with a three-day festivity that started Monday.

Police and military forces in the province have been alerted to monitor possible bombing attack by a still unidentified group.

Labason town employees undergo SPMS seminar

By Alfonso T. Ruda (with report from Abundio D. Puro)

Labason, Zamboanga del Norte – In compliance with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution No. 1200481 dated March 16, 2012, the municipal employees here have undergone a training on Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) held last Feb. 18-19 at the New Legislative Building in this municipality.

Regular, coterminous and casual employees attended the seminar with Atty. Jerry N. Mayormita, provincial director, CSC-Zamboanga del Norte Field Office as resource speaker.

Mr. Cipriano Andalop, acting municipal human resource management officer, said the seminar sought to equip the participants with appropriate knowledge on SPMS especially in identifying the Major Final Outputs (MFO), Support to Operation (STO) and the General Administration and Support (GAS) in each office/department of the local government unit (LGU).

The CSC employs the SPMS as a performance measurement system to continually foster improvement of individual employee’s efficiency and organizational effectiveness in support of Executive Order No. 80 which directs the adoption of a performance-based incentives system for government employees.

It was also learned that CSC Resolution No. 1200481 has required all government agencies including the LGUs to have a CSC-approved SPMS by Jan. 2015.

With this, all performance-based human resource movements and/or developments and interventions such as promotion, scholarship, training, and all salary increment shall be based on a CSC-approved SPMS. The absence of an agency SPMS will be a ground for the forfeiture of incentives and similar grants.

“Adoption of SPMS by LGUs is necessary so as not to hamper the granting of the employees’ benefits and incentives,” Mayormita pointed out.

DAR chief leads groundbreaking of P58-M irrigation project

By Mary Mae Abellon (FPG/MAA/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, Feb. 25 (PIA) – Secretary Virgilio R. De Los Reyes of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) arrived here last week for the groundbreaking of the P58-million irrigation project of the Dipolog City Communal Irrigation System (CIS).

The said project, which is part of DAR’s Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP) II, is expected to be completed on Aug. 23, 2014, benefiting the rice farmers of barangays Bandera, Poblacion South and Anastacio of Polanco town and barangays Gulayon, Turno, Sta. Filomena, Galas, Olingan, Punta and Sinaman in Dipolog City with a total irrigable area of 750 hectares.

Secretary de los Reyes disclosed that ARCP II projects were augmented by the savings realignment from the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) of the Office of the President.

DPIA President Gomercindo T. Dimasuhid said that the project would help improve the farmers’ produce and income.

In her message, Mayor Evelyn Uy said “all these projects will not be meaningful without the presence of Secretary de los Reyes. I hope DAR will continue giving us projects.”

Aside from Governor Roberto Y. Uy and Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, the municipal mayors of Sindangan, Polanco, Labason, Baliguian and Manukan also attended the said activity.

464 CLOAs distributed in Zambo. Norte

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes has distributed a total of 464 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Zamboanga del Norte during his recent visit here, covering 756.7044 hectares of land with 394 beneficiaries.

In a ceremonial turnover ceremony held at Top Plaza Hotel here, Secretary de los Reyes personally handed the CLOAs to the ARB representatives from Godod, Sirawai, Siayan, Sindangan and Dapitan City.

Two hundred ninety seven CLOAs were received by Felix Ligutom for Godod, 34 CLOAs by Majid Baid for Sirawai, 81 CLOAs by Eufrocina Quitong for Siayan and Sindangan, and 52 CLOAs by Abraham Bayron for Dapitan City.

De los Reyes also distributed 225 CLOAs for Zamboanga del Sur, 144 of which were received by Expedito Padigos Sr. for Dumingag town and 81 by Flordeliz Dagooc for V. Sagun municipality.

In the same occasion, the secretary also turned-over to the Zamboanga del Norte provincial government 20 multi-million ARCP2 projects with Labason town receiving 8; Sindangan, 3; Leon Postigo, 4; and Baliguian,5.

The event was also witnessed by Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, DAR-9 Regional Director Julita Ragandang, municipal mayors, farmers, and the other stakeholders.

De los Reyes came here to grace the groundbreaking of the P58-million rehabilitation project of Dipolog Communal Irrigation System at sitio Banicapt in barangay Galas this city.

The project is funded under ARCP-2 with 50 percent counterpart from the city government.

It will be implemented by Vicente Lao Construction and is expected to be completed in 210 days. Once completed, the project is expected to benefit not only the 486 ARBs in the area but also the residents of nearby barangays.

“The completion of the project is expected to increase the cropping intensity of the farmers in the area and improve their living condition through increased crop production,” the secretary said.

The project traverses barangays Gulayon, Sta. Felomina, Galas, Olingan, Punta and Sinaman. Posted by PIA IX at 5:05 PM

http://piazampen.blogspot.com/2014/02/rcwc-to-strengthen-promotion-protection.html

Monday, February 24, 2014 RCWC to strengthen promotion, protection of children’s rights in Zambo peninsula By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Regional Council for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) composed of different government and non-government agencies has completed the drafting of their work and financial plans covering a period of three years starting 2014-2016 in a strategic planning workshop held on Feb. 18-20 in a local hotel here.

CWC consultant Maria Virginia Liquigan emphasized that “there are still several areas where the local council needs to improve on.”

“We have identified four areas that we need to strengthen,” Ms. Liquigan said, referring to 1) advocacy on policies and programs for children to LGUs, partners, media and stakeholders, 2) planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs, 3) provision of technical assistance, and 4) reporting.

The RCWC member-agencies were divided into four such groups according to their agency function to come up with a detailed plan to enhance and improve on the current mechanisms. In general, the plan seeks to have a public well informed on the rights of the children, as well as on the programs and services for them. Ms. Liquigan pointed out that there has been no conduct of a “State of the Children Report” by LGUs in the region, which is preferable to be said every year by the local chief executive. She recommended the RCWC to market this idea to the LGUs, since this is seen to rouse more local accountability towards children’s programs.

In addition, the lack of a databank on children is seen as a major gap in the RCWC. Although various data are generated from the LGUs such as the number of children having access to basic facilities, education, health, and others, there is no general repository of these data, which, as Ms. Liquigan emphasized, “can be very useful for the CWC to come up with more effective programs, projects and activities”.

Moreover, there are still cases of child abuse and child labor in the region. The plans are seen to enable the LGUs to become more responsive pro-actively to address such issues in their localities.

Several municipalities and cities in the region have already been classified as Child-Friendly like Dipolog City. But, as noted in the discussions, several LGUs have still yet to receive the Presidential Award, and to strengthen the functionality of their Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs). Many have very modest budget for the implementation of local children’s programs. Ms. Liquigan stressed the principle that “provision of funds for children’s programs should not be seen as charity by the LGUs; it is a right due to the children.”

After the three-day planning sessions that were seen to address the aforementioned gaps, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Regional Director Consejo H. Usman, as secretariat to the RCWC, still committed the agency’s support to the plans.

“We will be supporting, both technically and financially the plans that the RCWC had drafted to ensure their successful implementation for the next three years,” said Director Usman. Like the DSWD, the member-agencies will be contributing their own technical and financial resources.

RCWC member-agencies that attended the planning workshop include the DSWD, the National Youth Commission (NYC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Nutrition Council (NNC), Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Non-government organizations include the Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention Network (CAPIN) and Human Development and Empowerment Services (HDES). Representatives from the local governments of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga City were also present.

The CWC was created by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 603, or the Child and Youth Welfare Code.

Ta ama yo contigo Zamboanga

By Jinggoy I. Salvador

WHAT is love? Love is giving in to your wanderlust and flying to a place you haven’t been before.

You get to your destination and ask, “Why only now?” Maybe it’s fate saying that the time to see the place has come.

Zamboanga del Norte is one of those places for me. A plane ticket on hand was left unused for a year but thanks to DOT Asec. Arturo Boncato and DOT-IX RD June Bugante, I finally got to zoom to the “Gateway to Western Mindanao” on board Cebu Pacific. I know nothing about the place other than the neighboring city of Dapitan as Rizal’s place of exile. But I was with in very good hands traveling with the tourism mavens who know the place best.

Love is Dipolog, the capital city of Zamboanga del Norte. Like the orchids the place is famous for, the city is blooming. Dipolog has retained the charm of the past even with the infusion of modernity that blends in with the well-preserved historical landscape. Expect more than the famous bottled sardines when you visit and fall in love with these sites:

1. The Dipolog Boulevard, the 1.6-kilometer esplanade, with a flourishing dining and entertainment along the parallel property is the city’s most happening spot attracting locals and tourists.

2. The quiet streets and the well-preserved heritage houses, public buildings and the church like the Casa Bernedo, a century-old house owned by the Bernedo family, now a small museum and the city’s Center for Culture and the Arts, and the 1896-built Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary has an altar designed by Jose Rizal.

3. Immortalized are the people that shaped the city—the Monument of Three Prominent Dipolognons in front of the old town hall- Pascual T. Martinez, the first appointed Mayor, Fr. Nicasio Y. Patangan, the first Filipino Diocesan Priest of Mindanao and Eugenio R. Margate, a farmer who introduced the Margate System of planting rice; Pagsalubok Circle and the “Fountain of Blessings”, with the three statues representing the three cultures prevailing in Dipolog raising an offering to the heavens.

Love is Dapitan, the “Shrine capital of the Philippines.” This was where our National Hero spent fours years of his life in exile and he made sure his time and many skills—as physician, educator, engineer, artist, etc.— were put to good use. Today, the city’s vibe is still pulsing with everything Rizal, and where the hero left his mark, a landmark stands.

1. The 16-hectare Rizal Shrine, the major historical landmark in the area, stands on a property Rizal bought with money he won in a lottery. A tour of the area will take you to a museum (detailing his life and works), the replicas of his home, medical clinic, pupil’s dormitory and workshop, the Rizal and Josephine Bracken’s heart-shaped Mi Retiro love rock, the impressive aqueduct he and his pupils constructed, an ampitheater, the now century old tree he planted, and many more.

2. At the Sta. Cruz Beach by the Dapitan Bay (aka Sunset Boulevard) is the Punto de Disembarco de Rizal en Dapitan shrine stands on the spot where the exiled man first set foot in Dapitan on July 17, 1892.

3. The 900-sqm Relief Map of Mindanao designed by Rizal was created to beautify the town plaza and serve as a teaching tool in history and geography. It’s at the Dapitan Plaza front of the St. James Church where Rizal regularly heard mass during his exile.

Beyond history, Dapitan is a leisure and entertainment destination as well. Check these out:

1. Dakak is a land, water and air adventure zone 30-minutes from the city center. Whether you fancy beachcombing or diving, exploring the hilly terrain on an ATV or a galloping horse, or fly over a natural and stunning landscape via the 1.3 kilometer long Zipline (the longest dual zipline in Aia) with a 300-meter drop, there is something for you to get your adrenaline rushing. But why settle for one if you can have it all?

2. Take a River Cruise, a serene 1-½ hour boat cruise through Dapitan River. Food and live entertainment (the theme from Hawaii 5-O is the welcome and farewell tune) come with the package.

3. Enjoy Fantasyland in Gloria de Dapitan. Think Universal Studios on a smaller scale where rides can be fun and extremely challenging. If your gut can stand it, try the Zimerman rollercoaster, Sky Drop Tower and 5D Theater.

Love is exploring beyond city limits. A 2-hour, 80-kilometer drive to Sindangan is worth the trip if a feast of freshly caught seafood awaits you. I assure you, nothing can be sweeter and delightful than this experience.

You won’t notice the long drive when you’re coasting along a picturesque coastline and the Sulu Sea at the background. A stop at the Manukan Municipality will be a treat, it’s home to the biggest and the smallest— the “world’s biggest cock” happens to be a functional building where Manukan Tourism Office is, and Junrey Balawin was declared the world’s shortest man by the Guiness World Record on June 2011.

Drive through Katipunan Municipality as well. This is where the second oldest Catholic Church in Mindanao is, the San Sebastian Javier.

Short, sweet and fun. I got more than what I expected from this trip to Zamboanga del Norte. I have yet to discover more of the place, soon! Ta ama yo contigo Zamboanga! I bid you not with an “ultimo adios” but with a “hasta la vista.”

Thank you DOT Asec. Arturo Boncato, DOT-IX Regional Director June Bugante, the tourism staff Alki, Stephanie and Charles, Cebu Pacific Air (flying to Dipolog 4 times weekly).

For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit http://apples-and-lemons.blogspot.com/ and http://jeepneyjinggoy.blogspot.com/

ZamboPen regional athletic meet reels off Sunday in Dipolog City

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Feb. 22 (PNA) -- The 2014 Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) meet reels off Sunday, Feb. 23, in Dipolog City, capital of Zamboanga del Norte province.

The ZPRAA meet, which is set to end Friday, Feb. 28, will see action from athletes of eight school divisions from the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog, Isabela, Pagadian and Zamboanga, and the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte.

The week-long sports competition will have 51 athletic events.

Division of Zamboanga City Athletic Association (DZCAA) manager Ricarte De Sosa said the delegates from this city are determined to regain the championship title of the regional annual sports competition.

De Sosa has expressed confidence that the city will be able to regain the ZPRAA title which it lost only last year to Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte.

“Zamboanga City has long been the perennial champion of the ZPRAA. We lost the title only last year when we ranked over-all second in both elementary and secondary,” De Sosa said.

“This time we hope to regain the title. Our athletes have been practicing to this day for that goal,” he added.

DBM-9, LLBO hold barangay administration training in Dipolog

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - A total of 1,040 barangay budget officers participated in the three-day budget administration training conducted here by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the League of Budget Officers, Region IX Inc.(LLBO-INC) recently.

The training was simultaneously held in three separate venues on Feb. 12 - 14 at the Top Plaza Hotel, Zamboanga del Nore Convention and Sports Center and at the second floor of Building I in Dipolog Boulevard.

Participants from Leon Postigo, Katipunan, Roxas and Labason held their training at Top Plaza while those coming from the municipalities of Pinan, Polanco, Mutia, Siayan, Jose Dalman and Siocon held it at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports and Center.

The third group which was composed of participants from the municipalities of Rizal, Sibutad, La Libertad, Sergio Osmena, Gutalac and Kalawit was holding it at the 2nd floor of Building I, Dipolog City Boulevard.

Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Uy expressed her gratitude to the DBM for holding such seminar in the city and she hoped that the participants will apply their learning from the three-day training in handling the barangay funds.


ZNPPO marks PNP’s 23rd foundation day

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - In recognition of the significance of the organization of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office (ZNPPO) has spearheaded the PNP’s 23rd foundation day celebration here recently with Mayor Evelyn T. Uy as guest of honor and speaker.

Speaking during the anniversary program held at the ZNPPO headquarters at Camp Hamac in barangay Sicayab, Mayor Uy cited the PNP’s enormous contribution to the peace and order condition in the province most especially in Dipolog City.

Highlighting the celebration was the giving of recognition and awards to deserving police stations, personnel and civilian counterparts.

A bloodletting was also conducted by the Philippine Red Cross and was able to collect 15,000 cc of blood from the PNP personnel.

Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. James B. Mejia personally handed the awards and recognitions to the awardees.

Dipolog City Police station, Polanco and Roxas Police Stations were recognized for their satisfactory results in the Unit Performance Evaluation Report.

Dipolog CPS was also awarded for its successful implementation of LOI Bravo or the PNP campaign against wanted persons, having arrested 68 wanted persons from January to December 2013.

Dapitan CPS, on the other hand, was recognized for its successful implementation of Special laws such as illegal drugs, illegal gambling and illegal logging with 78 violators apprehended in 2013. Sindangan MPS was also awarded for its implementation of LOI BilangBoga/KontraBoga, with 65 firearms surrendered, turned-over and/or confiscated. Violators were also apprehended during the same period.

Special awards were also given to Pastor Glemar R. Obligar as lecturer during the conduct of Moral Values and Speritual Enhancement Program at the ZNPPO and Ms. Ma. Janice Cañete, a day-care center teacher assigned at the provincial headquarters.

Mejia also urged all PNP personnel “to perform their mandated tasks and continue to establish an effective working relationship with the community to forge a meaningful citizen participation in law enforcement.”

Mejia said ZNPPO’s improved services as shown by its accomplishment for the past two years served as a manifestation of the wholhearted dedication of its men and women.

Authorities Harden Campaign on Illegal Logging

By PCINSP ARIEL T HUESCA (With report from PO2 Jonas D. Macasa Jr., RPIO9)

The 1st Mobile Platoon personnel together with the PEMO personnel went to Brgy Bacagay, Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte on February 17, 2014, in response to the report that there was an alleged illegal logging at the said barangay. Upon reaching at the said place, the team saw abandoned flitches of lumber. Initial investigation that the said fitches lumber classified as premium tree known as tugas with estimated more or less 1000 board feet was abandoned by unidentified persons beside the road near at the boundary road of Barangay San Roque, Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte. The responding team together with PEMO confiscated the said fitches of lumber and was temporarily deposited by the PEMO personnel for safekeeping at Zamboanga Del Norte Provincial Public Safety Company, Sicayab, Dipolog City.

Joint operations conducted by 3rd Mobile Platoon personnel together with Siocon Police Station on February 15, 2014 against the reported illegal logging along the National road of Barangay Pangian, Siocon, Zamboanga Del Norte. Upon reaching the area, said responding team found abandoned illegally cut lumbers, to wit: Seven (7) pcs of Lawaan White, with diameter of 2x2x16 (37.33 board feet) and four (4) pcs of Lawaan Red, with diameter of 1x4x16 (21.33 board feet). On 10:30 PM of same date, same team conducted operation at said place and successfully recovered were the following: thirty (30) pcs of Lawaan White, with diameter of 2x2x16 (160 board feet), three (3) pcs of Lawaan White, with diameter of 1x2x16 (8 board feet) and two (2) pcs of Lawaan White, with diameter of 2x6x16 (32 board feet). All recovered and abandoned lumbers were brought and temporarily deposited at 3rd Mobile Platoon, Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Public Safety Company for proper disposition.

Over P10M jewels, cash stolen from Dipolog pawnshop, motorbike shop

By Roel Pareño (philstar.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - - Four unidentified robbers carted away more than P10-million worth of jewelry, cash and electronic gadgets in a pawnshop, and motor center by passing on the underground sewerage channel in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, according to police officials.

The police said the suspects barged in Exquisite Pawnshop and adjacent motor center of Norkis GC located along Gen. Luna Street about midnight Sunday and the incident was discovered the following day.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO), said the pawnshop lost an estimated P10-million worth of jewelry, cash amounting to P130,000, while Norkis GC lost P70,000, a laptop unit worth P30,000, and bracelet worth P12,000 from the robbers.

Police investigation disclosed that the suspects gained entry into the establishments by using the underground sewerage passage and a portable hydraulic jack to break into the concrete flooring of the establishments.

Investigators of the Dipolog City Police further revealed that they have identified the four suspects who were captured by the close circuit television inside the pawnshop and Norkis GC.

Further investigation disclosed that the suspects have reportedly rented a boarding house some few meters away from their target establishments.

Senior Superintendent James Mejia, police provincial director of Zamboanga del Norte, said a manhunt operation was launched while police forces in the region have been alerted to arrest the suspects.

Child protection confab held in Dipolog

By Mary May A. Abellon (PIA9)

DIPOLOG CITY – A child protection conference was held here Friday in support of the 18th national awareness week for the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Sponsored by the provincial of Zamboanga del Norte in partnership with the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA), the activity was attended by certain national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), religious organizations, media and other civil groups.

Anchored on the theme “Proteksyon ng mga Bata, Tungkulin ng Bawat Isa,” the weeklong celebration sought to promote public involvement in making “our environment” safe, protective and caring for all children.

“Each of us has different roles, working distinctly in different ways, but if all of us are working [together], the results would be overwhelming,” said Mayor Evelyn Uy in her message to the participants.

Deputy Executive Director Ma. Elena S. Caraballo of CPTCSA also explained the importance of getting the stakeholders’ involvement in the protection of children against all forms of abuses and exploitation, saying “not all the time the adults are there to protect the children.”

Caraballo said the children should report any abuses [committed against them] to their parents, teachers, social workers or anybody whom they can trust.

In discussing the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act, Atty. Cristina Sevilla pointed out that “we should not [only] blame poverty for child abuse and exploitation as this is not just the sole reason [why this is happening]. There are other factors surrounding child abuse. This can happen when parents view their children as their property, or when community support [for the children’s welfare] is absent.”

CPTCSA Executive Director Zenaida S. Rosales, on the other hand, revealed that Mindanao is now the priority of international funding agencies. She, however, said “this is not about money but an opportunity and challenge to all LGUs and NGOs to do more in strengthening child protection and the promotion of their wellbeing.”

Moreover, Rosales emphasized that the action plan of all stakeholders should not be money driven but issue driven for money will come later.

“If one has concrete action plan, money is not a problem, there a lot of people [who] will come to help,” she said.

The NGAs participating in said conference were the Department of Education (DepED), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Municipal mayors Nilo Sy of Sindangan and Felixberto Bolando of Liloy also participated in the said conference.

Other participants were the Boy Scout of the Philippines (BSP), Girl Scout of the Philippines (GSP), Cordaid, Child Fund, Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents Association (ZNFEPA), World Vision, Children Values School and ZANEMA.

PNP asked to act on abuse raps vs top cop close to LP pols

By Julie Alipala (Inquirer Mindanao, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

ZAMBOANGA CITY—A lawyer who is outspoken against police abuses in Zamboanga del Norte province has urged the Philippine National Police hierarchy to “stop condoning the violent actions and brutalities of your ground commander.”

Allan Ranillo said he, too, had been subjected to harassment and attacks since 2012.

Ranillo said since he delivered a speech in 2012 at the Dipolog City council demanding an investigation of Supt. Reynaldo Maclang, “I have been harassed.”

“Shortly after that speech, my car’s window was smashed,” he said.

Ranillo said he continued criticizing Maclang despite the harassment. In February 2013, he sent an emissary to the camp of Maclang to arrange a possible reconciliatory meeting.

But instead of a positive response, Ranillo said “my house was strafed.”

On May 9 last year, his pickup truck was fired at while he was driving in the village of Datagan in Sindangan town.

Ranillo said he was linking Maclang to the attack and cases of harassment even if “I didn’t see him directly committing such crimes” because they “always happen every time I am vocal against his abuses.”

He said other Dipolog residents, like his neighbor Joseph Herrera, also suffered harassment for criticizing Maclang.

“His house was strafed, too,” Ranillo said.

Maclang also physically assaulted and caused the arrest without charges of Rolando Tanquis, who has a program in a Dipolog radio station, on

May 3, 2013.

Tanquis, 50, was in his morning program in dxFL when he was dragged out of the announcer’s booth by two police officers soon after he had interviewed Maclang.

Ranillo said Maclang “is the hatchet man of the Liberal Party (LP) here and for as long as LP people commit violations, it’s OK, they condone it and the higher officials of the PNP are not doing anything to curb this.”

He said he had been writing and submitting letters, petitions, complaints to the PNP, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of Justice, Commission on Elections, National Bureau of Investigation and other security agencies but no action had been taken against Maclang.

Maclang has been given a new assignment outside Zamboanga del Norte.

The Inquirer learned that Maclang also faces at least eight charges in the Western Mindanao office of the CHR here.

The cases range from torture, grave threat and coercion, physical injuries, attempted murder, grave misconduct, to even robbery.

Majority of those who filed human rights abuse cases against Maclang are residents of Zamboanga del Norte, who happened to be very vocal against the administration of the province’s incumbent governor, a close ally of President Aquino.

Frederick Ian Capin, CHR director in Western Mindanao, said the cases against Maclang dated back to 2011 and were still pending or under investigation.

Chief Supt. Juanito Vano, regional director of the Western Mindanao police, has not been returning calls or answering queries from the Inquirer on Maclang’s alleged abuses.

Jose Rizal’s farm: A place to visit

By Alexander D. Lopez

Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte – The 40-hectare property that once served as a farm of National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal in this town continues to draw hundreds of visitors.

According to Region 9 office of the Department of Tourism (DOT-9) Director Mary June Bugante, said the farm still serves as an important heritage of every Filipino.

Every month, groups of students and tourists – both local and foreign – visit the place to reminisce how Rizal developed the area into a farm.

At present, the place is planted to coconut, mango, and other fruit trees, which is now owned by the Eguia family.

The family’s patriarch, 98-year-old Crisostomo Eguia Sr., still lives at the farm together with his children and grandchildren.

It was learned that when Rizal was deported by the Spanish government to Dapitan in Mindanao from 1892 to 1896, he was also engaged in medical practice, aside from being a teacher.

One of Rizal’s patients at that time was Calixto Carreon whose eye ailment was cured by the National Hero.

The story said that Calixto, as a form of payment, offered the 40-hectare land he owned to Rizal.

Dr. Jose Rizal accepted the offer, but he offered P200 as additional payment.

Eventually, Rizal designated one of his sisters, Trinidad, to manage the farm.

After several years, Trinidad designated Fernando Equia, one of the students of Rizal to manage the farm.

In the marker that was installed by the National Historical Institute (NHI) in the area, it was stated that Trinidad sold the land to Crisostomo Eguia Sr., son of Fernando.

As witnessed by the other siblings of Rizal, it was agreed that after the sale, the land would still continue to be registered under the name of Jose Rizal.

Today, Crisostomo Eguia Sr. continues to live at the farm, but its management and development is already under the care of his children.

Bugante said her office is currently in touch with the Eguia family to encourage them to develop the area into a full tourist destination.

At present, there are no facilities available that would cater to the needs of the visitors, especially those who would decide to stay for a night or two.

“We’ve been encouraging them to develop the area similar to other resort farms in the country,” Bugante said.

The family has yet to decide on the tourism office’s proposal, she added.

Bugante also said that other things belonging to Rizal, most are clothes, are still in the farm and being kept by the family of Equia.

Bugante said that during the 150th birth anniversary of Rizal, his belongings were displayed in Katipunan town for public viewing.

Meanwhile, the DOT-9 is intensifying its drive to market the tourism sites in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, among them is the heritage that Dr. Jose P. Rizal left in the area.

Another village councilor killed in Zamboanga in 4 days

(philstar.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A village councilor was gunned down by unidentified assailant shortly before noon Friday in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, police said.

The police identified the victim as Salvador 'Junjun' Jamorol, councilor of Barangay Miputak, Dipolog City.

Police Superintendent Joven Rendon Parcon, chief of police of Dipolog City, said the victim was on board his motorcycle when he was shot about 11:30 a.m. by an unidentified suspect at close range and escaped toward an unknown direction along the national highway of Barangay Sta. Isabel.

Police were looking at personal grudge as the possible motive of the gun attack.

Jamorol was the second village councilor who was shot dead in Zamboanga peninsula in a span of 4 days. Last Tuesday a village, councilor Zamboanga City was also shot and killed by riding in tandem suspects.

DOLE-Zambo. Norte releases financial aid to SPES beneficiaries

By Mary May A. Abellon (PIA9)

DIPOLOG CITY – One hundred thirty two out-of-school youths (OSY) undergoing training under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) have received financial aid from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Zamboanga del Norte recently.

These youths have enrolled in short term courses such as plumbing, bartending, food processing, housekeeping, shielded metal arc welding and heavy equipment operation at the Livelihood Skills Development Enhancement Center (LSDEC) in barangay Galas this city. DOLE gave a total of P 268, 224 as training allowance to the trainees.

DOLE Provincial Director Henry P. Tianero turned-over the checks to the city government through Mayor Evelyn T. Uy who, in turn, handed the checks to the SPES grantees. Each grantee received P2,032.

LSDEC is a technical skills training facility that is operated, maintained and managed by the city government.

The facility seeks to develop and enhance employable skills among OSYs and to assist them in marketing their products.

LSDEC has forged partnerships with national and international agencies such as the DOLE, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Regional Fisheries Livelihood Program of the UN-Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) like the Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents’ Association (ZNFEPA).

Tianero also expressed his gratitude to Mayor Uy for always looking for ways and strategies to develop the youths in the area.

Prisaa-Zamboanga 2014 reels off

By Bong Garcia

THOUSANDS of athletes, high school and college students, are participating in this year’s regional Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa) in Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte.

Prisaa-Zamboanga Peninsula, which has a total of 14 sports events, reeled off Wednesday and is set to end Sunday.

Prisaa National Executive Director Elbert Atilano said the participating athletic delegations are from Dapitan and Dipolog Cities, Zamboanga del Norte; Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur; Isabela City, Basilan; and, Zamboanga City.

Meanwhile, Atilano has assured that the athletes participating in the five-day sports competition are all physically fit to play in their respective event.

Atilano issued the statement amid questions surrounding the death of a young amateur boxer during an athletic event in Central Luzon in 2013.

The athletes undergo medical examination before they are allowed to join the competition, Atilano said, adding that medical personnel are on standby at the meet.

BJMP tightens security at Dipolog City Jail

By Alfonso T. Ruda (PIA9)

DIPOLOG CITY - Jail authorities has tightened security at the Dipolog City Jail in Barangay Dicayas, as proliferation of illegal drugs has been noted in the premises.

City Jail Warden Allan Vargas said an inmate was caught in possession of five grams of shabu during a surprise inspection conducted among the prisoners last Jan. 28.

Such incident nearly caused riot inside the jail as the said detainee refused to get out of his cell by seeking refuge from his co-inmates when he was taken out and transferred to Dapitan City Jail last Jan. 29 on a court order.

No one was injured during the commotion but Vargas admitted having fired a warning shot to ease the tension.

The said detainee, who was jailed for illegal drugs, has been placed under surveillance by jail officials as a suspect behind the entry of the illegal drugs at the city jail “using his connection with the underworld.”

Vargas also directed his men to impose stricter measures on the inmate’s visitors and to inspect thoroughly their personal belongings during the visit particularly the food.

Presently, a closed-circuit television camera was installed to ensure that all visitors are identified and all activities are monitored.

“We are doing our best to prevent the entry of illegal drugs,” Vargas declared.

Last year, 10 pieces of plastic sachets containing shabu were placed inside a wrapped a bottle of perfume was recovered near the kitchen of the jail. Jail authorities believed that said item was thrown from outside by unidentified passers.

According to Vargas, the jail has more than 300 inmates with only 4 jail guards.


BIR-Dipolog kicks off national tax campaign

By Mary May A. Abellon (PIA9)

DIPOLOG CITY – The district office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here has started on Thursday a nationwide tax campaign with a motorcade around the city’s main thoroughfares to drum up public awareness and support to attaining its tax collection goal for this year.

For this year BIR-Dipolog is targeting to collect at least P1.198 billion in Zamboanga del Norte including its twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan. BIR’s overall target for this year is P1.46 trillion.

“This is a tax awareness advocacy of the BIR in order for the taxpayers to pay their taxes right for nation building and to prepare also for the deadline of the filing of the annual income tax return on April 15,” Ms. Joycebel M. Molina, acting chief of the administrative section, said in an interview.

Following the motorcade was a short program held at the Top Plaza Hotel with the unveiling of BIR’s new campaign slogan, which goes: “I love the Philippines, I pay my taxes right. It’s as easy as register, file and pay.”

Among the organizations that vowed to pay their taxes right during the tax campaign launching were the the Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCI), Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCII), Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Philippine Medical Association and the personnel of the Mayor’s Office.

The event was also attended by BIR-R9 Regional Director Alert Alocilja and OIC- Revenue District Officer of Dipolog Glendonio Teope Jr.

Molina also urged the taxpayers to see the bureau’s collection agents assigned in each municipality of the province.

She added that the district office would only the tax liabilities/payments of the taxpaying and the payments should be made in the five authorized banks, namely, the LandBank of the Philippines (LBP), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), MetroBank, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Philippine National bank (PNB).

“We only accept payment for documentary stamp tax which is P15.00 and the certification fee,” she stressed.

DOTC awards P13-M contract to upgrade airport instruments

By Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has tapped Domestic Trading Corp. to upgrade meteorological instruments in four key airports nationwide.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya has approved the issuance of notice of award to Domestic Trading based on the findings of the agency’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).

The approved budget for the project was P16 million but Domestic Trading offered to undertake the project involving the procurement of meteorological instruments for various airports for only P12.89 million.

Domestic Trading has one year from the issuance of the notice to proceed to complete the upgrade of meteorological instruments in the airports in Dipolog, Roxas, Ozamis and Busuanga.

The company provides instruments to monitor and measure environmental parameters for determining the quality of municipal drinking water to the amount of rainfall in the clouds.

Domestic Trading has the reagents, kits and instruments that give the most accurate and precise information to its customers.

Brands carried by the company include Hach laboratory and field instruments, chemical and reagents, and process instrumentations; Vaisala automation weather stations, aviation weather systems, surrounding systems and radiosondes, weather radars, ceilometers, thunderstorm and lightning detection systems; and Bacharach gas analyzers.


4th Philippine eagle hatched in Zamboanga del Norte’s forests

(DENR)

QUEZON CITY, Feb. 8 -- Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje expressed elation at the birth of a new Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) “Atbalin”, the 4th eaglet hatched in the forest of Baliguian in Zamboanga del Norte.

“We are very happy on hearing the news that a new Philippine eagle was hatched in the wild. This only shows that the province still has a very good forest cover, and I thank the people of Zamboanga del Norte for having taken good care of their natural resources,” Paje said.

In a report to Paje by the Regional Eagle Watch Team (REWT) of DENR-Region 9, the young eagle was hatched on its parents’ nest atop a tree in Barangay Linay on the eve of December 17 last year.

The name “Atbalin” (acronym for “attraction for Bry. Linay”) was coined by elected local officials of Brgy. Linay led by its chairman and head of the DENR-organized Community Monitoring Group Regin Geografia.

“Atbalin’s arrival,” said Paje, “is certainly a welcome addition to the dwindling Philippine eagle population in the country.”

According to Paje, Bry. Linay is a natural habitat for the Philippine eagle couple Dionisio and Milia, which breeds once every two years. He also said previous hatchlings of Dionisio and Milia as monitored by the REWT were Fernando, followed by Binoni Pusaka and Mitigam. Binoni Pusaka and Mitigan are Subanen names which mean “hidden treasure” and “clever”, respectively.

Dionisio and Milia take care of their offspring for 22 months until the eaglet is ready to leave its parents’ territory to establish a home of its own.

Described by American aviator Charles Lindbergh as “the world’s noblest flier”, the Philippine eagle replaced the ‘maya” as the country’s national bird in 1995 by virtue of Proclamation No. 615. It is categorized as a critically endangered species or at high risk of extinction under the National List of Threatened Species and by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature for its diminishing numbers in the wild due to habitat destruction and poaching.

Through the Philippine Raptors Conservation Program of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (formerly Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau), the DENR has partnered with organizations such as Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), University of the Philippines (UP) and Haribon Foundation in undertaking research, habitat conservation and in educating the public about the important role of the Philippine eagle in maintaining the ecological balance and as a national symbol.

Part of the conservation program, which is being implemented in 11 regions nationwide, survey and monitoring activities are being undertaken to document the location of breeding pairs and nests in the wild.

New sightings of the national bird in the Cordillera mountain ranges in Apayao and Abra were recorded by DENR-Cordillera Administrative Region and was re-discovered in Leyte by the University of the Philippines.

“These reports of sightings from our partner institutions offer new beacons of hope for the Philippine eagle,” Paje said, as he reiterated his call on the people to continue supporting the rehabilitation of the country’s forests through the National Greening Program to ensure the continued existence of the Philippine eagle, also called “Haring Ibon” or king of birds.

The first sighting of the world’s largest eagle was documented in 1896 in Paranas Island off Samar province. Its natural habitats such as Northern Sierra Madre, Mt. Kitanglad, Samar Island Natural Park and Mt. Apo have been declared as protected areas.

Dipolog Civil Registrar’s Office bags awards

By Mary May A. Abellon (PIA9)

DIPOLOG CITY – Hard work really pays off.

The Civil Registrar’s Office here received three outstanding awards from the National Statistics Office (NSO)-9 during the 2014 City and Municipal Civil Registrars’ Quarterly Plannin o the city government’s implementation of the Performance Governance System (PGS) with the Institute for Solidarity Asia (ISA).

In a related development, the lady civil registrar also disclosed that the city is joining the whole nation in observing the “Civil Registration Month” pursuant to Proclamation No. 682 with the theme, “Ikaw at Ako tungo sa Wastong Pagrerehistro.”

Moreover, the city government will also be conducting the annual free wedding ceremony dubbed “Twogether Foreover” on Valentine’s Day at the 2nd Floor of the Commercial Building at the Dipolog Boulevard with Mayor Evelyn T. Uy as solemnizing officer.

There will also be a free registration of new born babies and those children who are not yet registered with the Civil Registrar’s Office on Feb. 24, 2014.

Philhealth beefs up Primary Care Benefit Package

By Alfonso T. Ruda (FPG/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) - The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) has recently re-introduced its “Primary Care Benefit Package” under a new name called “TseKap” or Tamang Serbisyong Kalusugang Pampamilya.

Philhealth-Zamboanga del Norte head, Florencio Luyao, said TseKap aims to respond to the growing health care needs of Philhealth members especially the poor, and to make the said package more attractive to member-beneficiaries which include the indigents and sponsored members, members of organized groups, and land-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

“Philhealth has also extended this benefit to the Department of Education (DepEd) last year as part of its pilot test,” Luyao said.

TseKap consists of essential services aimed at prevention, early detection of diseases and even interventions for healthy living which include consultations, visual inspection with acetic acid, regular blood pressure monitoring, regular breast examination, and health promotion like education on breastfeeding, counseling on lifestyle modification and smoking cessation.

Preventive services also cover body measurements and digital rectal examination while diagnostics such as complete blood count, urinalysis, fecalysis, sputum microscopy, fasting blood sugar, Lipid profile and chest x-ray are also available upon recommendation of the physician.

TseKap also provides medicines for asthma, acute gastroenteritis and no or mild dehydration pneumonia and urinary tract infection.

According to Luyao, 27 Rural Health Units (RHUs) and two authorized hospitals identified as Primary Care Benefits providers in the two cities and municipalities in the province have been accredited as TseKap providers.

Meanwhile, Luyao said, the company has also approved the inclusion of foster child or adopted child under Republic Act 10165, otherwise known as Foster Care Act of 2012 as additional dependents of the beneficiaries of the program.

To avail of the benefit, the member has only to submit the Foster Parent License (FPL) and Foster Child Placement Authority (FCPA) and medical certificate for the parents with disability that only depend on the member for his/her daily needs.

Zambo. Norte earmarks P73.2-M calamity fund for 2014

By Alfonso T. Ruda (PIA9)

DIPOLOG CITY - In its desire to prepare and protect its people from any eventualities, the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte has allocated more funds to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) with the approval of P73.2-million budget by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).

During its recent regular session, the SP has passed a resolution approving the amount of P73,201,982 for disaster operations in the province.

The provincial board unanimously approved Resolution No. 2, series of 2013 authored by Board Member Crisologo Dicierdo, which crafted the province’s 2014 Disaster Preparedness Plan including the allocation of P73.2 million from the 5% calamity fund for 2014.

According to Dicierdo, the said amount will be divided into three phases: disaster phase which gets P51.2 million, emergency phase - P11.4 million and P10.5 million for post-emergency phase.

In the same session Resolution No. 3, series of 2013 which crafted the 2014-2016 Disaster Investment Plan of PDRRMC was also approved.

The SP cited the need to enhance the disaster preparedness capability of the PDRRMC to better address the needs of the people during disasters.

The PDRRMC is headed by Governor Roberto Y. Uy with Engr. Cristopher L. Zosa as its action officer.

Dipolog holds orientation on ‘Check My School Program’

By Mary May A. Abellon (PIA9)

DIPOLOG CITY – The city government here in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Check My School (CMS), a non-governmental organization, conducted on Friday an orientation on “Check My School” program at the Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School covered court.

This program, which aims to promote transparency and social accountability in public schools, is designed to connect or create a link between the government and the people with the CMS serving as an overseer of all public schools by reporting to the local government unit (LGU) and DepED any problems arising in the schools like the lack of facilities, teachers, classroom and books, the need for database online record gathering and others.

These problems shall then be threshed out in a “round-table discussion” with the offices and officials concerned.

It was also learned that the CMS will only deliver and communicate to the responsible and accountable government officers and offices particularly the LGU and DepEd the problems it discovered.

The LGU and DepEd with the help also of other NGO like the Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents Association (ZNFePA) will directly act on the matter and formulate ways to solve certain problems.

The CMS has already built a database online which some schools have been using already. This made the data gathering from the different schools in the country faster and easier.

Mayor Evelyn T. Uy expressed her appreciation to the said organization, as it has contributed to the upgrading of schools, advancement of teachers and development of students in the country.

Alamang from Murcielagos Bay, Misamis Occidental, now safe to eat

By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob (RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 3 (PIA) – “Alamang” or minute shrimps collected from Murcielagos Bay in the boundary of Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte are now safe for human consumption.

This, after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has declared the area free from toxic red tide contamination and delisted it from those found to be positive for the toxin, as shown in Shellfish Bulletin No.1 and No. 2, s. of 2014, released last Jan. 2 and Jan. 13, respectively.

This means that all types of shellfish and Acetes specie or “alamang” (minute shrimps) gathered from the area are now safe for human consumption and can be harvested, sold, and bought, Visa Tan Dimerin, Regional Director of BFAR, region 10, said.

Meanwhile, the other areas in Mindanao, which have been declared as free from red tide toxin by BFAR are Hinatuan, Bislig and Llanga Bays in Surigao del Sur, Balite Bay in Mati, Davo Oriental and Taguines Lagoon in Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin Island.

However, based on the latest laboratory results from BFAR and the local government units (LGU), shellfishes collected at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Sibuguey Bay in Zamboanga Sibugay, are found positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

Dimerin said all types of shellfish and alamang gathered from these red tide areas are not safe for human consumption.

But fish, squids, shrimps and crabs gathered from red tide areas may be safe to eat, provided, they are fresh and washed thoroughly and the internal organs, such as, gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

Army hires new personnel

By Bong Garcia

THE Philippine Army announced that it has started the processing of new candidate soldiers to fill up the quota allocation for 2014.

Army's 101st Infantry Brigade information officer Captain Randy Veracion said the recruitment and processing started last Friday at the Camp Del Pilar in the town of Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.

He said those who wish to apply need to meet the following basic requirements: 18-26 years of age; height of five feet above; Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery score of 80 above; without obvious physical deformities; no tattoo; no ear piercing; no penile implant; normal blood pressure; not color blind; good dental health; single and without a child; and with no pending cases in court.

The additional requirements are: birth certificate from the National Statistics Office with official receipt, Form 137 or Transcript of Records, diploma (High School or College), one 2x2 picture with name tag, and with valid Identification Cards (IDs).

Veracion said those who are interested and qualified to join the Army may call or text the personnel office of the First Infantry Division through mobile phone numbers +63 908-111-93-22 for Smart and +63917-703-48-66 for Globe subscribers.

MGB-Zambo Peninsula eyes to complete 45 geohazard maps

By R.G. Antonet A. Go [(PNA), SCS/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO/RSM]

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Feb. 1 (PNA) -– The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MBG) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is eyeing to complete 45 geohazard maps in the Zamboanga Peninsula this year.

MGB Zamboanga Peninsula Officer-in-Charge Vheina Marie Quintana made this announcement, citing that the geohazard maps they are producing are with a scale of 1:10,000.

Quintana said they started the geohazard mapping of the Zamboanga Peninsula in 2011 and is targeting to complete it this year.

Quintana said that in 2013, they completed the geohazard maps for the towns of Tambulig and Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga del Sur; Polanco, Salug, Tampilisan and Godod, Zamboanga del Norte; and Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Quintana said the map contains the areas prone to landslide, flooding and other hazards the community may experience.

The MGB gives the geohazard maps to the local government units, including their recommendations and mitigating measures. It will serve as a guide for the LGUs to undertake mitigating and preemptive measures for the protection of the inhabitants if and when the areas identified as prone to landslide are inhabited.

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