Zamboanga del Sur News August 2017

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Province of 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

CIDG takes over probe of cops in Zambo Sur soldier’s slay

By Julie Alipala (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The two policemen tagged in the Aug. 23 killing of a soldier on break from the fighting in Marawi City had been disarmed and placed under the Zamboanga del Sur police’s restrictive custody.

According to Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Western Mindanao regional police director, PO2 Ronald Zeros and PO1 Michael Bullanday of the Aurora town police will be held by the provincial police while the investigation on the killing of Pfc. Rodilo Bartolome is ongoing.

Beltran said the military and the police also agreed to turn over the investigation to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Bartolome, 33, was on his way home to Midsalip town when Zeros and Bullanday shot and killed him in Barangay Monte Alegre in Aurora town.

A police report said the policemen responded to a report about the presence of a suspicious man in the area.

Bartolome had at least 11 bullet wounds.

Zambo MSME conference set

By Teofilo P. Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is staging a conference to update concerned stakeholders on policy directions and inform them about the latest in the Philippine Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSME) Development Agenda.

About 400 entrepreneurs from all over Zamboanga Peninsula are expected to attend the one-day activity, dubbed as the 2017 Zamboanga Peninsula MSME Conference, which is set on Wednesday, August 30, in Pagadian City.

The conference is anchored on the theme “The 7 Ms Towards a Prosperous Asean MSMEs.”

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, on Monday said they have invited business experts as resource speakers to share their knowledge and insights on the opportunities the Asean integration presents, especially in promoting MSMEs as a platform for promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.

The topics to be discussed during the conference are the following: The Philippines in the Asean Economic Community: Opportunities and Challenges; Mastery and Mentoring towards MSME Competitiveness and Resilience; Appropriate Technology and Machines towards a Productive and Responsive Asean MSMEs; and, Policy Directions Toward Enhancing Productive Philippine MSMEs in the Asean, all these capturing DTI’s 7Ms: Mind-set change, Mastery, Mentoring, Markets, Machines, Money, and Models of Business.

The 7Ms is DTI’s approach in uplifting MSMEs, as introduced by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, an entrepreneur himself. “Mind-set change” is instilling and embracing the right entrepreneurial attitude that will carry a person in his or her journey in business.

“Mastery” refers to teaching MSMEs the basics of entrepreneurship, knowing what you need to set up a business, among others.

“Market Access” refers to the basic rules of spotting market opportunities, finding your product positioning and differentiation, product development, market development, basic business finance and plan preparation, as well as developing a system for continuous innovation.

“Mentoring” is an initiative that provides guidance to MSMEs by successful business personalities. They serve as coach to budding MSMEs to help them grow their business.

“Money” is for capital or additional funds to finance expansion of business. It is also important for MSMEs to have the right

“Machines” to help them with their productivity.

The DTI, through the competent business counsellors, will help MSMEs in coming up with ideas or business models to start their business.

Expected participants to the conference are MSMEs, multi-national corporations, private sector, academe, and concerned government agencies, according to Jain.

Slain armed man turns out to be a soldier

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

A SOLDIER, who allegedly tried to shoot two policemen, was killed in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, police said Thursday, August 24.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the slain soldier as Corporal Rodillo Bartolome, 33, a resident of the village of Kanipay, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur.

Bartolome was assigned with the Army’s 51st Infantry Battalion and presently detailed in the besieged Marawi City.

Galvez said that prior to Bartolome death on Wednesday afternoon, Oscar Asuelo, a passenger jeep barker, reported to the Community Police Assistance Center that an unidentified armed person was seen at the store of Dencia Magdadaro in Purok Magdadaro, Barangay Monte Alegre, Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur.

She said two policemen, namely Police Officer 2 (PO2) Ronald Zeros and PO1 Michael Bullanday, boarded a motorcycle and went to the area to verify the report.

She said the police officer quickly drew their guns and opened fire killing Bartolome, who allegedly pulled a caliber .45 pistol while approaching the two responding policemen.

Tuburan, 2 others named cleanest, greenest barangays

By Claro A. Lanipa (ALT/CAL/PIA9/PCPB Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, 25 August (PIA) – The Pagadian City Ecological Solid Waste Management Board (ESWMB) awarded Barangay Tuburan as the Cleanest and Greenest Barangay after four quarterly contests among the 26 urban and urbanizing barangays during the ESWM Board Meeting and Awarding Ceremony held recently at the Executive Function Hall, City Hall Complex, here.

Barangays Kawit and Tiguma bagged the second and third spot respectively.

The winners received P300 thousand for the first place, P200-thousand for the second and P100-thousand for third place worth of projects.

“Winning barangays may choose their priority projects to pursue their clean and green programs,” Clean and Green Evaluation Team Leader Jewelo P. Barrios said.

The city government led by Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones recognizes the people who work hard in the implementation of RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, particularly on waste segregation at source and their best practices, City Administrator Lauro Mendoza Sr. said during the awarding ceremony.

“Mayor Pulmones is very supportive in all your quest as far as the implementation of RA 9003 is concerned. We implement this not because we were forced but because we wanted to live in a clean and orderly city,” the administrator added.

On the same occasion, the winners for the 3rd Quarter (October to December 2016) Clean and Green Contest were also declared.

Barangay Kawit received a cash prize of P18,000 as first place, Tuburan - second place with P16,000, Tiguma - third place with P14,000, Dao - fourth with P12,000 and Tawagan Sur got fifth place at P10,000. Non winning barangays were given P2,000 as consolation prizes.

On the other hand, Barangay Tuburan got the top place in the 4th quarter of the contest evaluated from January to March this year. While Tawagan Sur got the second spot, Tiguma third, Balintawak fourth and Buenavista fifth placer with the same amount of prizes given in the previous quarterly contests.

Criteria for the said contest include waste management, functionality of the Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management Council which includes segregation at source, segregated collection, and overall beautification.

“Serbisyo Caravan” to deliver services in San Pablo town

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (ALT/JPA/PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY Aug -- More than 20 agencies from the public sector will gather and work together on Aug. 23, 2017 to bring help and intervention, as well as ASEAN benefits and opportunities to the town of San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur in a unique platform of service delivery called ASEAN “Serbisyo Caravan.”

The Serbisyo Caravan is an annual undertaking of the Mindanao Communicators Network (MCN), an organization of government information officers, LGUs and the academe who are considered “drivers for change.” It intends to deliver immediate services and technical assistance to poor communities or areas as identified in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) or Listahanan.

This year’s caravan will not only bring government services and information dissemination on current programs and projects of the government, but ASEAN opportunities as well that MCN hopes will serve as catalyst to empower various sectors in the community to transform their lives.

It’s a known element that public sector is the country’s largest service provider. Any incremental improvement in public services positively impacts thousands of people, this is reason enough why MCN strives to build “connected government” seamlessly aligning multiple government agencies and departments with “customer journey.”

“We see to it that MCN actions fit the rhythm of life of the people to meet their expectations,” said Noemi Edaga, President, MCN-Zamboanga Chapter and Regional Director of the Philippine Information Agency 9.

“The first thing to delivering ‘customer promise’ is to know their needs, that is why before the actual conduct of serbisyo caravan, PIA, together with MCN representative, DSWD’s municipal links and other concerned individuals and agencies conducted a need assessment to know the needs of the community, “ explained RD Edaga.

The caravan is expected to gather more than a thousand people- mostly 4P’s beneficiaries from Sthe 28 barangays of San Pablo.

The activity serves as venue where beneficiaries will gain information not only of the numerous programs, projects and services of the government available for them and how they can avail of such, but also the vast opportunities of an ASEAN member country as well.

Farm owner-couple hurt in Zambo Sur gun attack

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

A FARM owner-couple were wounded in a gun attack by three gunmen in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, the police said Friday, August 18.

The Zamboanga del Sur Police Office identified the victim-couple as Nestor Galleros, 57, and his wife, Noemi, 542.

The police said the incident occurred at 2:30 p.m., Thursday at Purok 3 in the village of Nian, Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur.

Investigation showed that the couple was on the way home coming from their farm when waylaid by three gunmen.

They were rushed to the hospital for treatment while the suspects fled to unknown direction.

The suspects were identified as follows: Eugene Galleros, 20; Julius Zamora, 30; and, Elias Doong, 31.

A manhunt was launched to arrest the suspects, the police said.

Pagadian has new PNP chief

By Claro A. Lanipa (ALT/CAL/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – PSupt. Benito Ricopuerto is now the new chief of police of the Pagadian City Police Station.

In a simple turn-over ceremony held Thursday (August 10) at the conference room of the PNP station here, PSupt. Ricopuerto was installed as the new chief of police by PNP Provincial Director PSSupt. Alan Nazaro in the presence of Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones and Vice Mayor Ernesto A. Mondarte.

PSupt. Ricopuerto, who hails from Ilocos Sur was formerly assigned at the National Capital Region (NCR), replaces PSupt. Kiram Jimlani, who served for eight (8) months as Pagadian City police chief.

In his message, Ricopuerto said, under his term he will look forward to building closer ties between the PNP personnel and civilian populace. He also urged the public not to hesitate to report any issues or problems that they may encounter.

The new chief admitted that there are some units in the police force that are not friendly or courteous in attending to their clients who seek for help.

With this, he encouraged his men to establish closer ties with the public. “We are here to serve the people,” he stressed.

LTO opens office in Pagadian

By Allen Abastillas

The Land Transportation Office-9 (LTO-9) has opened a registration office for newly acquired vehicles in Pagadian city.

LTO-9 Regional Director Aminola P. Abaton said that the new office will accommodate registration for new vehicles and newly assembled four-wheeled vehicles and motorcycles.

Renewal of vehicle registration may be undertaken in LTO district offices in the region.

Abaton said that the LTO has approved their proposal to open the new office for registration of vehicles in Pagadian since the city is presently considered as the Regional Center.

Initial recommendations include the opening of new registration offices in Pagadian, Dipolog city and Zamboanga Sibugay.

The LTO recently opened its new registration office in Zamboanga city at the Zamboanga Ecozone.

Female driver dies in road mishap

(LAJ)

A 20-year old female student was killed after figuring in a road mishap along the national highway of San Jose Aurora Zamboanga del Sur last Monday.

A Police Regional Office-9 report identiifed the victim as Quinee Pink Salodes Emanel, 20 years old, single and a resident of Purok San Francisco, Barangay Campo Uno, Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur.

Investigation showed that the victim was on her way home from Barangay Poblacion when her motorcycle hit a stockpile along the road.

The driver was thrown to the ground and sustained injuries on her head and body which caused her death.

The motorcycle was brought to the Aurora Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Mahayag MPS adjudged as “Cleanest Unit”

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – The Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO) through the Provincial Search and Evaluation Committee (PSEC) recently adjudged the Mahayag Municipal Police Station as the cleanest unit for the month of June.

Deputy Provincial Director for Administration PSupt Eddie P. Recamara, PSEC chairman said the award is in accordance with the reward system of the Police Regional Office (PRO9) dubbed the “Gantimpala” implemented by the organization thru Memorandum Circular 14-14 dated January 11, 2017 purposely to give recognition and reward to deserving offices on a monthly-basis.

Recamara said while the PNP has implemented internal cleansing by running after police scalawags, the PRO9 also implemented external cleansing thru the “Gantimpala” by cleaning their respective MPS.

He said the “Gantimpala” award will be conferred by no less than provincial director PSSupt Allan Nazaro to the above-mentioned MPS during the command conference which will be announced later, for the recognition of their exemplary display of commitment to cleanliness and orderliness and demonstrated teamwork and cooperation in the series of evaluation.

During the Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) meeting, Recamara said the inspection and evaluation of the MPS for the month of June was delayed because of President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law, the reported series of sightings of New People’s Army (NPA) members in different municipalities, and the unavailability of patrol car.

In the first evaluation, the PSEC has chosen five (5) contenders, namely: Aurora MPS, Dumingag MPS, Mahayag MPS, Ramon Magsaysay MPS, and Tukuran MPS.

The PSEC chairman said the contenders were judged according to the following parameters: sort-20%, set to order– 20%, shine -20%, standardize – 20%, and sustainability-20%.

“The PSEC team did not only consider the cleanliness and orderliness of the MPS but the attitude of the PNP personnel, and the special projects implemented in their respective MPS as well,” Recamara announced.

“The award would serve as an inspiration to the municipal police stations to render more efficient service to the people,” he concluded.

PRDP earmarks P310-M for road projects in Zambo Sur

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) --- The Department of Agriculture embarks on a road network project in Zamboanga del Sur to connect remote barangays to bigger markets to raise income, productivity and competitiveness in targeted areas and spur economic growth.

Under DA’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), longer road networks will be laid in the towns of Josefina, Mahayag, Molave, Ramon Magsaysay and Tukuran with a total budget of P310.77 million which covers a total length of 30.1 kilometers, according to Assistant Regional Director Maria Melba B. Wee during a press briefing here.

“This is a triumvirate approach, the funding source and the project monitoring include the World Bank, the national government and participating local government units,” Wee said.

She added that the project is implemented under the Intensified Building up of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development (I-BUILD) Component, and the provincial government is shelling out its counterpart of only 10% of the project cost.

The said projects will directly benefit 9,425 households who are mostly small farm holders as one of the objectives of the project is to uplift farmers and fisherfolk in the countryside.

Ramon Magsaysay and Tukuran road network will cover 11.88 km and traverse the barangays of Gapasan, Laperian, Buenasuerte, Sambulawan and Navalan.

Another road network which recently started covers the towns of Josefina, Mahayag and Molave measuring a total length of 18.22 km, amounting to P206.91 million. It will cover the upland barangays of Gumahan, Leonardo and Lower Bag-ong Tudela in Josefina town; Barangay Diwan in Mahayag town; and Barangays Gonosan, Parasan, Mabuhay, Culo and Sudlon in Molave.

These road networks support the commodities identified by the province under its Provincial Commodity Investment Plan including cassava, rubber, coconut, abaca and cacao.

“All these commodities have been supported by Value Chain Analysis and other science-based tools required by PRDP,” said Wee.

Wee said that the projects in Zamboanga del Sur are part of the P1.11 billion fund earmarked for the whole region of Zamboanga Peninsula for 15 projects under I-BUILD. The region targets a total of 95.9 km for FMR including a bridge measuring 28.6 meters in Mabuhay town, Zamboanga Sibugay.

To date, PRDP in Zamboanga Peninsula has completed 4 farm-to-market roads in the towns of Buug, RT Lim and Talusan, all in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Zamboanga farmers boost rice and rubber production

(DAR / MS. Reambonanza)

ZAMBOANGA -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), through the support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), recently launched two of its provincial projects under the Project ConVERGE (Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment) in the areas of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.

The project’s aim is to increase the income and improve the way of living of the farmers by boosting their production of the primary crops such as rubber and rice through the provision of farm inputs, equipment, relevant rural infrastructure projects, farmer trainings and links to various markets.

Regional Director Julita Ragandang said the project expects to develop some 10,000 farmer-beneficiaries to become businessmen.

"This project aids not only the big and established cooperatives but also smallholder farmers. Our goal is to consolidate the primary crops of these coops in their clusters, provide them with complete interventions so that they can benefit from their business enterprise through increase in volume of production and marketing and likewise improvement in product quality. With these, our farmers can gain a bigger percentage of their income and be empowered to be their own businessmen," said Ragandang.

Ragandang also emphasized the importance of the launch since it is the venue for DAR to present the overview of the entire five-year implementation to ARBs and major stakeholders to ensure mutual understanding and commitment.

Increase and improvement of rubber in Zambo Norte

Through Project ConVERGE, Zamboanga del Norte's Resettlement ARC Cluster Rubber Development Project would help increase the quality and quantity of the rubber production of the smallholder farmers in the area.

Cabong Tampilisan Multipurpose Cooperative (CATAMCO) Chairman Erlie Handomon said the increase in their production and the improvement of their rubber's quality have been a lifelong dream.

"Dugay na ni namong gihandom. Apan dili gyud sya makaya 100% sa mga mag-uuma lang (We’ve been dreaming of this for so long but we knew this can’t be done 100% if done only by us, the farmers)," Handomon said.

Through the IFAD-funded and DAR-implemented project, they hope to be able to fulfill their dream and finally have a place in the rubber market.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Mohammad Dassan Adju said that with the LGU's support and the farmers' active participation, a successful project is in the offing so long as all stakeholders cooperate with each other. "There will be issues and problems along the way, for sure. But don't be afraid to ask. We are here to listen and to help," he said.

The rise of Sur’s rice

The Salug Valley Cluster Rice Project in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, , on the other hand, is provided with a program called Intensified Rice Production, Milling and Marketing.

With the current plan of providing an all-encompassing project, PARPO II Arturo Soria is confident that the project interventions will address the key areas for an increased production by 25 percent in the next three years.

“Part of the plan is to construct a rice milling facility so farmers need not travel far to rent or pay the services from another facility. ConVERGE will also be supplying improved farm seedlings and inputs, consequently producing a higher quality of rice which is seen to be marketed as the organic rice of Salug,” Soria said.

Immediate Next Steps

This year’s total budget for the region amounts to around P40million, with P11.5million for Zamboanga del Norte, P14.5million for Zamboanga del Sur, and P5.5million for Zamboanga Sibugay.

Based on the regional office’s plan for 2017, procurement will start by the fourth quarter to cover necessities from office equipment and supplies, as well as farming inputs, value chain facilities and equipment for the clusters.

Meanwhile, trainings for staff and coordination meetings for beneficiaries and concerned agencies have already been conducted left and right for the first half of the year and will continue until year end.

Also comprising the annual target is the commencement of the Rural Infrastructure projects for more than 8 kms of farm-to-market roads and a 95-has communal irrigation system. Prioritized sub-projects will be located at the Municipality of Godod in Zamboanga del Norte and the towns of Mahayag, Tambulig and Aurora in Zamboanga del Sur.

DAR's commitment

Ragandang emphasized that the launch is only the beginning of the intervention and that more work is to be done for the coming phases of the program. Along the way, certain realignments and revisions may be made on the plan to adjust to changing needs of the beneficiaries and the success of ConVERGE.


Finally, Ragandang said that the responsibility of the project, including all stakeholders such as the government, farmers and other agencies, goes beyond the five year implementation. After all, the project eyes sustainability and profitability of the entire business enterprise to last generations of farming communities.

Meanwhile, the Zambo Sibugay Rubber Agribusiness Project which targets around 3,000 beneficiaries will be launched before the end of this month.

OCD to spearhead earthquake, tsunami SIMEX on August 17

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, 10 August (PIA) – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in collaboration with the local government unit (LGU) of Pagadian thru the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) will conduct a simulation exercise on earthquake and tsunami on August 17.

OCD-9 Division Chief Lito Casinillo said the event is a commemoration of the 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami that took place on August 17 whose 7.9 surface magnitude resulted in the massive destruction in the coastal communities leaving 8,000 people dead.

Casinillo said the SIMEX aims to strengthen the ability of the responders to prepare for and respond to natural disasters.

“The commemorative activity will instill highest level of awareness and preparedness of the populace through series of contingency planning and workshop, as well as an information dissemination campaign to the stakeholders,” Casinillo said.

During the event, Casinillo said the OCD will create a scenario where the responders will conduct search and rescue operations and coordinate effectively with relief agencies during an earthquake response.

“In the activity, the responders will follow the contingency plan to evaluate if the plan is effective,” Casinillo said adding that it will also test the capabilities of the first responders if they are ready in case an earthquake and tsunami will strike again in the city.

He said an orientation and workshop on disaster risk reduction and management and tsunami, community-based early warning system was conducted recently to the first responders from the national government agencies and barangay DRRMC members from the seven (7) coastal barangays of the city to equip them the knowledge in rescue operation.

During the tragic incident that happened 41 years ago, the barangays that were greatly affected were Balangasan, Dumagoc, Kawit, Santiago, San Pedro, Sta. Lucia, and White Beach.

“We will work as a team under one structure to ensure that the populace is safe and rescued. It is also the goal of the OCD to have a safer, adaptive, and disaster-resilient community,” Casinillo explained.

The event will be graced by OCD Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum Jr, and Governor Antonio H. Cerilles.

1 dead, 2 hurt in highway accident

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

ONE person died, while two others were wounded, after the motorcycle they were riding plunged into a concrete ditch in Zamboanga del Norte on Wednesday, August 2.

The Zamboanga del Norte police said the accident happened at Sitio Control, Barangay Kauswagan, Baliguian town.

The police identified the fatality as Lando Fuentevilla, 48.

Fuentevilla didn’t make it upon reaching the hospital.

Wounded were Ana Mendoza, 31, and Felecito Mendoza, 38, both from Barangay Latabon, Siocon.

Investigation said that the motorcycle plunged into the concrete ditch when Fuentevilla lost control of the steering bar while traveling from Siocon to Baliguian with the Mendozas as his back riders.

The Mendozas were admitted at the Siocon District Hospital for treatment.

PCG deploys 2nd MRRV to southwestern Mindanao district

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (RGAAG/PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 7 - The Philippine Coastguard (PCG) has deployed another multi-role and rescue vessel (MRRV) to conduct security and coastal patrol within the area of PCG’s southwestern Mindanao district.

The MRRV, christened as BRP-Malapascua, is the second vessel the PCG has deployed in southwestern Mindanao district. It is manned by 25 crew including five officers.

The first was the BRP-Malabrigo. Both vessels are part of the 10 units the Philippines acquired from Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

“One of the mandate of the PCG is maritime patrol and security. This is a multi-role vessel where it can respond to any situation. It can also respond to search and rescue and in law enforcement operations,” Commander Gary Dale Gimotea, BRP-Malapascua captain, on Monday said.

The BRP-Malapascua was commissioned into the PCG on March 6, this year. Its first deployment was during the Asean meeting last April in Bohol.

After that, the BRP-Malapascua was deployed to conduct blockade against the Abu Sayyaf bandits who infiltrated Inabanga, Bohol and it patrolled at Benham Rise.

The MRRV is equipped with the latest equipment and capabilities. It runs 27 knots.

The area of responsibility of PCG’s southwestern Mindanao district included the areas under the Coastguard Stations in Zamboanga, Pagadian, Cotabato, Jolo, Mapun and Bongao.

Hundreds to benefit from DOH Surgical Caravan

By RG Antonet A. GO

Hundreds of indigents are expected to benefit from free surgical procedures this month of August under the Department of Health (DOH) Surgical Caravan.

Surgeries expected to be performed during the caravan include minor and major operations such as cataract, thyroid, cyst excision and other procedures.

Beneficiaries will receive free surgery, medicines, and laboratory examinations required for the treatment of their maladies.

The program is expected to benefit around 100 patients.

Dr. Joshua Brillantes, DOH 9 Assistant Regional Director said that Municipal Health officers have already examined and identified the beneficiaries of the program.

Brillantes however said that patients who are interested to benefit from the program may still visit their munciipal health officer to be included in the list.

The Surgical Caravan’s first stop will be at the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital from August 22 to 26.

Surgeries will also be performed at the Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte; Margosatubig Regional Hospital in Zamboanga del Sur; and the Zamboanga City Medical Center in Zamboanga city.

There is still no definite schedule on surgeries to be performed in these hospitals.

“Ginawa yung caravan para hindi na sila pumunta ng malayo. Libre ito to include medicines. Sa mga hindi kaya magpagamot this is the time na DOH will be conducting a caravan for those who cannot afford surgery.” Brillantes said.

NEA lights up thousands of homes in the countryside

By Claro A. Lanipa (ALT/CAL/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur/DOE Press Release)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – With almost half a decade of delivering electrification services to the countryside, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) has literally brought light to thousands of homes in the countryside, enabling many Filipinos to enjoy the convenience of electricity ushering many cities and municipalities to development and progress.

In his message during the 48th founding anniversary of NEA early this week, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said with NEA at the forefront, we are able to transition to a new and higher phase of economic development with improved economic conditions, benefiting many communities and people.

Over the years, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or EPIRA instituted reforms in four sectors of the industry – power generation has become competitive; the transmission sector is now under concession contract; distribution is continuously being regulated and the introduction of the supply sector has allowed competition to flourish, Cusi said.

EPIRA gave NEA the additional mandate of ensuring the readiness of electric cooperatives in a competitive market environment. It can be noted that most electric cooperatives are doing well while some have governance and financial problems.

Sec. Cusi urged NEA to exert all efforts to help these ECs that are classified as “ailing” and identify remedies that are available under Republic Act 10531 and its IRR so that they can become more viable.

On the other hand, from a 90 percent household electrification level by 2017, the DOE is looking at attaining 100 percent electrification of targeted and identified households by 2022.

The 100 percent electrification of identified households accessible to the grid is targeted to be attained by 2022 based on the 2015 census.

Meanwhile, on the targeted 90 percent household electrification by 2017, DOE is happy to announce that they met the target a year earlier. By end of 2016, our household electrification stood at 90.65 percent, which means that we are able to provide electricity services to 20.59 million out of 22.72 million households all over the country.

73 broadcasters hurdle KBP accreditation exam

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – A total of 73 out of 139 examinees passed the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) accreditation exam given on June 10, 2017 by the KBP Standard Authority at J. H. Cerilles State College here.

In a result released on Thursday by the KBP-SA, the 2017 KBP accreditation exam registered a passing rate of 52%.

Teodora M. Ortiz, host of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC’s) program aired every Sunday at DXPR radio station and a regional blood donor coordinator is this year’s topnotcher with a rating of 94%.

Ortiz said she did not expect to top the exam saying that she has no background knowledge about broadcasting.

“I was informed by my boss to take the exam since the KBP broadcast code requires the broadcasters, blocktimers and those who are holding radio programs to be an accredited broadcaster,” Ortiz, who is also a registered nurse said.

“I was confident that I will pass the exam but I did not expect to be a topnotcher,” Ortiz humbly said.

She said the exam was difficult because there are terms used in broadcasting which she was unfamiliar with but what she did is to use her critical analysis in understanding the questions.

“Now that I am an accredited broadcaster, I will continue to practice my broadcasting skills and serve the public by airing the different programs of the PRC,” Ortiz proudly said.

She said that though she is already an accredited announcer, she is still obliged to learn the skills needed to excel on the basics of broadcasting.

Rio Anthony Y. Albarico of DXKP radio station was the second placer with a rating of 88%.

Escariza S. Halasan of DXPR, Mielin April P. Salvacion of DXKP and Daphne R. Santiago of DXWO radio station shared the 3rd spot with a rating of 84%.

Melchor U. Coronel, chairman of the KBP Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City chapter said he is happy that half of the examinees are now accredited broadcasters.

However, Coronel said the KBP exam passers will still have to undergo performance evaluation by their respective station managers before being issued KBP accreditation cards.

He said the evaluation results will then be submitted to the KBP provincial chapter head, who will forward them to the KBP national office.

DTI embarks on ‘entrep revolution’

(DWTW/PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is embarking on an “entrepreneurial revolution” to shore up economic growth and development especially in the countryside.

DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez, himself an entrepreneur, said in a statement through the agency’s regional officer here, that there is a need for an “entrepreneurial revolution,” by instilling entrepreneurial mindset to Filipinos, where more and more Filipinos venture into business.

Lopez said this method is being carried out through various programs for the growth and development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country, all, being effective and have given a lot of opportunities for MSMEs.

President Rodrigo Duterte tasked the DTI to provide all necessary assistance to MSMEs as part of the goal of his administration to ensure inclusive growth and addressing income inequality.

Lopez said to start this positive revolution, they have introduced the 7 Ms, empowering the marginalized sector start their own business.

The 7 Ms stands for Mind Change, Mastery, Mentoring, Money, Machine, Market Access, and Models of Negosyo (business).

Lopez explained that Mind Change is instilling and embracing the right entrepreneurial attitude that will carry a person in his or her journey in business.

DTI’s Negosyo Centers take care of this through free seminars and consultations with business counselors.

The SME Roving Academy and the Kapatid Mentor ME programs also provide various assistance to inculcate entrepreneurial mindset that is success, and innovation-driven, collaborative and proactive.

In Region 9, there are about 23 Negosyo Centers. The region is composed of the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay and the cities of Zamboanga and Isabela.

The DTI has already established 478 Negosyo Centers that are operating all over the country.

Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, on Wednesday said that “mastery means teaching clients on the basics of entrepreneurship.”

“It is important for MSMEs to master the “Know-How” and “How-Tos” of entrepreneurship; from knowing what you need to set up a business, basic rules of spotting market opportunities, finding your product positioning and differentiation, product development, market development, basic business finance and plan preparation, as well as developing a system for continuous innovation,” Jain said.

This assistance is being catered by the DTI through the Negosyo Centers.

Jain said that mentoring provides continuous business guidance in partnership with the private sector like the Go Negosyo, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), through the local business chambers.

“Industry or business experts from established businesses stand as coaches and mentors of MSMEs teaching them the different aspects of business operations, all for free,” Jain said.

She said that financial packages are also available for the MSMEs.

She said DTI gives MSMEs access to funding through the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso or the P3 micro finance program in partnership with DTI’s financing arm, the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp); or link them with other micro finance institutions (MFIs) to address their financial needs, whether they’re just starting up their business or planning for expansion.

“Machines and equipment are also vital for MSMEs to ensure quality of their products. With DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program, MSMEs can acquire needed machines which they can use to level up production and increase their productivity. Since its implementation in 2013, numerous beneficiaries of the SSF have reported increase in their production and sales,” she said.

DTI’s assistance also extends to helping MSMEs capture bigger market through promotion of products via provincial, regional, and national trade fairs.

The improved One-Town, One Product (OTOP), Go Lokal retail store concepts in major malls, and the internationally-recognized FAME Exhibits serve as avenue in accessing broader market for local products.

These initiatives also link MSMEs to big companies or to government to supply them with products on a continued basis.

Jain said these programs are aimed to realize “DTI’s ‘Prosperity for All Plan 2022’ where it envisions a more inclusive and prosperous Philippines with employment and income opportunities for all.”

10 boat operators face Fisheries Code raps

By Allen Abastillas

Some ten fishing boat operators are facing charges for violation of the Fisheries code after they were caught operating without the requisite permits.

The fishing boats were identified as the FB 5J Angelita, FB Monching, FB Joy-S, FB Princes 1, FB Princes II, FB Jehovah, FB Eldo, FB Anisa, FB Bernie and FB Samer.

103rd Maritime Police Station Head Chief Inspector Wilfredo Abellon said that the fishing boats were apprehended during seaborne operations in Dimatiling, Zamboanga del Sur over the weekend.

“We are preparing to file a case in the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office,” said Abellon.

Abellon said that the boat operators failed to present documents such as registration papers and permits to engage in commercial fishing in the municipal waters of Dimatiling.

More than 100 kilos of fish were also seized and reportedly distributed to charitable institutions.

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