The Occidental Post

At last, Pagadian airport will open in January

2009-12-28T21:49:00.001-08:00

FINALLY and irrevocably, the Pagadian City Airport in Muricay will be
opening up for air traffic on January 2010, Mayor Samuel Co disclosed.

Speaking over the radio last Wednesday during his weekly program, Co
said he was in high spirits after receiving favorable responses from
various air transportation companies he invited to open their flights
here.

Co explained the recent completion of the asphalt overlay, concrete
runway widening with shoulder grade and apron repair has paved way for
the airport opening last Dec. 20.

The mayor added that the travelling public will only have to wait for
the official announcement of the flight schedules from the three
airline companies—Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu
Pacific— which showed commitment to fill the Pagadian-Cebu route by
February.

Co said he has finally ascertained the airport's opening after he
received the "Notice to Airmen" (NOTAM), a transmitted dissemination
from the aviation authority addressed to all civil public use airports
that its landing field is already usable.

"So dili na maguol para sa tanan natong mga katawhan nga kanunayng
gasakay og eroplano nga sa dili madugay maabri na gyod ni atoang
airport," Co assured.

He predicted that the resumption of air traffic would increase
business and tourism activities in the regional center again as it
will likely be timed during the city's Pasalamat Festival 2010 which
falls in the third week of January.

The P379.46 million newly upgraded airport development project is one
of the major Mindanao Super Region projects which underwent
improvement since 2006. Last October, President Gloria Arroyo
inaugurated the airport after it was completed two months earlier.

A source from the Air Philippines said their company will probably
operate a Bombardier turboprop aircraft for the Pagadian-Cebu route
while a Cebu Pacific official told this paper they will be having a
probing flight using their A319 planes.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Irish leader hosts big reception for Sinnott

2009-12-28T21:45:00.000-08:00

FATHER Michael "Mick" Sinnott celebrated his 80th birthday last Dec.
17 in his hometown in Ireland, a day after Irish President Mary
McAleese held a reception in his honor at the Irish leader's residence
in Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin, Fr. Seán Coyle, editor of Misyon
magazine, said in his blog.

Sinnott left for Ireland last Dec. 3, weeks away in freedom from his
still unidentified armed kidnappers who snatched the cleric from his
home in Pagadian City and held him captive for a month.

Coyle wrote that McAleese has been close to the Columbans since
childhood when the Irish official "used to sell our magazine, Far
East."

During the reception, McAleese praised the "quiet and modest work" of
Irish religious missionaries and paid tribute to a member of the
Kiltegan Fathers who was robbed inside his home in Kenya and brutally
murdered last Dec. 11.

The Columban Fathers and the Kiltegan Fathers were both founded in
Ireland and are societies of secular priests - not religious.

McAleese said some of the stories of 2009 had brought triumph in the
face of adversity and Sinnott's was a glowing example of that, adding
the story of the priest's captivity "started out very badly; It did
not start out a good story."

"It was a very bad story, the kidnapping of a priest of almost 80 who
was not in the full of his health. It had the potential to be a real
tragedy, with at times it seemed, small chance of a happy ending," the
president said.

Yet, McAleese said, Sinnott had come home fresh and well and was with
his family in the Áras just days before the celebration of his 80th
birthday. "It really is a privilege for this house to welcome a man of
such courage, faith and grace under fire," she remarked.

The President explained it was ironic that Sinnott's kidnapping
provided a chance to learn about the work which Irish priests "do so
quietly and modestly" and that "wonderful work which brings huge
benefit to the people [they] help and [it] also brings rightly high
regard for the Columbans."

"But it also brings, importantly, very high regard for Ireland. You
are the hands of very important work and you are the heart of that
work," she added, recognizing likewise Ireland's Ambassador, Dick
O'Brien and everyone from the Irish, European and Philippine
governments "who had worked so hard to secure Fr Sinnott's release."

McAleese then wished Sinnott "the happiest of birthdays" while Coyle
wrote a message to his fellow priest: "I thank him for his example,
his integrity, his prayerfulness and his total dedication as a priest.
I see in him a man who is truly 'configured to Christ'."

"He is a light in these dark times for the Church in Ireland," the priest added.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Health, peaceful polls top media wish for 2010

2009-12-25T20:55:00.001-08:00

THE year 2009 has brought drama and achievement in the lives of
journalists too. This is the year when media personalities—for their
part—cement their evolution and unity as they are becoming prominent,
making themselves part of the news they impart.

But accustomed to such good (or bad) moments or not, several of them
contend 2009 was such an awful year, with all the problems besetting
the industry as well as their personal lives.

Apparently, the ones who replied to this paper's text survey all
together agree, given their answers and their tone for this year's
wishes was probably to set a new mood for 2010 when they see a new
bailout.

And while it seems to go beyond their desperation and awareness of
their immense role as a committed partner in the community, their
retrospection of next year's general elections is first on their list
of wishes.

Appreciating what the automated election has brought in terms of
modernizing the country's electoral process, it is sad to know that
still several, if not, many of the provincial journalists has to find
time to learn the automated election system (AES).

"Peaceful polls," was RMN-DxDR Ramil Bangues' text message to this
paper when asked of his wish for 2010. Charnyl Albarracin of the
Pagadian Express seconded.

"Peaceful, orderly elections," was DxOC-AM reporter Reynaldo Rosal's
absolute reply.

"Peaceful, clean elections in May," Ping Deliverio, editor of the
Sibugay Express, makes another inclusive answer.

"Maturity among politicians to stop killing media people," Vic del
Pilar of Mindanao Balita Local and Frontline Mindanao Online
recommended the most suitable setting.

"Good health and no more media attack," said Neptalie Batolenio of
Malindang Herald, leading the pack of mediamen who wanted to grasp
favorable vigor and wellbeing.

"More blessings, good health and success," replied Jong Cadion of
Mindanao Balita Local and Frontline Mindanao Online.

"Maintain a happy family," also said Marive Jongco of DxBZ-Radyo
Bagting, waxing her maternal instincts.

"Financial stability and salary increase," this one from Lea Agonoy of
Ummah Fi Salam while Divina Suson of RMN-DxIC wished for a car and
another raise in her salary.

For Elmer Maghanoy of RMN-DxPR, he wants "continued blessings and
guidance in relaying the truth and God's protection in times of
trouble."

John Mark Cocos of DxWO-FM may sound funny when he wished for a
"sports car and to become the president of ABS-CBN," but he later set
it right with the words "Good relations with other mediamen."

Reflecting on what worked in 2009, what didn't, what media loved and
hated and what they could have done better, Wendell Talibong of CBCP
News and DxDD-AM told this paper: "Daghang patay ug katalagman.
Naghari ang mga tikasan sa gobyerno ug midaghan ang nag-antos sa
kalisod."

Agonoy butted in, "Maguindanao massacre, a president who is not
willing to retire, typhoons, volcano eruption, climate change, MILF
and global financial crisis.'

"Worst year, full of disasters and tribulations—a sign that Jesus is
coming," quips Mark Laride of DA-RAFID.

For Ryan Rosauro of Philippine Daily Inquirer, it is because of the
upcoming political exercise in May that the social atmosphere is ripe
for intrigues, mudslinging and double talk.

"The year 2008 is better than 2009 as the latter is marred by bloody
events and calamities. People wanted better life in 2008 after the
elections but their hopes dimmed when politicians reneged on their
promises," said Ellen Ajijul of MIT-RTVN.

"These trials and challenges will be an eye opener to the people and
will reflect in their decision come 2010," explains Cadion.

Albarracin, on the other hand, observed that there was little
upliftment of economic stability in the country from the recession and
only boxer Manny Pacquiao only got richer and more famous.

"The year was full of hardships and success. Nevertheless, its time
nga magpasalamat kita sa kahitas-an sa mga kaayuhan nga gihatag ug
sugaton nato ang bag-ong tuig nga puno sa paglaum," ended Maghanoy.

Well said, the next step now is to see media's goals and wishes come
in the upcoming year. Inevitably, the future is moving in that
direction.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Sammy Co’s ‘Fantastic 4’

2009-12-24T21:01:00.001-08:00

IN the potpourri of old timers, veteran lawyers and successful
entrepreneurs completing the local slate of Mayor Samuel Co, four new
faces did not escape the eye of the media.

Who are they? Will they hog the headlines and squeeze for voters'
preference in the next year's elections just like the old timers and
the veterans?

First is Alexander "Jun-Jun" Co Jr. The 23-year old is a hotelier and
Mayor Sammy Co's nephew. He is said to be a "substitute" for his
uncle, incumbent councilor Wilson Co, who opted not to run again owing
to health concerns.

A business administration and computer application graduate of La
Salle University in Cebu City, Jun admits he's a greenhorn in politics
and was hesitant at first.

"My uncle taught me the importance of coming out of my comfort zone
and start serving other people. It was an insight and from that time I
thought I am capable of becoming a humble servant," he added.

"In life we had to be determined. Achieving things does not depend on
age but on determination."

"Business wisdom is my forte that I can apply in the political arena
in the interest of public service and maximized potential and develop
to gain more business investors in the city," Co said.

Jun notes that he can make breakthroughs in the tourism, business and
youth sectors.

Next in Co's list is Aniceto Galon, a retired judge and former city
councilor who wants to make a comeback from his long respite.

He says he has reached the highest point of his career and wants "to
go back to his first love," which he mean as the city council.

As a young lawyer then, Galon has served for two terms in the
pre-martial law years before he shifted career and worked his way up
in the judicial courts.

"Akong gibati nga ang pagserbisyo sa lungsod walay kinutuban. Kung
nangandoy ko sa pagserbisyo sa publiko niadtong batan-on pa ko nga
kulang pa ko og kasinatian, labaw na siguro karon mapuslan ang akong
kasinatian nga edaran na ko," he said.

"Kung magustuhan sa katawhan akong tanyag kanila, ang akong gisaligan
sa akong pagpapili ug ang igarantinya ang akong tiunay nga
pagserbisyo," Galon added.

For lawyer Carlos "Caloy" Madarang III, taking his sights on public
service will be a specialty since as a lawyer, for example, he can
offer his services to the council and to the people.

"Being a rookie in the political arena I don't want to brag myself.
The task and work of a councilor will not be new to me. So far I'm
still hopeful and continue to pray for the blessing of the Almighty
and the people so that this bid will be successful," the former
provincial legal officer said.

Last but not the least is businessman and contractor Roque "Nonoy"
Yamba, who is also the president of the Baganian Broadcasting
Corporation and general manager of DxBZ-AM and DxCA-FM.

He said: "Kung unsa man gani ang tahas nga ihatag sa katawhan, akoang
himuon alang sa kalambuan sa siyudad," was his no-nonsense words.

On the sideline is incumbent board member Baldomero "Baleleng"
Fernandez—a private lawyer and formerly the provincial and city
prosecutor of Zamboanga del Sur.

Banking on his vast experience in law practice and as a seasoned
legislator, Fernandez said that he will focus on the needed
regulations and policies for a more progressive regional center.

"Nagtan-aw ko nga taga-dinhi man gyod ta ug basin aduna tay dako nga
mahimo ug ikatampo sa pagpanday sa balaod alang sa kalambuan sa
siyudad," he stressed.

Fernandez added that he wants to initiate laws that will benefit the
senior citizens, revenue collections and the poor.

For his part, Co said that their lineup went through the rigorous
selection process of their party and that he believes this chosen crop
will help propel the city to make more progress.

The mayor calls them a "teamwork of young, energetic and committed
people" that can lend a hand in propelling the city to sure
development.

"With this lineup, we will try our very best nga modaug gyod ang
tanan," the mayor added.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA & JONG CADION

Slowly digging one’s own grave

2009-12-10T17:20:00.001-08:00

THE ones responsible for the Maguindanao massacre should be arrested and castigated to the highest terms. Theirs deeds are too barbaric to contemplate, with no human sense and very hideous in the eyes of a civilized nation.

Imagine the new statistics of journalists killed in the Nov. 23 massacre is now at 37 with one more missing and unaccounted. All over the world, the Philippines stand embarrassed with this unfolding within our very eyes—the scattered bodies of innocent civilians, lawyers and journalists—some of whom were tortured, raped before being killed and a handful were buried alive.

We admit that many members of the fourth estate are affected by the deaths of our colleagues. We are not acting pretentious this time nor make exaggeration of this issue. Such deaths deserve our anger and indignation. It deserves our united call for justice.

Since we, as pillars of information, only work for the good of the public, we strive to give professional service for the community's collective interest in knowing what is happening around the world, in our country and our respective neighborhoods. No more, no less, not even politics.

Like our counterparts in other parts of the planet, we express their collective outcry to demand justice for the 31 journalists and media workers killed in Maguindanao. To this administration, let us once and for all stop this culture of impunity in our country, which is contributing to the string of deaths of media practitioners.

We send this statement of protest to President Gloria Arroyo for her to see the persistent episodes of this social malady. It doesn't need to have more than 100 journalists killed in their work desks or beats to rally support for our poor circumstances.

If the Philippines is one democratic country, why are there so many journalists being threatened and killed? We have been expressing this question and outrage for a long time already to no effect despite the fact that we who are left behind find it unpleasant that we too had to slowly dig our own graves. God forbid. God help us.

Pagadian, Ozamiz media light candles for fallen peers

2009-12-10T00:30:00.001-08:00

JOURNALISTS pledging memberships with the provincial chapters of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club Inc. (ZPPI) recently held its candle-lighting tribute to the fallen journalists in Maguindanao.

NUJP chapter president Hirohito Cadion said the activity also called to mind the lives and advocacy of the five Pagadian journalists killed in the line of duty since the 1990's.

Cadion identified the five as publisher Billy Yu (1998), Olympio Jalapit (1999), Edgar Damalerio (2001), Edgar Amoro (2005) and Rolly Cañete (2006).

The lighting of candles was done in front of the Jose Rizal Monument near Plaza Luz and joined by members of the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace, students, churchgoers and some media members from Ozamiz City.

The activity form part of the week-long annual celebration of the Mindanao Week for Peace, which ran from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2.

Cadion, in a statement relayed to this paper, said the condemnation and the protest of Pagadian journalists will not end up with the burial of the 30 working journalists slain in Maguindanao but will continue until justice will be served.

It can be recalled that of the five media practitioners killed in the Pagadian City, only the case of Edgar Damalerio earned justice with the arrest and prosecution of the supposed suspect.

Meanwhile, Ozamiz journalists were also indignant over the killing of their colleagues in Maguindanao and called for the need to initiate a treaty among politicians as a promise not to repeat the gruesome incident.

Led by NUJP chapter president Ryan Rosauro of Philippine Daily Inquirer and Jovencio Godoy Jr. of the national directorate, the journalists gathered for a 30-minute prayer vigil outside the city metropolitan cathedral and voiced out their call.

"Let us try hard not to sacrifice innocent lives in the political process or action. With what was happening in Maguindanao, I think there should be distinction but we saw none," Godoy said.

"Atoang iampo nga maundang ni kay kung magpadayon ni, nagtoo ko nga wala nay mag-media pa nga mubarog ug modala sa tingog sa katawhan kay lungguan man sa ulo og dili mauyunan ang ilang baruganan," he added.

"Atong panawagan ngadto sa mga politiko: di magdayon ang panagbingkil. Mahimo nga ang manag-away karon managsuud sa sunod ug vice versa. Hunongon na nato kini nga cycle of violence nga maoy nagpatigbabaw dinhi sa ato," Godoy continued.

"After all, sa mga politiko, ang pagpapili para man mangalagad, dili ang mohawod sa katilingban. Himuon nato nga matarong. Ang pagpatay s mga kaaway sa politika pagpangalagad lamang sa atong kaugalingon ug sa atong katuyan.

The journalists then called on the community to exercise the same vigilance. "Tabangan ninyo kami kay kung mawala na ang mga mensahero nga nagdala sa inyong mga tingog, mahimo na nga walay bili ang atong pagpuyo niining kalibutan," they said.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Famed anti-gambling bishop dies of liver cancer

2009-12-10T00:28:00.001-08:00

A bishop based in Ozamiz City who once spoke his piece vocally against illegal gambling has died of cancer, reports the Malindang Herald website.

News of Monsignor Emie Bienes' death was announced, Dec. 7, by Ozamiz Clergy President Fr. Edgar Canama, who said the 63-year old prelate died in Cebu City last Dec. 4 due to complications of liver cancer.

Bienes is the vicar general of the Ozamiz archdiocese and formerly the parish priest of St. Michael Parish in the neighboring Tangub City.

January, this year, the bishop was suddenly rushed to the hospital after he complained of abdominal pains and blurred vision while in the middle of his homily.

A source from the Bishop's Palace said then that Bienes once confided he has diabetes which also affected his liver.

"The Catholics of the Archdiocese of Ozamiz have lost a kind and dedicated priest, a good friend and trusted member of the board of consultors," Canama followed up his brief announcement.

Born on Sept. 3, 1946, Bienes was ordained priest on April 21, 1976. In his early years as a seminarian, Bienes volunteered as one of the teaching staff of St. Mary's Theologate Seminary in Gango, Ozamiz City.

The late bishop once hogged headlines for his stand against the so-called Small Town Lottery (STL), stating that "gambling breeds laziness and dependence on luck rather than hard work for livelihood."

The archdiocese will offer a nine-day requiem mass for the vicar general in all parishes and has called on priests and religious to include in their intentions the eternal repose of his soul.

At present, the bishop's remains lie in state at the St. Michael Archangel Parish in Tangub and will be brought to his hometown in Tudela on Dec. 14, where a concelebrated funeral mass will be held.

He will be interred on the same day at the San Isidro Labrador Catholic Cemetery.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

ZPPI changes guards

2009-12-10T00:24:00.001-08:00

AS a matter of urgency and necessity, the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club Inc. (ZPPI) met last Saturday, delivered all the reports and elected its new set of officers.

Charnyl Albarracin of Pagadian Express was elected president, replacing Elmer Maghanoy of RMN-DxPR who served his full term. Albarracin's executive vice president is ex-board member Maria Dinah Marasigan, also of DxPR.

The vice presidents who will sit in the respective media divisions are Leo Santillan (MIT-RTVN) for broadcast; Jong Cadion (Mindanao Balita Local-Frontline Mindanao Online) for print; and Michael Medina (Zamboanga Peninsula News) for online.

Provincial press officer Radem Gutang was re-elected secretary while Vanessa Cagas of Baganian Broadcasting Corp. (BBC) is the new treasurer and Zamsureco information officer Levi Cabatcha as auditor.

Tony Bayamban (Mindanao Biznews), freelance journalists Leah Agonoy and Lualhati Belen, and Vic del Pilar (Mindanao Balita Local-Frontline Mindanao Online) compose the members of the board, in addition to the three past presidents: Marive Jongco of BBC, Remai Alejado of DA-RAFID and Maghanoy.

In a huddle after the election, Maghanoy told this paper his wishes to the new officers as he exhorted other fellow members: "Unta suportahan nato sila aron mapakita nato nga nagkahiusa ta bisan pa man ug managlahi ang atong outfit nga gitrabahoan."

For Albarracin, Maghanoy has these words: "Normal man sa usa ka organization nga adunay mga miyembro nga dili nato ma-satisfy, kinahangalan nga dawaton nato sa dakong pagpahiubos."

"Usahay lisod lang kayo dawaton ang kamatuoran, pero bisan pa ug unsaon nimo, mangayo lang ta ug pasaylo nga wala nimo mahatag ang tahas isip usa ka leader," he added.

More wishes for ZPPI, this time from Marasigan: "Malaumon ko nga mamahimong usa ka malambuong organisasyon ang ZPPI ug mapadayon ang nasugdan na sa grupo."

Del Pilar butted in: "Charnyl is the timely guy to rule the club. With him, we hope a new image and new challenge will emerge."

For Julius Breva of Mindanao Chronicle and Agonoy, both recognized the fresh and unsullied personality of Albarracin, who, they said, will bring innovation to ZPPI.

"This is a welcome development and Charnyl has integrity to lead. Mas makaayo kini alang sa media in Zambosur. May we practice this sense of volunteerism and always think of development for the group and not for personal interest," they said.

Jong Cadion of NUJP-Pagadian City-Zamboanga del Sur Chapter also said that he is 100 percent supporting Albarracin's leadership. "Aduna siya'y aggressiveness ug isip batan-on pa, he will be idealistic but nevertheless I will support him."

In response, Albarracin said he will try his best to bring together the local media and run ZPPI for the good of all.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

MisOc gets a taste of 3-in-1

2009-12-10T00:20:00.001-08:00

The battle lines in the top political echelon in Misamis Occidental have been drawn and it's a toe-to-toe, three cornered fight among incumbents who are former allies and acquaintances.

Pitching in for the royal rumble for the congressional seat of the second district is incumbent Gov. Loreto Leo Ocampos, Ozamiz mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and Tangub mayor Jennifer Wee-Tan.

Also courting the votes of some 321,843 Misamisnons for their gubernatorial bid are Rep. Herminia Ramiro, Vice Gov. Francisco Paylaga Jr. and Ozamiz Vice Mayor Carlos Patricio Bernad.

Except for Ramiro and Parojinog who retained their loyalty with the ruling party, the other politicians mentioned in this report are once strong movers of Lakas-Kampi coalition.

Both Ocampos and Bernad are now pledging memberships with the Liberal Party (LP) while Paylaga opted to be a Nacionalista (NP) and Tan is in the Nationalist Peoples Coalition (NPC).

Cracks in the Lakas-Kampi in Misamis Occidental started to show when Paylaga jumped overboard last March after being recruited by Sen. Manny Villar, followed by Bernad who tied up with Sen. Noynoy Aquino's group last November and Tan crossing towards Danding Cojuangco's camp. Lately, Ocampos' took his turn to bolt out from the ruling party and into LP, joining the surprised Bernad.

Even with this unexpected change, records from the provincial Comelec office shows Lakas-Kampi still reigning with 14 bets, followed by NP with 12, PMP with 8, LP with 4, 6 independents and a lone NPC candidate.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Bernad surprised on Ocampos’ name in LP ticket

2009-11-25T23:53:00.001-08:00

PHILIPINE Politics really has a way of making even classmates and bosom buddies become strange bedfellows and for Vice Mayor Carlos Patricio Bernad, it may take a while before he gets used to shaking hands with his friend and former ally, Gov. Loreto Leo Ocampos.

Ocampos, who was formerly a staunch Arroyo supporter and the titular head of the provincial council of Lakas Kampi, recently bolted out of the administration party and joined Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino’s Liberal Party in his quest for the congressional post in next year’s polls.

Sworn in with Ocampos is mayoralty candidate and Ozamiz councilor Maria Constancia Lim.

“Ocampos may have gained the backing of Senator Aquino but not mine,” said Bernad, who is LP’s current provincial chair.

The vice mayor added that he was “surprised and disappointed” of Ocampos’ membership in LP, adding he was not consulted by it and was only informed last Wednesday that the governor has taken his oath as the province’s standard bearer for congressman in the second district.

Ocampos’ decision in defecting Lakas was said to be borne out of his displeasure on the selection process of the ruling party which rejected his demands that all “favored candidates” in his faction “must be included” in the 2010 elections under the ruling party.

Ocampos, in his earlier disclosure to the media, said that he pushed for Lim to be the mayoralty standard bearer for Lakas in accordance with party principles and guidelines but it was not granted. He also recommended several names as candidates for the two districts but again it was not approved.

It was also learned that the governor’s decision to bolt out of Lakas came four days after Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and his daughter, Nova Princess Echavez, received their respective certificates of nomination as Lakas’ official candidate for congressman and mayor.

“Nalipay na lang sad ko nga gipahibalo ko nila. Sa ato pa, wala na pangayoa ang akong recommendations ug diretso na lang gidawat didto,” Bernad told this paper, saying further that had he been given time to evaluate Ocampos’ request for affiliation with LP, he will give his negative views and a two thumbs down to the governor.

Saying likewise that it did not go into normal procedures, Bernad surmised that Ocampos was readily accepted because “he is the incumbent governor” and “the president of the governors’ league.”

To recall, Bernad has said that Ocampos “has a loyalty problem” with Lakas Kampi and he doesn’t want that the same will happen to the LP.

Although he said he will not question Ocampos’ entry to LP, Bernad asserts he has already committed his full support to both Parojinog and Echavez.

REPORT BY NEPTALIE BATOLENIO & MICHAEL MEDINA

NUJP-CDO statement on Maguindanao massacre

2009-11-25T23:16:00.001-08:00

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines

Cagayan de Oro Chapter

No words can describe our shock and grief over Monday’s massacre in Maguindanao. The carnage, committed by men against their fellowmen, is simply incomprehensible. The killings were, indeed, senseless and dastardly.

We mourn over the loss of journalists whose only fault—if that was ever a fault—was to go on field in hopes of finding a story to tell. Instead of telling a story, they became the story themselves. They were out to tell a story about a politician who dared to challenge another politician. They would never tell their story because beasts silenced them forever.

How can we say that the Philippines has the “freest press in Asia” when the massacre corroborated claims that our country is among the most dangerous places in the world for journalists today? The country now holds the record of having the most number of journalists killed in a single day.

The carnage and other senseless killings before raise too many questions about the kind of democracy we have. The Philippines is emerging as a classic case of a failed democracy. Sad to say, Philippine democracy is now on trial.

Strong physical evidence and clear motive have led into the identification of the brains and the group responsible for the slaughter. There is therefore no reason the dastards could not be arrested and brought to justice.

Enough with the government’s motherhood statements; we demand swift action and not a state of emergency in Maguindanao. We demand that the full force of the law fall upon the perpetrators and masterminds of Monday’s carnage without fear or favor. We call on the government to do its duty in enforcing our laws without any political consideration. We demand that the killers be arrested and tried. We want government to send a strong message that crime does not pay. We want it done not tomorrow but TODAY.

NUJP-Cagayan de Oro

25 November 2009

Police bares bomb plot in Zambopen

2009-09-17T05:03:00.001-07:00

A plot to perpetrate bombings in the Zamboanga Peninsula region and in three other provinces by terrorist groups having links with al-Qaeda was uncovered by authorities the other day.

Information from a military source based in Zamboanga City obtained by this paper reported that an unidentified urban terrorist group is targeting to bomb key areas around the region, including Zamboanga and Pagadian cities.

Presently, security has been heightened in Zamboanga City as a precautionary measure on the planned bomb attacks after the city was included in the so-called list of 20 cities targeted for attack.

As of press time, the Anti-Terrorism Council in Zamboanga City said it is corroborating the existence of a planned bomb attacks by terror groups as the city police office confirmed preventive measures have already been observed.

Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) Officer In-charge S/Supt. Amador Corpus disclosed that based on the reliable military information, the targets of the said attacks include Regions 9, 10, 11 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

It can be recalled that in April, last year, suspected al-Qaida-linked militants bombed Zamboanga City’s Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, the Maybank in Veterans Avenue compound and the office of the Foreign Affairs.

Two people were killed while 21 others were injured in that bombing which is being attributed by the military to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)’s Special Operations Team (SOT) because of the similarity to explosives allegedly used by the MILF in previous bombings in Mindanao.

Stepping up operations against the reported terror plots, city police at once informed local estaliblishments and security agencies to be wary on individuals with suspicious movements.

Chief Superintendent Angelo Hipolito Sunglao, PNP-9 regional director, said he has already ordered stringent police visibility in all areas in Zamboanga and Pagadian and has been constantly receiving updates on all police operations and security preparations in the mentioned city centers.

Last week, text messages about an impending bombing attack circulated in Zamboanga and Pagadian but this was dismissed by police authorities as a prank.

In the past, the military has blamed the MILF and the Abu Sayyaf as the culprit in their bombing attacks against Christians and foreigners.

But Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, in a recently published report by Bulatlat, brushed aside the alleged bombing plot targeting Mindanao cities as a maneuver by the government for the declaration of martial law

“With all the speculations circulating about the possible motives and perpetrators responsible for the bombings, we are appalled and alarmed about the lack of credible information from authorities,” Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said as he urged authorities to go beyond the “Muslim terrorist” angle when verifying information on terror plots.

As this developed, there are no advisories issued yet against traveling to Zamboanga Peninsula due to the said bomb threats.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Drive vs. loose firearms now includes reward

2009-09-17T05:01:00.001-07:00

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will establish a rewards program for persons who can pinpoint the existence of loose firearms after the end of the gun amnesty period on October 31, DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno said.

Puno said that once these loose or unlicensed guns are confiscated, the PNP might opt to donate them to the local police station in the barangay or town where these were seized.

Puno called on the public to cooperate with the government in its campaign against loose firearms, which he said, will contribute to the country’s peace and order problems.

The DILG chief earlier warned holders of unlicensed firearms that after the one-month gun amnesty period expire on Oct. 31, all guns not properly registered would be confiscated immediately and criminal charges would be filed against the owners in court.

The PNP, he said, has compiled a list of late registrants who will be given the chance during the gun amnesty period from Oct. 1 to 31 to update the registration of their firearms.

Prior to Oct. 1-31 amnesty period, the PNP received applications since Aug. 1 to accommodate those who would like to comply early with the law.

Gun owners who wish to register their unlicensed firearms can visit the PNP registration stations in the different towns and cities nationwide, Puno said.

The DILG and PNP are asking Congress to pass a law making illegal gun possession a non-bailable offense as part of the government’s new drive to reduce, if not totally eliminate, an estimated 1.1 million loose firearms in the country.

EO 817, which provides for a general amnesty for the registration of loose firearms, orders the PNP to conduct active police operations against unregistered firearms through random weapons checks in crime-prone areas; mobile checkpoint and chokepoint operations; intelligence build-up; internal security operations; application of search warrants; and dismantling of private armed groups.

Present PNP estimate places the number of loose firearms nationwide at 1.1 million which are in the hands of threat groups, criminal elements and unauthorized individuals. This number already included guns with expired licenses.

Puno, who visited Pagadian last week to attend the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting and in his dialogue with Gov. Aurora Cerilles and local executives, called on officials to help carry out an information campaign on the gun amnesty program.

Zambosur treats ‘trippers’

2009-09-17T04:57:00.001-07:00

THE Provincial Government has invited the cast and production crew of “Trip na Trip” (TNT), a travel show which focus on little known and unexplored places in the country.

Two of TNT’s casts—former Pinoy Big Brother housemates and actors Jason Gainza and Franzen Fajardo—came over and took shots around the province for their Good Trip, Bad Trip and Hamon ng Bayan segments.

Governor Aurora Cerilles welcomed the TNT crew while the Provincial Tourism Office allowed them to tour around the municipalities in the two districts to see for themselves the eco-tourism destinations of the province and take shots for their Sept. 25 episode.

Some of the places visited by TNT are Lakewood, Dumalinao, Mahayag, Molave, Dumingag, Guipos, Ramon Magsaysay and Labangan.

The group also took shots of the 2009 Megayon Festival opening, joined DOT Sec. Joseph Ace Durano in the Megayon Cultural Village at the Provincial Government Center, Dao and the different events of the seven-day celebration.

The 57th founding anniversary of the province ran Sept. 11-17.

The Trippers, accordingly, are being referred to as “the new faces of tourism” for their roles in promoting of Philippine tourism.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Mindanao electric coops to continue rotational brownouts

2009-09-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

ZAMBOANGA CITY: The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has said that rotational brownouts will continue until next week after the Western Mindanao Power Corp. (WMPC), Independent Power Producers’ (IPP), shut down its power plant here.

Beatriz Martinez, NGCP spokesperson for Western Mindanao said electricity generation capacity has been reduced following the load drop from WMPC’s shut down and after five other generating units of Napocor and power plants in Mindanao followed suit.

Also, two other hydroelectric power plants are simultaneously being repaired from clogged-up trash tracks and on preventive maintenance shutdown and normal power supply will be restored once repairs will be finished, Martinez added.

Power supply in the island will be limited from 10:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon and from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM everyday.

In Zamboanga Peninsula, the affected electric cooperatives are the Zamcelco, Zamsureco 1 and 2, Zaneco, Moelci 1 and 2 and Laneco.

Meanwhile, businessmen, particularly the canning factories, have raised their voices against the operational brownouts, which, they said, has already paralyzed their operations, upset their productivities and affected their industry.

Zamboanga City has nine tuna canning factories.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Durano wants Lakewood on tourism map

2009-09-17T04:52:00.001-07:00

TOURISM Sec. Joseph Ace Durano said he was impressed with the beauty and the view of Lakewood that he suggested to put the Lakeview Resort in the tourism map.

Durano, who visited the place with Gov. Aurora Cerilles during his visit here last Sept. 11 for the opening of the 2009 Megayon Festival, advised Cerilles to continue developing the area and push for it’s promotion.

The tourism secretary added that he will help the province in promoting Lakewood when he gets back to Manila and further promised to provide support infrastructures to the said tourism destination.

The Lakeview Resort has been included as one of the points of interest in the tourism package of Zambosur, with its lake cruising and floating restaurant.

A phamplet about the site explains that the place is best visited before the sun sets and when the night falls; the tranquility is only disturbed by the hummings of insects.

“At daybreak, one can feel the cool mountain breeze and witness the fog slowly moving down the lake from the nearby mountains,” the phamplet information continued.

Back to Durano, he further stated that he was impressed with the production number of the Melengas Dance Ensemble when he saw them perform at the Megayon Cultural Village that he invited them to perform in Manila this November.

Zamboanga del Sur celebrated its 57th founding anniversary last Sept. 11-17.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Vic Yu offers free rubber tree seedlings

2009-09-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

IN line with the government's Rubber Industry Roadmap, 1st District Rep. Victor Yu said he dreams to cover the whole of his district with rubber trees as he reveals his ambitious P5 million rubber development project to the media last week.

Yu added said rubber trees are more environment-friendly and useful than any other trees like G-Melina and Falcatta because a farmer doesn’t have to cut the rubber trees after a long period of planting.

Sturdy rubber trees are weather resistant, has prolonged existence and more valuable than fruit trees which rot away, he said.

For this year, the congressman said he will distribute a total of 80,000 rubber seedlings.

Yu’s distribution scheme for this project is to provide 5,000 rubber seedlings or planting materials to each of the interested municipalities and another 1,000 for the villages.

Last week, Yu, accompanied by board member Ramon “Doki” Blancia Jr., met with local chief executives of Josefina, Mahayag, Tambulig, Ramon Magsaysay, Sominot and Midsalip and conducted a short discourse on the methods in rubber tree planting and budding techniques.

Yu later told journalists that the said meeting was a sort of trainings to stimulate the mayors into rubber farming and teach them to produce their own clonal planting materials.

Yu added that he was dismayed in the past with how the mayors acted in response to his invitations to plant rubber trees

“If only we planted those rubber trees then, siguro karon dagko na atoang mga kahoy. Kini nga maong programaha insakto ni kaayo para sa atoang mga farmers,” Yu said.

Yu assured would be rubber planters of sure technical assistance and intensive guidance in all steps, from nursery preparation to grafting and transplanting to the field as well as free bio-organic fertilizer and the establishment of budwood gardens and nurseries.

It was learned from the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that they are targeting to develop additional 20,000-hectare rubber plantation, phase by phase, in Zamboanga Peninsula until 2010.

The said expansion project is seen to augment the region's existing 35,000 hectares, which is currently the biggest area in the country planted with rubber.

Of the said number given, about 40 percent of the expansion area will be in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Basilan.

At present, the total land area planted with rubber in the country is estimated at 81,925 hectares with Zamboanga Sibugay having the largest area with 19,576 hectares, followed by North Cotabato and Basilan.

Zamboanga Peninsula has at least 32, 000 vacant lands that are suitable for rubber plantations and the region have already contributed at least 48 percent of the total rubber productions in the country.

Being a top export earner for Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula has produced some 146,000 metric tons of raw dried rubber, sold at P32 to P42 per kilo.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

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Notorious rob gang leader killed in Ozamiz

2009-08-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

A former bank officer who became titular head of a notorious robbery group operating in Luzon and Visayas finally met his end, Wednesday, after assassins waylaid the car he was riding along a university belt in Ozamiz City.

Jose Roy Quimada, a native of Pagadian City, was on his way home from taking his law classes in Misamis University when the ambush happened.

Police Chief Inspector Wilbur Salaguste told media in an interview that three unidentified killers waited near the university’s exit gate, 6:18 in the evening, then pumped bullets at the passing Quimada who was then driving his black CRV.

Witnesses said that as the victim’s car rammed into a nearby building, the killers made sure Quimada was dead by shooting him twice in his body before casually walking away to a waiting getaway vehicle.

Recovered from the scene are several empty M-16 rifle and two .45 caliber shells. The police chief added that the multiple gunshot wounds sustained by Quimada also suggested that a shotgun was used.

Two magazines of a Glock pistol were found on Quimada’s pocket but his gun and cellphone could not be found.

Salaguste added that except for the reports relayed to him from police counterparts in Cebu, Quimada’s record in Ozamiz City is clean.

Nevertheless, he added that the police are looking at all possible angles and the motive of Quimada’s killing, including the victim’s alleged involvement in several robberies in Cebu.

When asked if they have already identified the perpetrators, the police chief said they are still in the process of determining who the killers are since they only have descriptions provided by eyewitnesses.

“We will find soon find out the truth about this incident,” he assured journalists.

It was also learned from the police that a few hours after Quimada was shot, several armed persons barged into his apartment in Circumferential Road, burgled the place and took two cabinets and several appliances.

Responding policemen from the 1005th Provincial Mobile Group were not able to catch the intruders, whom neighbors said appeared to be looking for a document kept by the victim.

Quimada was alleged to have masterminded several bank robberies in Cebu, like the Aspac Bank armored car heist in Tabogon and in Oro Sugbu and Agencia Ann where they carted P10 million.

News reports still coming from Cebu implicated Quimada and his group in the P108,000 Fooda Savers Mart heist, P1 million Golden Treasures and Jewelry, P1.3 million GP Dental Supplies, P1.5 million Ayala money changer robbery, P70 million LBC Country Mall Banilad, P70,000 Robinson’s money changer and the P1.5 million Golden Treasure robbery.

Police said Quimada’s group is more sophisticated than any other robbery gangs operating in the country because of their high-powered firearms.

Last March, Cebu newspapers reported that Quimada and seven unidentified companions were charged before the City prosecutor’s office for the robberies.

July, this year, Roy’s name was included in the robbery charges filed by a businesswoman who claimed she was held up by Quimada and four other companions of P7.6 million worth of jewelry and cash.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO ARTICLE MAY BE REPRINTED WITHOUT CONSENT FROM 130903@gmail.com

Cerilles praises EcoGov's feat in Zambosur

2009-08-19T23:02:00.001-07:00

CITING the unrivaled efforts, accomplishments and assistance extended to Zamboanga del Sur by the Philippine Environmental Governance (EcoGov) Project 2, Gov. Aurora Cerilles said last week she was very thankful enough.

The governor attended EcoGov’s closing session in Western Mindanao, Aug.11, at the PGO Conference Room in the Capitol Building.

Started in 2002, EcoGov Project 2, in partnership with DENR and the Provincial Government, is set to finish in 2011.

EcoGov’s extended term will be for “scaling up” or broadening to more municipalities, which include the creation of Forest Land Use Plan for Dumingag, Mahayag, Sominot and Lakewood and the technical assistance in the formulation of Solid Waste Management Plan for Dumalinao, Guipos and Labangan.

Once these plans are completed, the province would have official documents for watershed protection and management and would be able to manage wastes before it could reach and pollute the seas.

In Zambosur, EcoGov 1 provided technical assistance to 79 strategically located LGUs for the planning and implementatiomn of locally-financed environmental programs, while observing transparency, accountability and participatory decision making in all transactions.

In EcoGov 2, seven coastal towns and Pagadian City along Illana Bay formulated and legitimized its inter-LGU fishery law enforcement plan and created the Illana Bay Region 9 Fishery Law Enforcement Team (FLET).

FLET is tasked to enforce fishery laws and facilitate prosecution of violators in the Illana Bay area.

Cerilles notes FLET as IBRA-9’s unique feature that helped lessen the incidence of piracy, extortion and other fishery law violations.

“Zamboanga del Sur is truly grateful and appreciative to the men and women of the EcoGov Project sponsored by the USAID for having made such a commendable feat in forging strong alliance and collaboration with various line agencies and other concerned groups toward the edification of our coastal resource, solid waste and forest and forestland management efforts,” Cerilles said.

“I say with pride that indeed you have done a great job. The accomplishments you have reached serve as an enduring monument in our continuing quest for environmental management, preservation and conservation,” Cerilles remarked.

The governor then narrated several projects the Provincial Government and EcoGov accomplished, like the establishment of 19 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Illana Bay.

By declaring the nine coastal areas as MPAs, coral cover was observed to have increased and fishes thrived in abundance again.

Cerilles revealed that three MPAs—the Bibilik of Dumalinao, Tambonan and Talisay of Tabina were even nominated as finalists to the Marine Support Network–Search for Outstanding MPAs in the Philippines.

In the 2nd Coastal Conference of the League of Municipal Mayors of the Philippines last June 27-28, the Tambonan MPA of Tabina was awarded the 2nd Outstanding MPA of the country.

To recall, the towns of Dinas, Tabina, Tukuran, San Pablo, Dimataling, Labangan, Dumalinao and Pagadian City signed a memorandum of agreement, forming themselves as IBRA-9, with the purpose of conserving, developing, and properly managing their shared coastlines.

The move came after rapid depletion of natural resources through unregulated marine activities was observed, which threatened to affect fish catch and destroyed coral reefs and mangroves which serve as sanctuaries and fish breeding grounds.

The IBRA-9 Alliance implemented a coastal resource management (CRM) plan that was formulated with assistance from EcoGov Project.

The formulation of CRM plans in Tukuran, Tabina and Dinas and their continuous implementation to the present, it has forged laudable impact in environmental governance, particularly in upgrading the socio-economic status of the people, Cerilles stressed.

“EcoGov has also assisted in the drawing up of policies and guidelines for the proposed Mariculture Park in Dumalinao and the seaweeds farming in Dimataling,” she said.

On the other hand, coastal villagers from four barangays in Ticala Island, San Pablo also conducted community hearings to plan the establishment of MPAs in their shared waters and stop the worsening depletion of their fish catch and other marine resources.

With EcoGov assistance, the said towns were able to delineate municipal water boundaries, establish MPAs and restrict fishing in the said waters, likewise trained Bantay Dagat groups of barangay volunteers and encouraged mariculture activities in the bay.

To implement the initiatives under the coastal resource, solid waste and forest and forestland management, The Provincial Government also created the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO).

All these, concluded Cerilles, have been the consequences of the joint commitment of EcoGov-DENR and her administration in reaching new heights in environmental governance.

According to the EcoGov, Illana Bay, particularly the western portion in Zambosur ranks among the top marine-biodiversity-rich waters in the country with high fish production and extensive coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass ideal for wildlife conservation and turtle nesting.

The EcoGov strategy is to scale up potential ecological and socio-economic benefits through baywide or ecosystem-based fisheries management; and forge partnerships and support systems for sustained good environmental governance practices.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

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Auring: A well informed barangay is an empowered one

2009-08-16T00:31:00.000-07:00

THE barangay, being the smallest unit in the local government, is a platform for community development where the true sentiments of citizens are recognized.

This was how Gov. Aurora Cerilles portrayed the immense role of the barangay and its officials during the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas-District Barangay Congress of 1st District of Zamboanga del Sur last Aug. 12-14.

“We make sure that the people avail the obtainable services and programs. Niana, atong gikinahanglan ang insaktong pagpadagan sa mga nag-unang concerns and issues ngadto sa nahintungdang ahensiya sa pangagamhanan ug mga pangulo aron wala’y maulawi sa natad sa kalambuan o mapasagdan nga panginahanglan,” Cerilles said in her message.

The governor went on to say that the Provincial Government expects “a greater consciousness and awareness” among barangay leaders on the value of having the much needed power, authority and sense of confidence as they lead their constituents.

What Cerilles wanted to point out is for the barangays leaders to dedicate themselves in building a stronger nation that starts in their respective communities, to unite and discuss matters that will help capacitate and strengthen themselves toward achieving peace and progress.

“Kinahanglan nga ang mga pangulo sa barangay sangkap sa kahibalo ug katakos sa paghatud sa serbisyo ug sa pagdumala sa mga katawhan,” Cerilles urged.

“A very crucial part of empowering the barangays is to equip and capacitate barangay leaders on the areas of harmonization of local planning, investment programming and revenue administration, budgeting and expenditure management. Importante kini aron mapahimutang sa insakto ang pagdumala ug pagpadagan sa kalambuan sa inyong barangay,” she added.

Of the 369 punong barangays constituting the first district of the province, some 274 attended the District Barangay Congress, said Allan Godoy, federated Liga president and ex-officio board member.

Godoy, in an interview with DxBZ-Radyo Bagting, acknowledged that the conference updated them on the several laws pertaining to effective barangay administration where inputs on local planning, investment, budgeting and expenditure management, programming and revenue administration are also discussed.

Godoy likewise said that they tackled the relevant provisions of RA 9262, relating to the application and issuance of the so-called Barangay Protection Order and the role of village chieftains on this.

To continue, the governor also called on the punong barangays to institute a solid “barangay justice” or Katarungang Barangay, as an effective alternative mechanism for dispute resolution and further called on punong barangays to increase their understanding on the processes and procedures of the barangay justice system to enable them to maximize its use in their communities.

The revised Katarungang Pambarangay law under RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 has substantial changes in the authority and procedures to be observed in settlements of disputes within the authority of the Lupon.

“With the fast-evolving demand for access to justice, there is a need to utilize and apply the Katarungang Pambarangay more strategically and proactively–as a valuable mechanism in administering justice, advancing human rights protection and resolving or mediating conflicts at the grassroots level. Ug niining paagiha ang kalinaw ug kahusay ato gayud nga maangkon,” she said.

Cerilles also noted the rampant proliferation of illegal drugs in the barangays and her determination to stomp out the said menace by declaring an all-out war against it with the support and partnership of the PNP, PDEA, AFP and the barangay.

Meanwhile, an August 14 report obtained by this paper stated the efforts of DILG asking Congress to allocate more funds for the benefits due to village executives, such as the payment of their premiums under the GSIS.

DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno has revealed that his office is now issuing new identification cards to barangay officials nationwide to prepare for, and facilitate, among others, the grant of benefits that have been approved by the national government, along with the free college education for their children and other benefits under RA 7160.

Puno added that in partial compliance with the provisions of the Local Government Code, the government has so far been providing death and burial benefits to barangay officials.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Ex-rebels receive P1.13-M livelihood aid

2009-08-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

A total of P1.13 million in cash assistance was given to 37 former rebels who surrendered to the government and were arranged to directly receive socio-economic assistance.

The 37 former rebels belonged to the communist front operating in Zamboanga del Sur. These rebels, it was learned, respectively came from Guipos, Lakewood, San Pablo, Lapuyan, San Miguel and Buug and were duly processed by the Local Social Integration Committees (LCIS).

Deputy Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Nabil Tan led the turnover ceremony, Tuesday last week, at the Bulwagan ng mga Kabataan of the Provincial Government Complex.

Governor Aurora Cerilles assisted Tan in giving the checks to the 24 rebel returnees, who received P20,000 each as capital assistance for the livelihood of their choice.

Another 13 former rebels who are covered by the SIP received their certificates after they were granted the amount of P50,000 each worth of livelihood goods.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said the 24 former rebels were those who yielded prior the implementation of the Social Integration Program (SIP).

SIP is a process wherein former rebels and their dependents are provided a set of interventions to facilitate their integration into mainstream society. It is implemented under Administrative Order No. 172 of President Gloria Arroyo dated March 23, 2007.

Tan welcomed the former rebels who are now referred to as “partners in reform” or”Kauban sa Reporma” (KR).

“To our brothers and sisters who are here with us today, I am very happy with your sincere return to society. Our government is ready to help you,” Tan said.

“We cannot achieve our desired change and development if armed conflict continues to prevail in our country. War only causes divisions in our communities and kills soldiers, rebels and civilians who are caught in the middle.”

“Real change, justice and progress that we desire can only be achieved through unity and peace talks. It is now time for us to help one another to promote peace,” Tan added.

DILG Prov. Dir. Abcede Asjali, Lt. Col. Erwin Alea, commanding officer of the 53rd Infantry Battalion, MGen. Romeo Lustestica, commanding general of the Ist Infantry (Tabak) Division, S/Insp. Teresita Paclibar of the ZPPO and Provincial Social Welfare and Development officer Conchita San Diego also attended the turnover ceremony.

San Diego earlier said that the former rebels were given training in livelihood, livestock production and personality enhancement.

Alea, for his part, called on communist insurgents to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law, saying that it is the government’s sincere efforts to provide them with a better option in life.

The army officer further said that many NPAs are now in the process of surrendering and on their way to avail of this chance for a better and peaceful life.

To recall, Arroyo has said that about P250 million is allotted to the SIP program, as she noted that the most effective way to wipe out insurgency is through arms and confidence-building.

The president , in recognizing the accomplishments of the military and police forces, cited the decrease in strength of the communist New People's Army—from 12,000 in 2001 to a mere 6,000 in 2008.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

DTI warns buyers on sales gimmicks

2009-08-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

THE provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is warning the public anew on dubious promotional giveways or free gifts by some establishments which are in reality a trick to dupe consumers into buying an expensive product.

DTI Prov. Dir. Marichu Atay told media in a press conference that they have observed such deceptive sales gimmick being employed by an establishment in Pagadian which target unsuspecting mall shoppers.

The provincial director then aired her warning to consumers to be vigilant, cautious and well-informed when buying things, urging them to go for quality, practicality and affordability.

The practice of the misleading sales promo, according to Atay, is through a sale staff approaching a customer and informing them that he or she won a free gift or giveaway in a selected raffle.

The innocent customer will then be urged to claim the supposed prize by paying for another item that goes with the prize.

The customer will later know that the price quoted in the bought item from the assumed sales promotion is thrice the amount of similar products in other stores and that it turns out that the buyer has also paid for the supposed giveaway.

The DTI has earlier uncovered this kind of scam in the National Capital Region (NCR) and has already issued a consumer alert last April.

“If the consumer easily falls to (these) traps, it's already too late before they notice that the price of the items they bought from the assumed sales promotion is three times higher as compared to their price levels in other stores,” the DTI said in its memo, obtained by this paper.

The Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection (BTRCP), the policy-making body and overall implementor of trade and consumer protection laws, has also came out with a warning to the public, telling them to be wary on such scams.

The BTRCP also gave tips like: It is not a giveaway if you are required to buy something in return; compare the price of similar items; do not easily sign contracts; and understand well the terms of the contract.

RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines provides for the regulation of sales acts and practices. The law likewise prohibits deceptive sales acts or practices.

RA 7394 explains that an act shall be deemed deceptive when the supplier or seller, through concealment, false representation of fraudulent manipulation, induces a customer to enter into a sale or lease transactions of any consumer product or service.

Just recently, the DTI-NCR office ordered the temporary closure of Aowa Electronic Philippines and Homesonic Appliance Center, located in Mandaluyong City for allegedly employing deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales practices.

Reports said that various complaints were lodged against the two firms since 2003 and DTI, after issuing the temporary closure order, filed formal charges against Aowa and Homesonic.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

DOLE conducts H1N1 crisis info campaign

2009-08-12T18:27:00.001-07:00

WITH the aim of safeguarding occupational safety and health in the workplace, the regional office of the labor department (DOLE) recently conducted a conference on Influenza A(H1N1).

H1N1 symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, lack or loss of appetite, runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Vomiting or nausea and diarrhea have also been identified as signs of said flu.

DOLE’s concern with regards to the deadly virus is for employers and workers groups to be informed and to take precautionary measures against A(H1N1).

DOLE Prov. Dir. Virginia Bonbon, said the conference, dubbed “AH1N1 Emergency Information Campaign and CGCNet Expansion Program,” focused on spreading the correct information on the swine flu virus.

The whole-day conference was attended by officers and members of the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, other stakeholders and members of the press.

The seminar followed DOLE’s issuance of Administrative Order No. 199, series of 2009 which created “Task Force on H1N1 in the Workplace” in an effort to fight a possible outbreak of the disease in workplaces.

The labor department’s advisory enjoins employers “to maintain a clean work area and provide household disinfectant, water, and soap in washrooms and toilets.”

Also advised is the provision of personal protective equipment like respirators, gowns, and gloves to workers while at work.

And in instances where there are workers suspected of contracting AH1N1, the company is required to isolate the worker in a separate well-ventilated room while the work area is decontaminated.

The employer is also directed to allow the worker to stay at home, take adequate rest, take plenty of fluids, and seek medical care and his leave of absence charged to the sick or vacation leave credits under the company policy.

In view of the growing number of diagnosed cases of H1N1 in the country, Gov. Aurora Cerilles ordered two weeks ago the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council and the Integrated Provincial Health Office to come up with a contingency plan related to the possible occurrence of A(H1N1) in the province.

The meeting of health officials called by Cerilles conducted their orientation and emergency preparedness and planning workshop.

The meeting tackled on the health department’s new interim guidelines on A(H1N1), which includes effective intervention to reduce mortality and further morbidity, clinical management, the revised response level guide for schools, and the policy changes from containment to mitigation response to the virus threat.

Health representatives from the regional office Center for Health Development (CHD-9) headed by Dr. Marcos Redoble conducted the said workshop at Hotel Guillermo.

Last May, the City Health Office conducted a one orientation on disease surveillance to health personnel to make them aware of the virus and or be able to detect people suspected or with confirmed A (H1N1) sickness.

The activity was a re-echo seminar in response to the government’s call to conduct Epidemic and Alert Response (EAR) on H1N1 held earlier in Zamboanga City.

Last June also, Provincial Health Officer Maria Corazon Ariosa conducted statistical updates and risk assessment concerning A(H1N1) in the country with the health sector.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

DAPs take celfon repair training

2009-08-12T18:26:00.001-07:00

Twenty-seven differently-abled persons (DAP) finished their skills training on cellphone repair conducted by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), Provincial Director Eulalio Lumactod disclosed.

The culmination program was held at the AEC and attended by the learners, who are also members of the Zamboanga del Sur Federation of Differently-Abled Persons Incorporated (ZSFDAPI) headed by Benjamin Solivio as president.

Lumactod said the free training ran from July 6 to 28 and those who finished the instruction will be able to provide an economic breakthrough in uplifting their living condition.

“With the skills acquired, they will soon become entrepreneurs, start and finance their own business,” Lumactod said.

Solivio responded that the training made them “productive citizens in the community” while eliminating mendicancy among their ranks.

He added the grim reality among people with disabilities who would see their life miserably and just beg in the streets. “The training enabled us to live with dignity and it will provide a decent life for our family.”

“It is our desire to correct the impression and show the public that DAPs are part of the solution, not the problem,” Solivio added.

The Provincial Government, though the DWSD, Representatives Victor Yu and Antonio Cerilles and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), supported the said skills training.

Last year, TESDA conducted its free computer operation training to ZSFDAPI members who are at present working as data encoders in public offices.

REPORT BY JUN CORGUE, PIA-9

Rico Pamaran resurfaces

2009-08-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

The controversial Rico Nadala Pamaran resurfaces after almost 200 days of being reported missing by his family and believed abducted by a still unidentified group.

The 35-year-old Rico is a stepson of former Gov. Isidoro Real Jr.

January 10, his family reported to the police that they could not contact or locate Rico a day after he borrowed his sister’s Suzuki Vitara and left a message that he will go to Tukuran.

The following day, the Suzuki Vitara was found abandoned on a roadside in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte with its doors open and the ignition key still inside.

An unconfirmed police source has said that the group allegedly holding Rico demanded P15 million in exchange for his release.

PNP Provincial Director Ramon Ochotorena then said they have considered Pamaran “a missing person” until they get confirmation that he is indeed being kidnapped.

An ABS-CBN report dated July 27 said that Pamaran was released in Sultan Naga Dimaporo town in Lanao del Norte on June 25.

Pamaran is presently transferred to an undisclosed hospital in Cebu after he was admitted in one of the local infirmary for medical treatment.

An unnamed witness who saw and recognized Pamaran at the hospital described him as “haggard and bearded.”

The said witness added that he heard Pamaran recount his ordeal with his alleged kidnappers, who, according to Rico, took him to a secluded, mountaineous area somewhere in Lanao del Sur.

As of press time, neither Ochotorena nor anybody from Pamaran’s family would comment and provide media with more details on the Rico’s freedom pending his debriefing.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Cory a woman of peace, says Tony

2009-08-11T21:25:00.001-07:00

CONGRESSMAN Antonio “Tony” Cerilles calls the late President Cory Aquino a “woman of peace,” saying he was reminded of the former leader’s peaceful People Power revolution in 1986, which ended the oppressive regime led by Ferdinand Marcos and brought back freedom for the Filipino people.

Cerilles, who granted an exclusive interview to give his salute to Aquino, said he admired Cory very much that is why he stood up in the podium of the House of Representatives to deliver his privilege speech in her honor.

On the day Cerilles and several other legislators delivered their speeches, the Lower House passed a Resolution of Sympathy of Cory’s demise.

In deference to the death of the former president, the House of Representatives passed House Joint Resolution 41 and 42 and later suspended its sessions for three days, August 3-5, to pay tribute to Aquino.

HJR 41 is entitled “A Joint Resolution extolling former President Corazon Aquino, her leadership, and her contributions in restoring and strengthening Philippine democracy, and urging the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Philippines to proclaim Corazon C. Aquino as a Hero of the Republic of the Philippines.”

HJR 42 is entitled “A Joint Resolution to recognize the valuable contribution of President Corazon C. Aquino by declaring her as a National Hero.”

HJR 42 stated in part: “The Filipino people who consider former President Aquino a hero and are expressive of the nation’s gratitude to her deserve to be heard by the state.”

“Being the most recognized symbol of freedom and democracy that led to the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986, President Arroyo had showed throughout her life and death the true hallmarks of modern heroism,” it added.

Two others, House Resolutions 1299 and 1300 were adopted, expressing condolences to the Aquino family and one that seeks to declare her a “national hero.”

Cerilles recalls his memories with Cory and her quest for peace, especially in Mindanao, when she personally went to Sulu and met with Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The congressman added that Aquino’s effort in reviving government’s peace proposals with the MNLF paved the way for peace in the island and the founding of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Misuari, in a report published in the Philippine Star, likewise evoked the same memories of Cory, saying he was impressed with the former president breaking the protocol, ignoring the threats to her own life and meeting with him in a Catholic monastery in downtown Jolo in 1986 where they agreed to revive the peace talks.

Misuari said Cory and her husband, Ninoy, will be remembered by Moro communities for their concern for Mindanao’s Muslim tribes, both in their political and private capacities.

“More than anything else, Cory loved this country so much because every time there was an issue, you would see her visibility and she would clearly declare her position on it,” Cerilles added.

With peace also comes humility, he notes, having had observed when Cory extended her public call asking for forgiveness from former President Joseph Estrada for helping civil society oust him in the so-called EDSA-2 in January 2001.

According to Cerilles, the late president was a very private person because in her final year as chief executive, “she virtually delivered a Goodbye SONA and chose to have a private and simple life.”

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO, ZAMBOSUR PPB

Swine flu victims in Misoc get well fast

2009-08-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

THE current statistics for persons infected with the Influenza A(H1N1) virus in Misamis Occidental stayed at six after health officials stopped briefing media on the said illness, fearing more reports will cause panic in the community.

The decision came after one of the weeklies there inadvertently reported the illnesses were caused by the Avian Influenza and not by AH1N1.

Avian Influenza or H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), an infectious disease of birds that sometimes also affects humans.

As of the last reckon made by City Health Officer Daniel Medina of Ozamiz City, there were two students from La Salle University (LSU) who were earlier classified as case under observation (CUO) and turned positive after swab testing.

LSU officials said they have suspended their classes for five days starting Aug. 5 in order to disinfect the school premises.

But Medina explained that those who got sick responded well with home medication using analgesic and that they were restored to health even before health officials could make a conclusive report on their symptoms.

Earlier, the Provincial Health Office confirmed four students, all in Tudela, were positive of the swine flu virus.

It can be recalled that the Influenza A(H1N1) virus was confirmed to have reached Misamis Occidental the other week when 97 high school students from Barra Elementary School in Tudela suddenly showed flu-like symptoms and did not attend their classes.

The following days, the number rose to 182, this time, including 36 students from the nearby Tudela Central School and 21 more from Balon Elementary School.

Reverend Father Henry Revil, parish priest of Tudela and director of San Isidro Labrador Academy based in the same municipality, said they suspended their classes for one week after two of its students became positive.

The highly contagious and serious condition then affected 678 students from various schools in Ozamiz while health authorities are still in the process of endorsing recommendations on school mitigation strategies against the possible outbreak of A(H1N1) in the province.

The said students came from the elementary schools of Pulot, Maningcol, Catadman, Molicay, Gango, Tabid and that of Montol National High School.

Two students from Misamis University and another three from La Salle then became CUOs after showing the same feverish signs.

While the spread of the flu-like symptoms were yet limited to the areas of schools, Medina said students who complain of fever or flu should be provided with appropriate guidance on supportive care and undergo self-isolation while continuously monitoring his or her health.

Medina added that the health department’s advice of observing good personal hygiene should also be followed in order to minimize chances of acquiring the A(H1N1).

He suggested the washing of one’s hands using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers immediately after coughing or sneezing, or after touching anything or anyone suspect.

Meanwhile, Gov. Loreto Ocampos said the A(H1N1) infection cases detected in the province is not as alarming and added that he has already ordered the Misamis Occidental Provincial Hospital down to the Municipal Health Offices to stock vitamins A, C, D and E to prevent more A(H1N1) outbreak in the communities.

As these developed, religious congregations are urging Ozamiz residents to pray for the speedy recovery of AH1N1 victims as well as for successful intervention of the Provincial Government against the pandemic disease.

Sister Aida Bano, administrator of St. Joseph Orphanage in Gango said she and her collagues prayed after seven orphans suddenly experienced high fever the other week.

“Prayer is more powerful than antibiotic,” she said, adding the children recovered after taking paracetamol and vitamins.

It was learned also that the Carmelite nuns in Malaubang and the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Cross have each declared their daily prayers and fasting for the safe recovery of the victims.

Last August 12, a report from the Mindanews website stated that 17 students from four schools in Iligan City infected with A(H1N1) virus have fully recovered after undergoing medication.

The students, according to the report, came from St. Peter’s College, La Salle Academy, Mindanao State University-IIT, and City Central Elementary School.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Monching reports PNP’s success vs. crimes

2009-08-10T05:40:00.001-07:00

IN Pagadian, a crime is committed every 15 hours; this is how PNP Provincial Director S/Supt. Ramon Ochotorena illustrates the regional center’s crime clock in his latest peace and order update for the month of June.

A crime clock is an aggregate representation of police data which conveys reported crime experience by showing a relative frequency of occurrence of offenses.

A crime clock however does not imply regularity in the commission of crime but only represents the periodic ratio of crime to fixed time intervals.

As before, Ochotorena said that the current peace and order situation in Zamboanga del Sur remains manageably peaceful, gained through the support of all sectors.

Albeit still confronted with the presence of threat groups such as the NPA, MILF, ASG and other lawless elements, Ochotorena reiterated that the relative peace and order in the province was achieved through the renewed collaboration and manifest cooperation and support by the LGUs, NGOs, AFP, religious, civic and cause-oriented groups.

The police director added that many crimes commited in the city were normally rooted in and or motivated by family feuds and personal grudges, which could be partly traced to the proliferation of loose firearms in the area.

As to the latest crime volume for the period, the PNP was able to register 47 incidents, 34 of which are classified as index crimes.

Index crimes involve manslaughter, robbery, forcible rape, burglary, larceny and theft, among others.

Of the given figure, 42 were solved by the police force, translating this into a 91 percent efficiency rating.

For June, the PNP conducted 35 operations against wanted persons and arrested 10; conducted 65 operations against illegal drugs and arrested six; another 30 operations against loose firearms and arrested four violators; and 35 operations against carnapping and arrested two.

Ochotorena said this success came about because of uniformed police visibility in the city streets, continuous enforcement of operation plans, motorized security patrols, and swift reaction.

Likewise, he said that his office has organized a joint team of PNP personnel from the Provincial Police Office and the 905th, thereby augmenting the Pagadian City Police Station.

However, he admitted encountering a few problems in their command like the lack of sufficient resources to carry out intelligence work including the hiring of informants or assets as well as the maintenance of safe houses and other miscellaneous needs for intelligence operations.

Another is the lack of police patrol vehicles including police allocation and the lack of communication equipment for immediate police assistance, particularly in remote areas.

In summing up, Ochotorena recommended a request for reinforced of supplemented resources to the Police Provincial Office, a request which is addressed to Mayor Samuel Co.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

City tri-sikads get reprieve

2009-08-10T04:43:00.000-07:00

TRI-SIKAD drivers illegally operating along the coastal villages and under the noses of law enforcers have been given a two-month reprieve by Mayor Samuel Co to dismantle their cabs or get the nod of the city council for them to be legally recognized.

About 86 members of the San Pedro Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (SPTODA) flocked to the mayor’s office, Aug. 3, to air their side on their continued illegal operation.

SPTODA enlightened the mayor that they thrive to serve short distance commuters in barangays San Pedro, Sta. Lucia, Kawit and Santiago for half the fare asked by motorized tricycles.

Tri-sikads collect only P5 from commuters while the current fare for motorized tricycle is P9.

The tri-sikad group has been the subject of complaints by the almost 3,000 tricycle drivers and operators plying in the city streets who claimed that the tri-sikad’s continued operation is a threat to their survival.

The Tricycle Drivers and Operators Confederation (PITDOCON) have asserted in the past that the tri-sikads do not have permits and don’t even pay taxes to the city and therefore is illegal.

This was exactly what Co told the tri-sikad group, bringing up the complaints of PITDOCON members and the mayor’s own plan to make a suitable decision on the issue.

Co then advised SPTODA to work out their legalization papers by lobbying with the city council for an ordinance that will sanction their operation before his reprieve expires.

He said that by October, in the absence of an ordinance, he will be forced to take into custody those who operate their tri-sikads in the city proper.

The mayor said that SPTODA’s vehemence has caused a headache to the city government because they drive without license, has no legal tariff, no age limit for drivers and most of all, no legal basis for their operation.

Co however said he will only allow SPTODA to carry on with their operations when the tri-sikads are used only for delivering cargoes to and from the city wharf area.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Sammy receives P20M Agora fire claim from GSIS

2009-08-09T00:38:00.001-07:00

THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has paid the City Government a total of P20 million in insurance for the April 2008 fire that gutted a big portion of the Agora, latest information from the GSIS office said.

The 7,890-square meter public market is insured with GSIS, in compliance to RA 656, as amended by PD 245, also known as the Property Insurance Law.

Under RA 656, all government assets, properties, including buildings, vehicles, other assets and interests are to be insured with GSIS.

The public market complex located in Sta. Lucia District lost an estimated P100 million worth of properties after a three-hour fire destroyed the vegetable section and its adjacent areas.

The BFP has pinpointed faulty electrical wiring as the cause of the fire.

Mayor Samuel Co, who received the check from GSIS Regional Manager Joselito Roldan Sr., declared the P20-million claim will be used to re-construct the affected areas inside the public market and for other needed improvements.

June, last year, Gov. Aurora Cerilles also gave financial and food support worth P600,000 to the fire victims at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

BIR-9 steps up drive vs. tax evaders

2009-08-08T23:44:00.001-07:00

ZAMBOANGA CITY--With the looming financial crisis predicted to hit the country soon, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it will intensify its tax collection measures while going after tax cheats.

BIR has employed “Oplan Kandado,” a scheme wherein business operations of taxpayers found to be remiss in their payments will be suspended and their establishments temporarily closed.

At present, BIR has already padlocked 12 business establishments around the country that were found to have violated tax laws.

In Zamboanga City, last week, the district office there closed two commercial establishments whose owners were found to have understated their value added tax declaration by more than 30 percent.

Declaring more than 30 percent below the actual tax due is deemed a violation by the BIR and the owner will be called to explain and or asked to voluntarily change or amend his declared tax due.

Non-compliance with the request will result to temporary closure of the concerned establishment.

Although BIR Revenue District Officer Roberto Bucoy declined to name the two establishments, he revealed that it sold assorted dry goods and hardware products.

The owners of the closed establishments were given a grace period of one week to to comply with the requirements in order to be able to resume business.

Bucoy added that their office is strengthening their monitoring of business establishments by conducting surveillance activities to check if the owners paid the right levy.

Reminding other businesses of the same action should they fail to pay taxes, Bucoy warned businessmen to conform to the law and pay their dues to the government or face the consequence.

Bucoy said they have already identified the modus of some businessmen who try to evade tax payments by non-issuance of sales invoice or receipts, deliberate failure to file tax return and understating their sales or receipts by more than 30 percent.

Sometimes, it is the government withholding agents who do not remit their tax collections to the concerned revenue district office, which becomes a lost income for the government, Bucoy lamented.

BIR’s stepped up campaign is part of its reforms and the effective enforcement of tax laws, utilizing several effective strategies like taxpayers’ education programs, Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program and “Oplan Kandado.”

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Comelec tells new voters to enlist

2009-08-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

THE city office of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is presently accommodating the registration of new voters for the 2010 polls, City Election Officer Dinah Cagampang-Sapong said.

According to Sapong, the filing of voter’s registration has been done systematically as she urged new voters to visit their office to enlist before the October 31 deadline.

It can be noticed that short queues of registrants fall in daily at the Comelec office where new voters are required to personally file their applications and have these processed using data capturing machines.

Validations of existing voters have been scheduled by Sapong on Thursdays.

As of July, the Comelec counted some 90,000 voters in Pagadian, while the list of names is constantly purged of those who failed to vote twice in the last polls and from those who opted to transfer residences.

The number of voters given by Sapong is lesser than that of 2007 figures which is 105, 215 because of the delisted names.

During the second quarter, Comelec recorded at least 5,000 applicants out of which 3,000 are new registrants while over 1,000 changed their voter’s registration.

Come Election Day, Sapong said there will be 169 clustered precincts all over the city, out of the old list of 718 individual precincts. This means that there will also be 169 voting machines.

The national government has approved an extra budget of P11.3 billion to finance the deployment of voting machines nationwide, a first in the country.

It is supposed that with the use of the voting machines, potential for human error or cheating from the ballot review and ballot counting will be removed and results will be known within days of voting.

In the past, the Comelec do manual counting, a manner always blamed for unending poll fraud causing also the delay in election results.

In May 2010, about 40 million Pinoys will vote for a new set of leaders including the president, vice president, 260 legislators and about 17,000 local government officials.

Saying the automation will have positive effects, Sapong said that this early, her office already has a complete listing of the day-to-day barangay registration so as to systematize the schedules.

Based on Comelec’s list of voters, the top five vote-rich villages in Pagadian are Balangasan, San Pedro, Sta. Lucia, Sto. Nino and Tuburan.

Meanwhile, Rep. Antonio Cerilles, in a huddle at his residence, said there are still unresolved issues in the poll automation scheme like, for example, transparency and the reliability of the voting machines.

Having said this, Cerilles further said that he needs an assurance from the Comelec that it can deliver smooth electoral exercise next year and no failure of elections or cheating through the use of the machines will happen.
Although he welcomed these developments, the congressman added that the poll automation “eliminated what is mandated by law” and that such “is against the spirit of the existing law.”

Comelec chair Jose Melo and officials of Smartmatic International Corporation and Total Information Management (TIM) have signed a P7.2-billion automation contract for computerized polls in 2010.

Under the contract, Smartmatic-TIM will build 82,200 optical scan machines and have these installed in each precinct for next year’s polls.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

PNP, media discuss personal safety

2009-08-08T19:41:00.001-07:00

THE Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO) finally found time to gather around local mediamen for a quick lecture on personal safety, its issues and concerns in the light of unabated killings, violence and harassment towards media practitioners in the country.

Some 33 tri-media practitioners were accommodated at the ZSPPO Conference Room in Camp Abelon, Aug. 5, for the half-day seminar tackling threat detection, counter surveillance, personal security, gun safety, handling and proficiency.

Police Senior Inspector Modhin Acub Pantaran of the Police Intelligence Division delivered his lecture on threat indicators, detection, warning signals and the many strategies and techniques a mediaman may apply in warding off the dangers.

PO3 Jaime Marfil Tanola then discussed on document security and the separate designations of restricted police documents from top secret to confidential and the courtesy of facilitating the request and or gathering of the said papers.

PO3 Quintin Pasanting Jr. then lectured on the basics in gun safety and handling and the different stances while C/Insp. Rafael Odevillas imparted the implementation of the Firearms Amnesty Program and the PNP’s role in assisting the registration of unrenewed and unregistered guns.

PNP Provincial Director S/Supt. Ramon Ochotorena, for his part, said the in-house community relations effort is to assist journalists in their work as the police recognize that media face the same risk as that of policemen.

Ochotorena also said that personal safety is an important subject matter at this time when many journalists are killed in the line of duty.

In can be recalled that last July, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) already listed six media workers killed since January, putting the Philippines on the same level with Somalia as having the most deaths involving media workers.

The NUJP added that half of the six media workers killed this year are from Mindanao. Since 1986, there are 104 media killings already, 64 of which were murdered under President Gloria Arroyo’s rule.

The unabated killings, violence and harassment towards mediamen can be stopped when journalists become aware of their personal security, Ochotorena stressed.

“Personal security should be part of the system of an individual and it should be practiced always,” he said.

Jong Cadion, NUJP-Pagadian president, commented to this paper on the big benefits media received from the said PNP initiative, adding the lessons learned help supplement media’s knowledge in personal protection.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

RMN tackles new strategies in broadcasting

2009-08-07T03:09:00.001-07:00

BROADCAST executives, news writers and reporters of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) around Mindanao gathered here for a two-day radio journalism workshop which aims on deepening story appraisal and writing.

Held at Guillermo Hotel, participants of the radio journalism workshop on Level 2 broadcast reportage likewise included station managers, program and news directors and anchormen of RMN.

Radio Network Assistant Vice-President for Operations Rey Bayoging said the radio management chose to conduct the said seminar in an effort to advance RMN broadcasters’ development in reporting.

The seminar actually was all about learning news judgment and seeing growth areas of RMN journalists in how they think about covering events and what sorts of events should be covered as well as tips on deepening a reporter’s story.

During the workshop, participants are tasked to formulate strategies in coverages, news treatment and exposure and build up a course of action which deals with everyday situations.

Bayoging added the conference is just one of the series of meetings conducted by RMN management in all its stations nationwide, an endeavor to professionalize broadcasting.

The recently concluded conference here is the seventh radio journalism seminar, which started from Davao City in July 24-25, then in Malaybalay City last July 31–August 1 before hopping to Iloilo City and finally closing in Metro Manila.

Bayoging stressed that it may not be an easy job to upgrade their level of media professionalism especially when most RMN broadcasters are considered experts in the field, are very familiar in their field of assignments and have created for themselves laudable credits.

But he added that RMN management is more determined, making it part of the company’s intention of policy innovation attuned to the modern times of the broadcast industry.

PR

678 students from Ozamiz got flu-like symptoms

2009-07-30T00:37:00.000-07:00

THE City Health Office (CHO) is presently monitoring 678 students from different schools in Ozamiz City after they simultaneously showed flu-like symptoms and excused themselves from their classes.

This came while health authorities are still in the process of endorsing recommendations on school mitigation strategies against the possible outbreak of A(H1N1) in Misamis Occidental.

In a report aired over DxSY, Thursday, Ozamiz City Health Officer Daniel Medina assured the public nobody was yet confirmed positive of A(H1N1) in the city as he disclosed the students only exhibited fever symptoms, some of which were associated with stomach aches.

Medina said the 678 students came from Pulot Elementary School (ES), Maningcol ES, Catadman ES, Molicay ES, Gango ES, Tabid Central School and Montol National High School.

Of the mentioned schools, Pulot listed the most figures with 134.

Medina likewise said that they have classified two students from Misamis University and another three from La Salle University as “case under observation” after they showed the same feverish signs.

Swab samples from the said students were already taken and sent to the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Earlier this week, two students from Barra Elementary School (ES) in Tudela were found positive of the virus, based on the results from their swab samples.
The two confirmed cases in Barra ES were among the 125 taken in for swab sampling after 97 students from the said school all at once complained of fever.

The next day, another 28 students exhibited the same symptoms and were not in attendance. By Wednesday, the number rose to 182, this time, including 36 students from the nearby Tudela Central School and 21 more from Balon Elementary School.

Municipal health authorities surmised the flu-like symptoms felt by students in Balon were only associated with their lack of resistance since the barangay was classified as “moderately malnourished” and one of the “dirtiest” village in Tudela.

The tag came after a health team found that children living there have insufficient and unbalanced food diet and most households lack toilets, leaving people to use the backyard for human wastes.

While the spread of the flu-like symptoms were yet limited to the areas of schools, Medina said students who complain of fever or flu should be provided with appropriate guidance on supportive care and undergo self-isolation while continuously monitoring his or her health.

Medina added that the health department’s advice of observing good personal hygiene should also be followed in order to minimize chances of acquiring the A(H1N1).

He suggested the washing of one’s hands using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers immediately after coughing or sneezing, or after touching anything or anyone suspect.

Meanwhile, Gov. Loreto Ocampos said the A(H1N1) infection cases detected in the province is not as alarming and added that he has already ordered the Misamis Occidental Provincial Hospital down to the Municipal Health Offices to stock vitamins A, C, D and E to prevent more A(H1N1) outbreak in the communities

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Gloria’s SONA was all about work, says Tony

2009-07-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

CONGRESSMAN Antonio Cerilles praised President Gloria Arroyo’s last State of the Nation’s Address (SONA) saying the growth experienced by Mindanao today is the best example of the chief executive’s good work in achieving reforms for the country.

Cerilles, talking over DxCA-Radyo Bagting, Tuesday, said that Arroyo’s SONA was “a full and factual report” of her achievement in transforming Mindanao from being a “land of promises” into a land of progress.

“These developments we have cannot be felt by those in Manila,” the congressman said.

“Generally, Zamboanga del Sur benefitted from PGMA’s term and we are thankful for that,” he added.

Cerilles then made a litany of the SONA projects made by the Arroyo like the paved highways all around Zamboanga Peninsula, which includes the Dapitan-Dakak Road and the Zamboanga West Coast Road, which runs from Gutalac-Baliguian-Siocon-Sirawai.

Cerilles added the completion of rural road network projects all over the region which made travel convenient and transport of farm products to markets easier, like the Malabang, Dobliston-Kapatagan-Molave Road; Monte Alegre-Tukuran Road—linking the two provinces of Lanao to Zambosur.

Cerilles likewise mentioned the Pagadian Airport, which is calendared for completion by September, as reported during the recently concluded 12th Mindanao Super Region (MSR) meeting here.

Another is the making of Pagadian into a regional government seat of Zamboanga Peninsula being one of the most competitive cities of Mindanao.

At present, at least 40 out of the 85 regional offices in Zamboanga City have already transferred to Pagadian and more transfer activities is expected to be fully complied before 2009 ends.

Meanwhile, former Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and presently Mindanao development in-charge Jesus Dureza said that Mindanao received substantial share of the infrastructure projects implemented during President Arroyo's administration.

Dureza added that Arroyo’s plan of clustering areas in the country into so-called “super regions” and that of Mindanao into an agribusiness area has resulted into the completion of major projects worth P88.19 billion.

“Towards that vision, we made key reforms. Our economic plan centers on putting people first. Higit sa lahat ang layunin ng ating mga patakaran ay tulungan ang masipag na karaniwang Pilipino,” Arroyo said in her recent SONA.

The president summed up that her administration “was able to make a strong economy in a strong fiscal position to withstand political shocks, built new modern infrastructure and completed unfinished ones, put the economy on the fair level, built a sound base for the next generation and safe from environmental degradation and man-made disasters.”

Cerilles then commented: “Ang importante dinha nay gihimo ug naa tay nakita, ilabi na kita dinhi sa Mindanao. Sayon kayo ang paglibak ug pagpangatake pero ang pangutana, unsay imong programa kung ikaw ang naa dinha?”

“Dili ta maminaw sa mga hiwi nga kritiko nga sige lang og panaway,” he concluded.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

DTI-ZDS warns public on impostors

2009-07-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

THE provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued its warning to the public and the business sector against unscrupulous individuals who pretend that they are from the DTI and gain monetary favor from the unsuspecting.

DTI Prov. Dir. Maria Socorro Atay said in an email to this paper that she received reports that there are people doing rounds in Pagadian and in the province, posing as DTI workers and demanding money from business owners.

Atay said these people are not authorized by DTI and urged the public to check with their office before committing any deals and or giving money to these people.

“For the information of the public, legitimate DTI employees who go on monitoring and enforcement activities are properly identified by wearing the prescribed uniform and official identification cards,” she said.

“These employees bring with them a copy of an office order directing them to undertake monitoring and enforcement activities for a certain date. DTI employees are not allowed and never demands from any business establishments without issuing official receipts,” she added.

Saying such a warning is a preventive measure and necessary to discourage said reprehensible practices, Atay then adviced businessmen to ascertain the true identity of persons posing to be DTI employees by contacting the DTI Provincial Office through telephone numbers 2143326 and 2142516 or call the local police.

PR

Teens advised to delay desire to marry

2009-07-28T03:22:00.000-07:00

PUTTING forth women’s adherence to safe reproductive options and contraceptive methods, the Provincial Population Office (PPO) is urging teenagers to re-evaluate their aspirations of marrying early to form their own family.

Such an advice is prudent, Provincial Population Officer Evelyn Panuncialman said, as doing so until a teenager reaches the age of 30, she will still mature, get better education and have economic independence before thinking about motherhood.

Panuncialman pointed out that a woman aged 45 can still conceive if she is still fertile and lives a healthy lifestyle.

And if she marries at that age, she has 15 more years to produce more children while spacing her births from 3-5 years apart. With this advice taken seriously, then a woman can have three or four children at most when she reaches 45.

Governor Aurora Cerilles says she is agreeable to the delayed marriage scheme because the delivery of health service will be more focused and will have greater significance.

Cerilles hosted the celebration of the World Population Day, July 11, where she signified her support to the Learning Package on Parent Education on Adolescent Health and Development (LPPED) launched by the Regional Population Office.

As of September 2008, birth figures from the National Statistics Office (NSO) disclosed Zamboanga del Sur’s total population of 1,935,250 as obtained from the 2000 Census of Population and Housing.

The NSO further stated that Zambosur’s annual growth rate is 1.97 percent, with more males than females.

Teenagers within the 14 years old bracket comprise 55.30 percent while those 18 years and above cover 51.80 percent.

Married people account to 445,421 while there are 422,584 singles.

In another statistic paper by the NSO released in 2003, it stated that Zamboanga Peninsula had a total population of 3.1 million representing 3.7 percent of the country’s population.

With these facts, Cerilles urged women to think sensibly and practice responsible family planning as such will improve their lives, that of men and children and benefits not only the couples but their families and the community as well.

Panuncialman cited that based on their pre-marriage counseling, about 19.7 percent of would-be couples are aged 18-19 and that a third of these were into premarital pregnancy.

Those aged 20-25 years old belong to the 23.8 percent while a tenth comprises the 26-31 years old bracket.

Aside from providing pre-marriage counseling, the PopCom office also holds Responsible Parenting Movement (RPM) classes in all 681 barangays of the province.

In 2008, PopCom’s regional office earmarked P2.1 million for such undertaking while the Provincial Government conterparted for the personal services of the municipal population officers.
For this year, about P4.1 million was allotted for more RPM classes in each village around the province, Panuncialman said.

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO, ZAMBOSUR PPB

Despite truce, still a long way home for evacuees

2009-07-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

DATU PIANG, Maguindanao—Flashing a smile, Syrianbai Sangcupan was jumping in joy when she heard in a community gathering here that government has declared a halt to offensives against Moro rebels.

“Sana totoo na ‘yon para makapamuhay uli (kami) ng matiwasay; walang takot. Baka (kasi) pagkatapos, another gyera na naman!” said Sangcupan, referring to Malacanang’s pronouncement of a Suspension of Offensive Military Operations (SOMO) against MILF forces last Thursday, four days before she delivers her last State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA).

Sangcupan’s family evacuated from barangay Dado to the poblacion August last year to escape the skirmishes between government soldiers and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces.

Last May 6, she gave birth to her fifth child and now wants him to experience the comforts of home, however simple it is.

The evacuees, numbering around 250,000 people, have been clamoring to return to their respective villages in time for the observance of Ramadan next month. Continuing insecurity brought about by intermittent clashes is preventing them from doing so.

The MILF reciprocated the government’s gesture on Saturday by declaring a Suspension of Military Actions (SOMA) in all areas where they have forces, signaling a restart of goodwill on both sides 11 months after engaging in renewed hostilities following the botched deal outlining a Moro homeland.

The SOMA directive was signed by MILF chair Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim.

Welcome respite

Peace advocacy groups lauded both the government and MILF for their recent posture that could help advance safety in civilian communities.

Describing the reciprocal truce declarations as “one crucial step,” the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) said these “provide the space for both parties to reflect and reassess their motives in pursuing peace in Mindanao.”

“Some cynics may dismiss these twin moves for varying motives, but we join our weary people in welcoming this respite from war,” a statement from IID read.

The Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) noted that the intent to end hostilities “signify both parties’ compassion and due consideration to the plight of the hundreds of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)…”

In a statement, the MPC said that the SOMO and SOMA declarations serve as “the IDP’s tickets to return home, rebuild their communities, reopen their schools and resume normal lives.”

But the MPC stressed that this can only happen if the fledgling truce is given the “real chance to take off and develop into a full-blown operational and functional ceasefire.”

IID has called on the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (JCCCH), which is composed of government and MILF representatives, to re-activate ceasefire mechanisms on the ground.

Vigilance

“Even then, the public must remain vigilant to ensure that local and national leaders, especially President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is truthful to her commitment to establish peace with rebel groups before her term ends on June 30, 2010,” the IID warned.

The MPC twitted at North Cotabato vice-governor Manny Pinol for saying the truce declaration of government will trigger more hostilities.

“With rebels and soldiers alike silencing their guns, there can be no better condition to end the hostilities and isolate the so-called saboteurs, spoilers and war profiteers,” the MPC said.

Not only are evacuees happy about the prospect of an immediate end to hostilities.

Army soldiers stationed in the town also wore smiles when told about the SOMO declaration with one saying, “Sana totoo na ‘yan!”

Reservations

While both government and MILF forces have been ordered to call off hostile actions, the possibility of skirmishing with each other still exists.

Government is still bent on continuing law enforcement operations to capture three allegedly rogue MILF commanders although no longer led by the Armed Forces but the Philippine National Police.

The MILF cited this as reason for taking a precautionary stance by ordering its forces “to continue in defensive position mode.” Murad’s order reminded MILF forces to “exercise the right to self-defense when attacked.”

The government had been rooting for the arrest of Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato, Aleem Ali Pangalian, and Abdullah “Bravo” Macapaar for allegedly committing atrocities against civilians last year.

Rebuilding

North Cotabato governor Jesus Sacdalan is hopeful the SOMO and SOMA declarations pave the way for the permanent return of evacuees to their respective villages and rebuild not only their lives but also their communities.

The North Cotabato towns of Pikit, Aleosan, Alamada and Midsayap are primarily affected by the current fighting, either as host of hostilities or of evacuees.

“It is important for the IDPs to start anew. I firmly believe that community development is the foundation of sustainable peace,” explained Sacdalan.

Emerging from a deep thought, Sangcupan said she looks forward to “seeing no more armed men in our village and my children going back to school.”

Until a ceasefire regime becomes permanent, it would still be a long way home for the evacuees.

REPORT BY RYAN D. ROSAURO, Inquirer Mindanao

2009-07-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

H1N1 reaches MisOc

DESPITE its massive public awareness campaign and basic preventive measures instituted, the Influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be more resilient as it breaks into Misamis Occidental this week.

Governor Loreto Ocampos, in an email sent to this paper, calmed constituents, saying the A(H1N1) infection cases detected in the province is not as alarming.

The governor added that health authorities are already on the dot of monitoring the whole of Misamis Occidental, especially in schools and local communities where the said virus might contaminate.

“Walay angay kabalak-an ang katawhan kay dili tantong peligro ang AH1N1 basta madalian ug kung mo-cooperate ang katawhan sa kampanya karon sa provincial government, Provincial Health Office ug sa Misamis Occidental Schools Division aron dili mokatag kining sakita sa atong probinsya,” Ocampos said in his email message.

The email sent by the governor to this paper likewise disclosed that two of the 125 high school students from Barra Elementary School in Tudela who showed flu-like symptoms were found positive of A(H1N1), after the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine in Alabang, Muntinlupa confirmed the results of the swab tests sent.

Last week, health authorities became suspicious when 97 students from the said school were all at once absent during their Monday classes after complaining of fever.

The next day, another 28 students exhibited the same symptoms and were not in attendance. By Wednesday, the number rose to 182, this time, including 36 students from the nearby Tudela Central School and 21 more from Balon Elementary School.

Municipal health authorities surmised the flu-like symptoms felt by students in Balon were only associated with their lack of resistance since the barangay was classified as “moderately malnourished” and one of the “dirtiest” village in Tudela.

The tag came after a health team found that children living there have insufficient and unbalanced food diet and most households lack toilets, leaving people to use the backyard for human wastes.

Ocampos, sensing the highly contagious and serious condition that can affect Misamisnons, especially children, then called a meeting among all LGU executives, the provincial and rural health offices and the provincial schools division.

It was decided to suspend classes for a week starting July 27 on all private and public schools in Tudela, such as the Tudela National Comprehensive High School, Tudela Central School, and the elementary schools in Barra, Sibac, Cabol-anonan, Pan-ay Diot, Balon, Nailon, Basirang and Tigdok.

“Duna tay public information campaign. Manghatag kitag posters ug handbills sa mga balay, barangay ug information materials sa mga radio ug TV kung unsay buhaton aron makalikay ta ani ug unsay buhaton kung dunay sakop sa pamilya nga hilantan. Ikatag ni nato aron magiyahan ang mga tawo,” Ocampos assured.

Another step, he added, will be to give vitamins and supplements to the affected villages in Tudela to strengthen the immune system of residents.

The governor ordered the Misamis Occidental Provincial Hospital down to the Municipal Health Offices to stock vitamins A, C, D and E, seeing this as an urgent measure to prevent more A(H1N1) outbreak in the communities

“Among ipasabot sa katawhan nga dili angay mabalaka ug mohangyo mi nga mo-cooperate lang gyod sa atong kampanya,” he said.

“Unya kung naa man gani ma-apektohan, i-quarantine, dili pagawason sa balay aron dili matakdan ang uban. Unya dangop mo sa local government, sa atong mga hospital aron matambalan mo dayon,” Ocampos ended.

As of July 26, a total of 109 persons were positive of A(H1N1) out of the 196 persons who showed flu-like illness in the region, the DOH- Center for Health Development in Northern Mindanao said.

Of this number, 81 are from Cagayan de Oro City and mostly are students from the 11 schools earlier reported to have been affected by the dreaded swine-flu virus.

One school there—the Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School registered some 2,000 students who showed flu-like illness.

As this developed, health officials said they are monitoring Xavier University, Liceo de Cagayan University, Lourdes College, Corpus Christi, St. Mary’s Academy, International School, Balulang ES and Balulang NHS and Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School for possible infections.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

H1N1 reaches MisOc

2009-07-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

DESPITE its massive public awareness campaign and basic preventive measures instituted, the Influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be more resilient as it breaks into Misamis Occidental this week.

Governor Loreto Ocampos, in an email sent to this paper, calmed constituents, saying the A(H1N1) infection cases detected in the province is not as alarming.

The governor added that health authorities are already on the dot of monitoring the whole of Misamis Occidental, especially in schools and local communities where the said virus might contaminate.

“Walay angay kabalak-an ang katawhan kay dili tantong peligro ang AH1N1 basta madalian ug kung mo-cooperate ang katawhan sa kampanya karon sa provincial government, Provincial Health Office ug sa Misamis Occidental Schools Division aron dili mokatag kining sakita sa atong probinsya,” Ocampos said in his email message.

The email sent by the governor to this paper likewise disclosed that two of the 125 high school students from Barra Elementary School in Tudela who showed flu-like symptoms were found positive of A(H1N1), after the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine in Alabang, Muntinlupa confirmed the results of the swab tests sent.

Last week, health authorities became suspicious when 97 students from the said school were all at once absent during their Monday classes after complaining of fever.

The next day, another 28 students exhibited the same symptoms and were not in attendance. By Wednesday, the number rose to 182, this time, including 36 students from the nearby Tudela Central School and 21 more from Balon Elementary School.

Municipal health authorities surmised the flu-like symptoms felt by students in Balon were only associated with their lack of resistance since the barangay was classified as “moderately malnourished” and one of the “dirtiest” village in Tudela.

The tag came after a health team found that children living there have insufficient and unbalanced food diet and most households lack toilets, leaving people to use the backyard for human wastes.

Ocampos, sensing the highly contagious and serious condition that can affect Misamisnons, especially children, then called a meeting among all LGU executives, the provincial and rural health offices and the provincial schools division.

It was decided to suspend classes for a week starting July 27 on all private and public schools in Tudela, such as the Tudela National Comprehensive High School, Tudela Central School, and the elementary schools in Barra, Sibac, Cabol-anonan, Pan-ay Diot, Balon, Nailon, Basirang and Tigdok.

“Duna tay public information campaign. Manghatag kitag posters ug handbills sa mga balay, barangay ug information materials sa mga radio ug TV kung unsay buhaton aron makalikay ta ani ug unsay buhaton kung dunay sakop sa pamilya nga hilantan. Ikatag ni nato aron magiyahan ang mga tawo,” Ocampos assured.

Another step, he added, will be to give vitamins and supplements to the affected villages in Tudela to strengthen the immune system of residents.

The governor ordered the Misamis Occidental Provincial Hospital down to the Municipal Health Offices to stock vitamins A, C, D and E, seeing this as an urgent measure to prevent more A(H1N1) outbreak in the communities

“Among ipasabot sa katawhan nga dili angay mabalaka ug mohangyo mi nga mo-cooperate lang gyod sa atong kampanya,” he said.

“Unya kung naa man gani ma-apektohan, i-quarantine, dili pagawason sa balay aron dili matakdan ang uban. Unya dangop mo sa local government, sa atong mga hospital aron matambalan mo dayon,” Ocampos ended.

As of July 26, a total of 109 persons were positive of A(H1N1) out of the 196 persons who showed flu-like illness in the region, the DOH- Center for Health Development in Northern Mindanao said.

Of this number, 81 are from Cagayan de Oro City and mostly are students from the 11 schools earlier reported to have been affected by the dreaded swine-flu virus.

One school there—the Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School registered some 2,000 students who showed flu-like illness.

As this developed, health officials said they are monitoring Xavier University, Liceo de Cagayan University, Lourdes College, Corpus Christi, St. Mary’s Academy, International School, Balulang ES and Balulang NHS and Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School for possible infections.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Mahayag unveils hospital, water system

2009-07-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

MAHAYAG, ZAMBOSUR—Local government officials of this town led by Mayor Paulino Fanilag Sr. recently unveiled its two service projects in health and water resource development.

The newly renovated Mahayag Municipal Hospital (MMH) was one of the four infirmaries that were granted autonomy after the Provincial Government decided to trim down its administration on the said hospitals and turned this over to the respective LGUs.

Classified as primary, the 20-bed capacity MMH is equipped with service capabilities needed to support licensed physicians and medical workers.

During the inauguration ceremony last July 23, Rep. Antonio Cerilles, who stood in behalf of his wife, Gov. Aurora Cerilles, challenged town executives to attain self-sufficiency and be fully responsible in running the health institution.

Earlier, during the announcement of the Provincial Government to transfer it’s control of the health facilities to the local governments of Mahayag, Tambulig, Dinas and Lakewood, the mayors said such a responsibility may be demanding and not easy.

But the mayors of the affected municipalities said they will make sure they will help support their health institutions to continue its operations.

The mayors said that once they will operate their hospitals, this effort will be matched with the intensified enrolment of their constituents to PhilHealth for its all-inclusive health services.

Since the community hospitals in the mentioned municipalities already have its edifice and medical equipments in place, the LGU only needs to fill it up with qualified medical workers.

Fanilag said they will hire six doctors and will sustain MMH’s operations with at least 3,000 households enrolled in Philhealth.

The Mahayag Local Water System (MLWS), on the other hand, is a P28 million water infrastructure development project, which aims to provide piped potable drinking water supply to some 50,000 residents.

MLWS, according to Fanilag, will also provide water to the neighboring towns of Josefina, Dumingag and Don Victoriano in Misamis Occidental.

Mahayag, the center of the Salug Valley area, is known for its numerous natural water springs and pools.

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO, ZAMBOSUR PPB

2009-07-26T02:44:00.001-07:00

RMN-DxPR grows in leaps and bounds

RMN-DxPR is Pagadian City’s leading radio station ever since it was established in January 10, 1980, built during Radio Mindanao Network’s major expansion program.

As one of the 50 radio stations positioned all over the archipelago by Don Henry Canoy, RMN-DxPR brings the visionary’s dream to fruition with its continued and unparalleled broadcasting concept.

For the past two decades of its operation, RMN-DxPR has created a name in the region with its balanced programming in news, public affairs, public service broadcasting and entertainment.

Managed by a well-organized and contemporary breed of broadcasters, RMN-DxPR is known throughout Pagadian City and in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao and parts of Misamis Occidental.

“RMN-DxPR’s goal is not only to entertain the public but to inform and educate them as well. Because of this, we have become part of the lives of our listening audience—from morning until dusk,” station manager Al Gesta said.

From their erstwhile spot in Consolacion Street in Balangasan District, the radio station transferred to its spacious new home along Mercedes Street, San Jose to better serve the public.

With its relocation came also its shift in technical facilities, from using the outmoded tape decks, reels, cassette tapes to state-of-the-art broadcast softwares and remote amenities.

To bolster its new image as the primary broadcast network in the region, RMN-DxPR revised its programming and designed new daily modules that present an evenhanded and objective presentation of news and significant issues of the day like “Tinuod nga Balita,” “Straight to the point” and “Kuskos Batikos.”

Another popular program airing in the afternoon is “Bantay Opisina,” one that tackles issues concerning tardiness in office by government employees, including issues in graft and corruption.

These programs receive huge support from its listeners because of its hotline for citizens to air their opinions, complaints and or report anomalies through SMS and MMS.

During weekends, RMN-DXPR initiates a singing program called “Bulilit Show” and “Kaplag sa Kabantog” for kids where their talents in singing get discovered.

In bringing its service closer to the pubic, RMN-DXPR likewise assist the needy in the far-flung villages through its “Serbisyo sa Barangays” by offering free of charge medical and dental missions that also performs circumcision, haircut and legal service.

PR

RMN-DxPR grows in leaps and bounds

2009-07-26T02:43:00.000-07:00

RMN-DxPR is Pagadian City’s leading radio station ever since it was established in January 10, 1980, during Radio Mindanao Network’s major expansion program.

As one of the 50 radio stations positioned all over the archipelago by Don Henry Canoy, RMN-DxPR brings the visionary’s dream to fruition with its continued and unparalleled broadcasting concept.

For the past two decades of its operation, RMN-DxPR has created a name in the region with its balanced programming in news, public affairs, public service broadcasting and entertainment.

Managed by a well-organized and contemporary breed of broadcasters, RMN-DxPR is known throughout Pagadian City and in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao and parts of Misamis Occidental.

“RMN-DxPR’s goal is not only to entertain the public but to inform and educate them as well. Because of this, we have become part of the lives of our listening audience—from morning until dusk,” station manager Al Gesta said.

From their erstwhile spot in Consolacion Street in Balangasan District, the radio station transferred to its spacious new home along Mercedes Street, San Jose to better serve the public.

With its relocation came also its shift in technical facilities, from using the outmoded tape decks, reels, cassette tapes to state-of-the-art broadcast softwares and remote amenities.

To bolster its new image as the primary broadcast network in the region, RMN-DxPR revised its programming and designed new daily modules that present an evenhanded and objective presentation of news and significant issues of the day like “Tinuod nga Balita,” “Straight to the point” and “Kuskos Batikos.”

Another popular program airing in the afternoon is “Bantay Opisina,” one that tackles issues concerning tardiness in office by government employees, including issues in graft and corruption.

These programs receive huge support from its listeners because of its hotline for citizens to air their opinions, complaints and or report anomalies through SMS and MMS.

During weekends, RMN-DXPR initiates a singing program called “Bulilit Show” and “Kaplag sa Kabantog” for kids where their talents in singing get discovered.

In bringing its service closer to the pubic, RMN-DXPR likewise assist the needy in the far-flung villages through its “Serbisyo sa Barangays” by offering free of charge medical and dental missions that also performs circumcision, haircut and legal service.

PR

New movement pushes for CP, internet users' interest

2009-07-26T01:38:00.000-07:00

A new movement seen as a unified potent force for the protection of interests of cellphone and internet users nationwide is emerging.

Called as the 1Network Movement Inc. (1NMI), the group intends to “formulate measures that would protect the rights and interests of the electronic communications users.”

But not only that, the movement will also use its vast power and potential to help in good governance, law enforcement, calamity and disaster preparedness and response.

Eduardo de Vera Cadawan, an entrepreneur based in Luzon and an avid cellphone and internet user, who heads 1NMI, said their group has now established more than 100 local chapters nationwide with thousands of members.

Cadawan added that 1NMI is at present in the process of expanding their membership in key cities and municipalities nationwide, doing this through information and membership drive, education and consultation.

With the booming telecommunications industry in the country, it has been observed that cellphone and internet users, who are also among the big costumers of text and call conveniences, have also grown into tens of millions.

An estimated 25 million cellphone and internet users in the country are serviced by Smart, Globe and the Sun-Cellular, who mostly utilize the short-messaging system (SMS) aside from making call services.

It is also said that the use of these communication amenities is no longer deemed as luxury but a way of life, thus, necessitating an organization that will not only protect users from abuse and exploitation but will likewise become an instrument in promoting the welfare of the society.

1NMI believes that their movement, which is properly organized, empowered and protected, will become a catalyst for change in government and in the society.

The movement also aims utilize its vast membership and technical facilities available in enhancing its members to be pro-active in civic works for local and national development.

With its vast network and growing membership, 1NMI prepares to become a legitimate and strong party-list group to eventually lodge representations in the Congress.

REPORT BY PING DELIVERIO

New movement pushes for internet, celfon users' interest

2009-07-26T00:59:00.000-07:00

Auring leads Hataw, walk-for-a-cause

2009-07-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

GOVERNOR Aurora Cerilles, recognizing the importance of health, led the early morning Nutri-Walk-For-A-Cause 2009 and Hataw or the aerobic dancing exercise at the AEC last July 21.

The activity is part of the celebration of Nutrition Month, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 491, also known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines, which mandates its observance every July.

This year’s theme is "Wastong Nutrisyon Kailangan, Lifestyle Diseases Iwasan," focusing on the importance of a healthy diet that would result to a healthy lifestyle.

The Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) has been tasked to conduct information dissemination and all other activities of the celebration.

More than 2,000 men, women and children participated in the Nutri-Walk-For-A-Cause from the wharf area towards the AEC in the Capitol Compound.

The 15-minute Hataw made Cerilles dance to her amusement, joined by board members Juan Regala, Baldomero Fernandez, Eriberto Sumalinog, Flaviano Fucoy, and Miguelito Ocapan and the department heads of the provincial government.

Everybody had fun, said Cerilles; even she was sweating from the exercise.

Dr. Nimfa Torrizo, assistant regional director of DOH’s Center for Health and Development and Regional Nutrition Committee coordinator Pamela Tarroza was there too with Cerilles.

The governor also acknowledged the participation of the regional directors of DENR, DAR and PIA, the academe, Zamsureco-I and the NGOs.

Cerilles then commended the Nutri-Walk-For-A-Cause, for bringing attention to nutrition as well as build public involvement in the fight against malnutrition.

Last Tuesday’s Nutri-Walk-For-A-Cause raised some P30,000 from the participating 30 offices and organizations. The PNC said they also received pledges totaling P20,000 from various government agencies who are nutrition advocates and benefactors.

The PNC also initiated a Weekly Nutri-Bingo as another fund-raising activity.

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO, ZAMBOSUR PPB

JHCSC holds 3rd capping of nurses

2009-07-24T00:08:00.000-07:00

THE JH Cerilles State College (JHCSC)-Pagadian City Campus recently held its 3rd Cap and Badge Investiture and Candle Lighting Ceremony for senior nursing students.

Governor Aurora Cerilles was guest of honor and speaker during the ceremonies held at Hotel Alindahaw, July 13.

About 112 senior nursing students were invested with their caps and badges which symbolize the authority bestowed upon them as they officially undertake their duties in affiliated hospitals.

In Zamboanga del Sur, successful nurses train and work in the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center.

For a nurse, the capping, badging and candle lighting ceremony is the handling down of symbols of the nursing profession and is also the strengthening of the commitment to serve with honor and dignity and to continually learn and practice to eventually excel.

The nursing cap and badges are used to signify the nurse’s vocation and wearing them is considered a privilege.

Cerilles, in her speech, observed that the capping event was the most solemn from among the capping and badging nursing ceremonies she attended in the past.

The governor then encouraged the student nurses to pursue their dreams and aim to become professionally registered nurses.

Cerilles likewise mentioned to the nurses to emulate the brave spirit of Florence Nightingale, as they light the lamp and recite the pledge.

Several personalities attended the capping and badging ceremony, among them lawyer Domingo Redelosa IV, dean of the schools’ College of Law, who is also the campus administrator and Dr. Wendell Glenn Cagape, college/board secretary and Campus academic head, Dr. Carlicita Saniel, president.

Chief Nurse Helen Arao of the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center, Dr. Gloria Florendo, dean of the College of Nursing of the Western Mindanao State University and Prof. Evely Rendon, Consortium Coordinator of WMSU were also present.

Aside from Nursing, JHCSC-Pagadian City Campus offers course in Law, Nursing, Hotel, Restaurant and Resort Management, and Information Technology. Graduate programs in Education and Public Administration are also available.

PR

ZPPO holds 2nd summit for scribes

2009-07-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

THREE campus journalists came out as over-all winners in the recently concluded 2nd Summit for High School Editors and Writers sponsored by the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZPPO).

The said activity is one of the highlights of the PNP’s celebration of its 14th Police Community Relations (PCR) Month.

President Gloria Arroyo’s Proclamation No. 74 declares every July as PCR month, which aims to develop closer interaction between the community and the police in handling peace and order problems.

Police S/Insp. Teresita Paclibar of ZPPO’s Police Community Relations (PCR) office, informed this paper that for this year, the ZPPO-PCR initiated an on-the-spot Feature Story writing contest participated by 12 campus writers and editors.

The content of the feature story was based on the theme: “PNP Facing the Challenges of the Transformation.”

Paclibar said that ZPPO-PCR’s conduct of the press summit with journalists from secondary schools is to give importance to campus journalism’s role in schools.

Judges of the half-day competition composed of Ann Lu of the Pagadian Times, Ramil Bangues of RMN-DxPR and this paper’s editor.

The winners, in order, were Virren Leigh Duray of St. Columban High School (SCHS); Rachel Alvarez of Pagadian City National Comprehensive High School and Jose Virgel Herrera of SCHS.

It was learned the winning entries of the students will be published in the PNP journal.

Police S/Supt. Ramon Ochotorena, when visited at his office, commented that campus journalists should be taught to focus on both sides of the issue while using their school papers a venue to voice out their concerns.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

DepEd’s Jesli said he is eyeing ‘something significant’

2009-07-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

FOR DepEd Sec. Jesli Lapus, it’s hard to stereotype but people can just about describe him in three sentences: He is a perfectionist, he does only significant things and he doesn’t postpone.

Disciplined by no-nonsense parents and mentors in his youth, Lapus recalls the traits and character he learned in his boyhood that helped shape his present-day leadership ability and outlook.

During his visit in Pagadian last weekend, he shared that he made a difference in his life by learning history through stamp collecting.

Starting while he was 10-years old, he says philately introduced to him lessons not normally taught in schools. “It opened my eyes to the broader world of diverse cultures,” he said.

He shares again his penchant for wide-ranging learning while in college by enrolling only the subjects he like. But then he adds he graduated had a balanced life.

The secretary explains his secret to rising in public service after serving as finance expert, manager and auditor in reputable private companies lay in hard work.

In 1987, he was appointed DAR undersecretary and in 1992 was Land Bank of the Philippines chief. Six years later, he entered politics and completed three terms as congressman of the third district of Tarlac.

In August 2006, he was appointed DepEd secretary by President Gloria Arroyo. He said he took the opportunity “to show everyone why he was the president’s choice.”

Though his administration faced several controversies, like the furor over erroneous textbooks and the Cyber Education Project, he said he was able to come out of it “through dialogue, concrete solutions and swift action.”

As he would always repeat: “To manage the biggest department in the executive branch requires no less than a top-notch professional manager.”

At present, he added that he is decentralizing DepEd, making it a school-based management and focusing on its human resources as frontlines.

“Principals must think like managers, as administrators. Teacher education must also be improved,” he said.

If everyone doesn’t know it, Lapus, though his leadership, manages more employees than any other person in the country and handles the largest budget than any government agency.

“The highest form of investment is education,” he told a crowd of 500 teachers during the regional executive conference held at the AEC, here, July 17.

That evening, in a dinner tendered by Rep. Antonio Cerilles with provincial and DepEd officials, Lapus said he was flattered being tagged as a likely contender for a senate seat in the upcoming 2010 elections.

He added that he was happy hearing the comments from teachers who told him that his presence boosted their morale. “The success and backbone of DepEd lies in them,” he remarked.

On talks about his Senate bid, Lapus adviced media in a huddle at Hotel Alindahaw to see the events as they are. “Let it be, let it be,” he said.

Lapus is a partymate of Cerilles in the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC). When he decides to run in next year’s polls, he said he will run under the administration coalition ticket.

“After success, you want to become significant and then you think of leaving a legacy. I have achieved quite a bit,” he further said.

He then intimated that his desire to run for the Senate was also upon the clamor of the teachers, although he admitted he will be facing tough contenders.

Surely, as some observers point out, Lapus will be squaring off against nine re-electionist senators and three come-backing senators who have indicated their plans to run again.

“People are entitled to their opinion. We will make our decision known by November,” he replied.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Two carnap suspects fall

2009-07-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

TWO carnapped motorcycles were returned to their respective owners after the suspected carnappers were nabbed by city police, last week, C/Insp. Michael Palermo said.

Palermo identified the alleged carnappers as Ronnie Agner, a resident of Purok Malamboon, Balangasan, this city, and Jonathan Patarata, a resident of Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga del Sur.

Agner was alleged to have carnapped the parked black Honda XRM 110 motorcycle of a certain Jerson King last July 19 and took it for a ride in Tigbao where town police there intercepted him after setting up a road block.

Patarata, on the other hand, was arrested, July 20, after the owner of a stolen motorcycle identified as Ricardo Bongolan, a retired policeman residing in Lower Pulacan, Labangan, reported that his yellow Honda XRM was lost and believed carnapped after he parked it at the entrance gate of the San Pedro Fishport.

Palermo said they immediately informed all operating units and nearby municipal police stations and conducted a hot pursuit operation against the perpetrator.

The police chief added that they recovered Bongolan’s motorcycle parked at Purok Osmena in Sto. Nino District in Patarata’s possession.

Carnapping charges were filed against the two suspects who are now detained at the PNP lock-up cell.

In June, two stolen motorcycles were reported as recovered by the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office as PNP Prov. Dir. S/Supt. Ramon Ochotorena said his office has conducted 35 round-the-clock operations against carnapping around Zambosur.

Mayor Samuel Co, for his part, commended the PNP for its relentless campaign against all forms of criminality in the city, saying such an accomplishment matched his vision for a peaceful and progressive Pagadian.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

It pays to be alert always

2009-07-22T00:51:00.000-07:00

IT pays to be alert; this seems to be the vital significance of observing the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM).

Executive Order No. 137, dated August 10, 1999, declares July as NDCM to institutionalize the civil defense deputization program.

NDCM activities aim to increase the awareness to the threats of disaster and for a better appreciation of the government’s disaster preparedness program.

Regional Director Adriano Fuego of the Office of the Civil Disaster (OCD) said the NDCM observance in Pagadian City, with this year's theme: “Pag Alerto, Malayo sa Peligro,” is telling everybody to have common sense and be ready to act anytime.

“Common sense saves you from emergencies,” Fuego stressed.

On the activities lined up by OCD, he cited the need for LGUs, schools and the local disaster coordinating councils “to rehearse earthquake and fire drills, including evacuation procedures.”

In a meeting with press members, Fuego was accompanied by the representatives of the BFP, PNRC, DOH and DSWD, who each explained the impact of imparting consciousness and readiness in times of emergencies.

The panel mentioned that in Pagadian City and around Zambosur, for example, residents should be wary on tsunami recurrence, fire incidents, landslides and flashfloods.

The BFP noted that even in inner-city villages considered as fire hazard areas, like Sta. Lucia, Santiago and Santiago, houses made of light materials are built so close to each other.

The BFP then added that they are addressing the problem by conducting periodic inspections and lectures to the people in the mentioned barangays.

As for the PNRC, it said that they are on alert for terrorist acts like bombings and the deficiency of blood supply.

For the DOH, it said that they are coming up with a contingency plan related to the possible occurrence of Influenza A(H1N1) in the province.

Fuego said they are doing information and education advocacies and campaigns the whole month as they anticipate zero casualties when disaster comes.

To recall, on August 16, 1976, a devastating earthquake on the Cotabato Trench caused a tsunami to rise, killing some 8,000 people in coastal communities in Zamboanga Peninsula, Pagadian, Lanao, North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.

At present, Pagadian, along with the cities of Basilan, Dipolog and Malaybalay have been classified by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as Intensity 6 zones in the Modified Mercalli Scale Intensities for Mindanao.

Based on the survey by PAGASA then, it was determined that the maximum height of the tsunami waves in the entire Moro Gulf during the August 1976 disaster was 4.5 meters.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Is Zambosur prepared vs. H1N1?

2009-07-21T23:58:00.000-07:00

GOVERNOR Aurora Cerilles has ordered the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council and the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) to come up with a contingency plan related to the possible occurrence of Influenza A(H1N1) in the province.

The meeting of health officials called by Cerilles took notice of the urgent situation and conducted their orientation and emergency preparedness and planning workshop last week.

The meeting tackled on the health department’s new interim guidelines on A(H1N1), which includes effective intervention to reduce mortality and further morbidity, clinical management, the revised response level guide for schools, and the policy changes from containment to mitigation response to the virus threat.

Health representatives from the regional office Center for Health Development (CHD-9) headed by Dr. Marcos Redoble conducted the said workshop at Hotel Guillermo.

DepEd executives, department heads, those from the private sector and media personalities attended the half-day orientation and emergency preparedness and planning workshop.

Redoble, in his presentation, summed up the difficulty of controlling the A(H1N1) virus even with 90 percent isolation and contact tracing.

This is so because, as Redoble adds, “because of the high level of presymptomatic transmission.”

“In addition, quarantining and contact tracing for influenza would probably be unfeasible because of the very short incubation, from two days and [the] infectious periods of that disease, which is from 3 to 4 days,” the doctor said.

Health authorities do contact tracing to mark out who are in close contact with an A(H1N1) patient sorted out as a case under observation (CUO), who might be tested positive for the said virus.

“The primary purpose of contact tracing is to determine whether influenza A (H1N1) virus has acquired the ability to transmit from person-to-person or has caused sustained community level transmission,” Rodoble explained.

As of date, the CHD said there are 26 A(H1N1) cases in the region, 14 of these were declared negative while 12 CUO’s were classified as positive.

Of those positive, eight came from Zamboanga City, three in Zamboanga del Norte and one from Zamboanga del Sur who has already fully recovered.

Earlier, the IPHO and the City Health Office of Pagadian City have declared that they cannot keep in check, more so control a possible occurrence of A(H1N1) in the province.

But health authorities in the province said they are providing only the right information to the public and or minimize misinformation to avoid panic.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Corazon Ariosa thanked Cerilles for the initiative on A(H1N1), adding their office have already alerted the provincial offices of the social welfare and development and the interior and local government on the said matter.

Last June, Ariosa conducted statistical updates and risk assessment concerning A(H1N1) in the country with the health sector.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Troops rescue Zambosur fishermen from captors

2009-07-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

ZAMBOANGA CITY--Philippine National Police (PNP) anti-kidnapping operatives backed by Marine troopers rescued two Zambosur fishermen from their captors, Thursday, in Basilan.

Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO)-West Chief Director Felizardo Serapio identified the rescued fishermen as Renante Sequien, a resident of Tukuran, and Ronnie Nabie, of Sto. Nino, Pagadian City.

Both were fishing off Sibago Island in Tuburan, Basilan, April 4, when rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels attacked their trawler, killed three of its crew, and seized the two after they failed to pay protection money.

Policemen then launched the rescue operation for the two fishermen following a tip that the victims were kept in Sitio Bohe Bessey in Brgy. Semut.

A firefight ensued between the kidnappers and the policemen who swooped down on the kidnappers’ lair. The gunmen escaped and there were no reports of casualties.

Serapio said the kidnappers fled after seeing the policemen were backed up by Marine Battalion Landing Team-7.

He added that the kidnappers were led by a certain Kumander Uzzi Hasim, a group that has ties with another rogue MILF leader named Usman Lidjal.

The two rescued fishermen are now at Camp Navarro General Hospital at the Western Mindanao Command headquarters for medical treatment and debriefing, a military spokeswoman said.

As this developed, both Gov. Aurora Cerilles and PNP Prov. Dir. Ramon Ochotorena commended the authorities for the safe rescue of the fishermen.

Meanwhile, policemen have intensified their search also for the three other missing fishermen earlier abducted last July 6 in Landang Laum on Sacol Island, this city.

The missing fishermen were identified as Jesus Alfonso, Edgar Barrera and July Gapol.

Up to this date, alleged Abu Sayyaf kidnappers are still holding three teachers seized also in March from Bangkaw-Bangkaw Elementary School in Zamboanga Sibugay. A P10 million ransom has been demanded for the release of the teachers.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

NARS training for first batch ends

2009-07-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

GOVERNOR Aurora Cerilles praised the 90 volunteers of the Nurses Assigned in Rural Service (NARS) for their dedication, hard work and service to the rural areas.

During the culmination ceremony of Project NARS Training Program Batch-I at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZSMC), the governor likewise extended her admiration to the said volunteer-nurses for their sacrifices.

Cerilles added that enlisting under the program was a privilege and that the certificate of work experience being given to those who labored will vouch sure employment opportunities if ever they wish to look for greener pastures abroad or elsewhere.

It was learned that the 90 nurses composing the first batch is 40 short of the 130 quota for Zamboanga del Sur.

The lack of applicants, according to DOLE Provincial Director Virginia Bonbon is the lure of employment in Saudi Arabia, which is hiring nurses with or without experience.

The NARS program is President Gloria Arroyo’s strategy to cushion the impact of global financial crisis by employing new registered nurses who will help improve the delivery of health care services in rural areas.

Under the NARS program, applicants must be not over 35 years old with no nursing-related practice for the past three years with valid license from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

A collaborative effort of DOLE, DOH, PRC and Board of Nursing, nurses employed under NARS program will receive a stipend of P8,000 a month from DOLE.

In Zamboanga del Sur, the Provincial Government through the Public Employment Service Office headed by Tyrone Singgo as manager, has assisted DOLE in scouting applicants from the 26 municipalities of the province.

The nurses dispatched to their respective stations or in rural health units have undertaken various responsibilities in health services like the giving of Vitamin A capsules and deworming to children.

The second batch of nurses working for NARS will go on active duty from October to March 2010, Bonbon disclosed.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

CBCS condemns the spate of bombings in Mindanao

2009-07-20T02:44:00.000-07:00

The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent spate of bombings in Mindanao and makes the following calls and clarifications:

·That a thorough investigation by a credible independent body be conducted on all incidents of bombing (July 4 in Datu Piang, Maguindanao; July 5 in Cotabato City; July 6 in Lanao del Norte; and July 7 in Jolo and Iligan City) to unmask the truth behind them (who perpetrated/masterminded them, for what motives/reasons, are they related to one another) and bring the culprits to justice;

·That responsible reporting be observed always by the media. The people of Mindanao cannot afford the Christian-Muslim killings of the 1970’s to resurface. After the Cotabato City blast, news reports have spread that give the impression that it was the cathedral that was bombed. To make it clear, the blast took place in a stall selling lechon across the cathedral compound. It totally wrecked the stall and also damaged a portion of a certain beerhouse. Nevertheless, this makes no excuse to bomb the place;

·That places of worship be spared from any form of violence and/or desecration. The blast in Jolo also happened near a church. We denounce the bombings in the same manner that we condemn acts by men in uniform who occupied mosques, urinated in them and/or desecrated them;

·That the immediate acts of finger-pointing be stopped to prevent further escalation of the conflict and to contain any possible public panic to pave the way for sobriety, as well as thoughts and actions that are reasonable and not solely driven by biases, emotions and preconceived notions that may be wrong;

·That all people should be accorded their human rights, including both victims and suspects. The incremental number of victims of human rights violations has long been alarming. No one should be another victim of human rights violation in pursuit of justice. Due process should always be observed in dealing with suspects to the bombing: one is innocent until proven guilty, not one is guilty until proven innocent;

·That groups of all faiths here in Mindanao be more vigilant and strengthen their unity and solidarity in the face of these bleak incidents. This is NOT a Muslim-Christian conflict. Let us clear our minds and fortify our greatest resolve not to allow these dastardly acts to successfully sow suspicion and animosity that could lead to conflict; and,

·That the peace panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front return to the negotiating table to solve the age-old Mindanao conflict. The problem of the Bangsamoro as an indigenous people is highly political that it can only be resolved through genuine political means and not through military operations. Quelling rebellion and bringing peace are two different things. The peace talks are the highest form of dialogue between the two parties. A final agreement between them could spell sustainable peace and development in the Bangsamoro homeland.

We join in consoling and comforting the families of the victims of the blasts, the more than half a million internally displaced persons who have also been further agonized by indiscriminate bombings in the very sites of evacuation, and other people who are victims of injustices.

Our prayers for the attainment of genuine peace and development.

Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS)
KFI Compound, Doña Pilar Street, Poblacion IV
9600 Cotabato City, Philippines
Telefax No.: +63 (064) 421-5420
E-mails: cbcs_04@yahoo.com, secretariat@cbcsi.org

No amnesty for the ASG

2009-07-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

THE idea or proposal of granting amnesty to the Abu Sayyaf bandits is a despondent idea crafted by minds that sees it futile in running against the said group, composed of radicals responsible for numerous worst terrorist attacks in the country.

Yes, the plan of granting of amnesty would not even guarantee that peace will be restored in Mindanao. The plan is even unwise. What about the various crimes committed by the militant group? What about their victims seeking for justice?

Here we say that the granting of the amnesty should be used objectively. We should have no illusions that amnesty for the Abu Sayyaf will end the lingering conflict in the region. The roots of the centuries-old rebellion will still be there and there will be others who will take up arms if the government continues to fail in addressing the poverty problem and lack of genuine development in the region.

With the safe release of ICRC volunteer Eugenio Vagni last week, the government should be reminded about the plight of the other kidnapped victims still in the hands of their captors in Basilan. More effort should be exerted in securing the release of these hostages.

If the administration grants amnesty to the Abu Sayyaf, then the US, which tagged the ASG as a band of radical fundamentalists and a terrorist organization with links to Al-Qaida, will show its reservation to our government’s capability in going after the militant extremists.

Since 2000, nearly 200 people have been kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf group and most, if not all, were released only after huge ransoms were made. If the government is sincere in its efforts to attain lasting peace in Mindanao, it should make the the rule of law steer into action, effectively holding the Abu Sayyaf accountable for their actions.

PopCom-9 launches LPPEd

2009-07-15T19:08:00.000-07:00

THE need for mothers to teach their girls on adolescent reproductive health is essential, this was the point raised during a conference of the Population Commission (POPCOM) in celebration of World Population Day, here.

During the conference, the Learning Package on Parent Education on Adolescent Health and Development (LPPEd) was launched.

LPPEd is a module for a program developed to equip parents with the knowledge on adolescent sexual and reproductive health concerns as well as skills on how to communicate these concerns with their children.

Adosclents are to be taught at this age because it has been shown that it is from this age group the majority of the new incidences of sexually transmitted diseases and or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) come about.

According to a POPCOM study, majority of Filipinos are below the age of 25 and the reproductive health decisions that these people make determine the quality of life of the next generation of Filipinos.

Thus, the LPPEd will focus on community interventions in reproductive health for adolescents and the best among these is the inclusion of mothers who can closely relate with, influence and educate their growing girts to adopt a responsible and healthy sexual life.

Seeing that open and honest discussion regarding sexuality is not encouraged by parents, LPPEd will likewise correct inaccurate informations gathered from peer groups, media and other informal channels.

Present during the unveiling of LPPEd’s learning packages are Gov. Aurora Cerilles and son, Dumalinao mayor Ace William Cerilles, Mayor Samuel Co and POPCOM-9 OIC Dir. Susan Tejada.

Led by Tejada, the said officials signed their declaration of support to LPPEd.

Dumalinao has been chosen by POPCOM to be the pilot municipality for LPPEd activities this year.

Meanwhile, Presidential Assistant for Western Mindanao, Asec Crisanto de la Cruz praised the Zamboanga Peninsula Population Officers and Workers Inc. (ZPOWERS Inc.) for their laudable undertaking.

Cerilles, in her message, also expressed full support in managing the population growth.

In fact, Cerilles mentioned that the Provincial Government has earmarked P4.04 million for the Response for Parenting Movement through a memorandum of agreement she signed with POPCOM.

Some 200 population program officers and field workers from the four cities and three provinces of the Zamboanga Peninsula attended the POPCOM and ZPOWERS Inc.’s annual regional population congress and general assembly. WITH REPORTS FROM PIA-9

PNC advocates for a healthy lifestyle

2009-07-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO, ZAMBOSUR PPB

WITH the changing lifestyle of Filipinos, public health concerns regarding chronic degenerative diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer are becoming too significant to ignore.

That is why healthy diets, regular exercise, abstinence from smoking and moderate alcohol intake were recommended for one to develop or have a healthy lifestyle.

Creating a healthy lifestyle is making small changes in how one live each day and be healthy; this is the message of the Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) when it organized healthy lifestyle classes to Capitol employees since last week.

July is celebrated as Nutrition Month bearing the theme: “Wastong nutrisyon kailangan, lifestyle diseases iwasan.” The celebration is stipulated in Presidential Decree No. 491 or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines issued in 1974.

Governor Aurora Cerilles has urged the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) to coordinate with LGUs, NGOs, schools and communities for the nationwide celebration.

The governor said she wants everybody’s participation as this month’s celebration focuses on the role and importance of proper nutrition in the prevention and control of diet-related lifestyle diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases (NCD).

The four major NCDs, branded as the leading causes of death in the country, are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

On the other hand, the PNC, led by Provincial Nutrition Officer Jocelyn Dajao along with Jocelyn Saludsod of the Provincial Nutrition Action Office, has urged Capitol employees “to become instruments to friends and families in making positive decisions for taking up healthy diets and healthy lifestyle behavior.”

Dajao and Saludsod both see to it that their healthy lifestyle classes, which ran July 6-10 among Capitol employees, are filled with attentive listeners.

“Keep your own food diaries,” Dajao once suggested. “Take small portions of food, eat slowly and exercise to keep fit. Ayaw pagpagutom kay mao nay hinungdan mokaon ka sobra pa sa kinahanglan sa imong lawas.”

In her classes, Dajao pointed out that diabetes, which in the past is caused by heredity factors, is now acquired through environmental conditions, such as obesity, lack of activity and excessive food intake.

She then advised that in order to have an ideal body weight, males standing 5” should only weight 112 pounds or 51 kilos, and for females of the same height, normal weight should be 106 pounds or 48 kilos.

Aside from their healthy lifestyle classes, the PNC initiated “Hataw” exercises at the AEC every Friday afternoons and there’s also the “Nutri-Hataw” competition among the 17 departments.

A fund-raising activity called “Weekly Nutri-Bingo Game” was likewise coincided every Friday and the “Nutri-Walk for a Cause” scheduled on July 21.

Proceeds of the fund-raising activities will be used for PNC’s Feed a Child Enterprise (FACE) project, which concentrates on iron deficiency in children.

In the meantime, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Estrella Esma said Cerilles has been pushing for continued milk-feeding and iron supplementation to pregnant women in the province.

Zambosur eyes full, complete Philhealth coverage

2009-07-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO, ZAMBOSUR PPB

BEFORE bowing out on her last term, Gov. Aurora Cerilles said she is making sure her target to enroll 100 percent of Zambosurian indigents with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) will be met.

Cerilles vowed to expand the coverage of Philhealth to embrace more beneficiaries who were not enrolled before and were not covered by the Social Security System or the Government Service Insurance System and even those who do not have any health insurance.

With the presence of the Zambosur Medical Center (ZSMC) and the intensified Inter-Local Health Zones (ILHZs) in the province, the governor stressed that securing health services in the province will be easy with Philhealth.

Cerilles, who chairs of the Provincial Health Board, calls her plan “universal health insurance coverage,” which means that all eligible indigents or residents of Zambosur will be given coverages in medical and dental health care.

Cerilles then urged all city and municipal executives to measure up with her target and aim for the same goal, enrolling all their indigent households with PhilHealth.

“Health is our priority, it is one of my 7-Point Agenda and before I finish my term, I want my agenda to succeed,” Cerilles said during the policy meeting at Hotel Alindahaw, July 10, attended by Philhealth president Dr. Rey Aquino.

It was learned that the governor, along with Representatives Victor Yu and Antonio Cerilles, has implemented Philhealth’s multi-payor scheme, a system launched by Philhealth since 2005 that provides health insurance coverage to more than 50 percent of the indigent and underprivileged clients in the locality.

Such a scheme was implemented in order for all local government seats, whether the barangay, municipal and provincial, to allocate financial counterpart in the first two years of its implementation.

An example under this scheme, the beneficiary will only pay 25 percent of the total premium while LGUs will equally share the remaining 75 percent.

So far, of the total target of 134,301 beneficiaries, PhilHealth data states that about 92,216 were enrolled in Zambosur, which is about 76 percent in total enrolment.

Cerilles said that with the Province-wide Investment Plan for Health in place, the province was able to receive a grant from the health department amounting to P1.5 million for the maternal newborn child health and nutrition and commodity self reliance.

She likewise disclosed that with the teamwork of her husband, the congressman, they were able to obtain a subsidy from Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile in the amount of P10 million for ZSMC’s expansion.

The funding, according to Cerilles will be for the establishment of the Physical Therapy Center and the construction of private rooms in the said hospital. The bidding for this project will be made next month.

All these plans, Cerilles hoped, will be achieved with the full backing of the provincial board and local chief executives as she urged them to attend the the regular policy board meetings in their respective ILHZs.

Under Zambosur’s new health system, three ILHZs were set up: J-Smart, Dumanquillas and Yllana, from which all the 26 towns of the two districts Zambosur were assigned accordingly.

Interest in Scout movement strengthens in Zambosur

2009-07-14T05:05:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO, ZAMBOSUR PPB

THE Boy Scouts of the Philippines-Zamboanga del Sur-Sibugay-Pagadian City Council (BSP-ZSSPCC) is looking forward to make 2009 a busy year for the scout movement in Zambosur.

This after the said council, chaired by Rep. Antonio Cerilles, was proclaimed over-all winner of the 2nd Philippine Border Jamboree held in San Ramon, Zamboanga City last May 21-26.

The BSP-ZSSPCC bested 110 other scout councils throughout the country by winning first in Place Campsite category and Street Dancing Category and second in the Grand Camp Fire and Talent Competition.

At present, 20 municipalities in Zambosur are into the Neighborhood Scouting Project—a community-based scouting program intended for out-of-school youths, teaching them skills in knot tying, navigation, rappelling and survival techniques, among others.

Cerilles, in an interview, said he is strengthening the scout movement in the barangays after noticing its unimpressive growth in the past because of voluntary membership.

The congressman added that as first step, he adapted the Wood Badger’s leadership program in order for adult scouters to create a bond and commitment to the Scout movement.

The wood badgers, after their training, will then put their newly gained experience into practice by aiding the would-be scouts.

Cerilles remarked that because of their training success, interests in the scout movement are slowly coming back, with the enlistment of about 1,266 officials composed of regional directors, town mayors down to the village councilors.

“With a strong scouting movement, we can prepare the young to be good citizens so we can be sure that our country will not be short of strong leaders,” Cerilles stressed.

“Because scouting is one’s duty to God, country, others before one’s self,” he concluded.

Global warming: A threat to our lives

2009-07-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

LAST Tuesday’s news worth pondering to was about Sen. Loren Legarda’s appeal for help to save the islands of Maldives and the Philippines from the threat of rising waters due to global warming, specifically caused by heavy and excessive carbon emission from rich and industrialized countries.

Constantly threatened by rising sea level, our country stands on the possibility of getting obliterated from the world map too; if for example, a one-meter rise in sea level will happen. The 1,192 islands in Madives would be almost gone at this deep while in our country; the same rise in sea level can affect 28 coastal settelements around the archipelago.

And while Legarda laments that both Maldives and the Philippines may have contributed less to the problem of climate change, people living in the scattered islands of the two countries are on the brink of getting exterminated as the threats of climate change become more and more visible in its borders.

Meteorologists and weather experts have said that the current sea level rise is due partly to human-induced global warming, to mention also the glacial flows from North America.

Global warming is the result of the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, like carbon dioxide, methane, chloroflorocarbons and nitrous oxide.

Carbon dioxide, a by-product of the burning of fossil fuels, such as gasoline in an automobile or coal in power plants that generate electricity is slowly enveloping our skies. So too with atmospheric methane, a powerful greenhouse gas derived from sources such as rice paddies, bovine flatulence, bacteria in bogs and fossil fuel production.

Remember that a carbon dioxide’s lifetime in the atmosphere can range from 50-200 years. This kind of gas prevent the reflection of solar radiation back out into space. Once it is there in the atmosphere, there is very little we can do to reduce it.

Experts have claimed that temperature increase of several degrees wouldn't be experienced consistently but there’s evidence that this is felt by particular regions more profoundly than others. Some might suffer changes in the amount of rainfall received. Again, this rise in temperatures could cause sea level increase of 20 or more inches, which in effect will destroy coastal wetlands and flood coastal areas.

It’s not difficult to sense the effects of global warming. It is still July here yet unabated rainfall has started to flood our agricultural lands, damage homes and infrastructures. The abnormal weather is new to a tropical country like ours because we should be expecting downpours by August but the current situation shows otherwise.

In the universal scale, we have the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty which agreement requires the United States, the European Union and Japan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2010. We don’t know if this agreement has been complied with by the concerned countries.

A study made by the World Health Organization (WHO) determined that 154,000 people die every year from the effects of global warming, from malaria to malnutrition, with children in developing nations seemingly the most vulnerable.

WHO estimates the said numbers could almost double by 2020, further suggesting that even a small shift in temperature, for instance, could extend the range of mosquitoes that spread malaria.

Dr. Thomas Karl, director of the National Climatic Data Center, says that global warming has produced an increase in precipitation during the 20th century, mostly in the form of heavy rainstorms and little in moderate, beneficial rainstorms.

Meanwhile, Britain's Meteorological Office has warned in its report issued in November, 1999 that flooding in Asia and Southeast Asia would increase more than ninefold over the coming decades.

An October 2007 report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer stated that the country’s corals are under threat from bleaching and illegal fishing and ocean “acidification,” which is caused by excessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, is slowly dissolving in the oceans, reducing the ability of the coral reefs to deposit calcium carbonate or calcify.

With the ocean becoming more acidic, corals would stop growing and eventually disintegrate and this would affect other sea shells and mollusks.

Another PDI report dated June 25, 2009 notes the briskly changing weather pattern all over the countryside, which is hurting the fishing industry. The fishing season has become shorter as heavy rains and strong waves now begin as early as late March or early April.

Global warming is a global concern. Calamities of sort occur frequently in our archipelago due to climate change that was also rooted from the people's lack of concern to the environment and even by abuses.

So what can developing countries do? How can we Filipinos take part in reducing the effects of global warming? With the 2010 election a few months from now, we should know how prepared the government is in responding to the effects of global warming as well as to its impact on the population.

We should demand from our candidates their convincing action in fighting climate change since it is their responsibility as our representatives in public office to protect our children and future generations from damage to the environment they will inherit. In short, let us vote only for those who care about our planet.

Even in the local scene, we can step up efforts to lessen the impact of climate change by tackling on issues about environmental management such as solid waste management, forest management, pollution and coastal management, among others.

With all these information identifying the problems, let us address the global warming problem and anticipate its effects on our lives. There are solutions, if people will only care to take action.

So then, let us help rid the atmosphere of poisonous gases. Let’s suggest the use of clean and renewable energy. Let’s advance organic farming and protect our remaining forests.

Let us try. We must.

Zambosur’s off-grid villages use solar power

2009-07-13T00:48:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE Provincial Government and the Department of Energy (DOE), effecting its memorandum of agreement signed last March for the energization of selected villages in the province, is now in the thick of training the so-called Barangay Power Association (BAPA), Ramon Jaurigue, DOE science research specialist said.

Jaurigue, in an interview, said BAPA’s creation will ensure the sustainability of the photovoltaic solar home system (PSHS) project as BAPA members will be given the task of managing PSHS’ power system in their respective villages.

The project is being implemented in the province by Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) Solar Home Systems Distribution Project using using 5-Wp Solar PV module complete with 100 AH storage battery, battery control unit and four compact fluorescent lamps.

To date, about 246 sets of PSHS have been installed in barangays Busol, Nangan-nangan and Lacarayan in Tigbao; Bulanay in Sominot; Man-ilan in Tukuran; and Lower Liason in Tambulig.

The PSHS project would serve about 40 households in each of the barangays mentioned.

Presently, the PNOC has energized some 12,390 barangays across the country under the said project.

PNOC’s Antonio Buenviaje, who trained the BAPA members, explains the PSHS project is a financing program for off-grid communities not energized by the local electric cooperative.

He added that beneficiary-families will only pay an initial P1,000 in counterpart for the PSHS installation while a token monthly maintainance fee will be collected by BAPA for the upkeep and replacement of the battery used for the storage of solar power for the next three years.

Buenviaje believes electricity is important to rural communities in order for them to be productive and do lucrative activities.

Last year, DOE Sec. Angelo Reyes visited Brgy. Langilan, San Miguel and witnessed the implementation of the Expanded Rural Electrification Program in 21 barangays in the region, which are being fitted with communal electrification systems.

Reyes then said that harnessing the power of the sun to energize homes will bring substantial savings on the expense families pay for buying kerosene.

Meanwhile, the July 9 technician’s training seminar was conducted by DOE and PNOC at the PGO Conference Room to enhance the participants’ knowledge in the proper handling, maintenance and utilization of the PSHS facility in their respective area of coverage.

The activity was facilitated by Provincial Planning and Development Office Coordinator Loy Canales and attended by 20 BAPA members, municipal engineers and meter readers from the mentioned villages.

The inputs, according to Buenviaje, will help BAPA do some repairs in case the PSHS bog down during its daily operation.

Governor Aurora Cerilles, for her part, welcomed the developments and thanked the facilitators for their assistance and in creating BAPA.

“Progress results from persistence with purpose. We can never afford to be complacent because we want a better quality of life for the people; we want to give flesh and value to equitable development that those in the off-grid and far-flung barangays also deserve,” Cerilles said.

“To effectively combat today’s economic recessions, the need to capacitate and empower the people is crucial. Lauman ko nga kini nga kahimuan makatabang sa paghimong labing mabungahon ug malambuon sa kahimtang sa kinabuhi sa atong mga katawhan,” she concluded.

Firms urged to link with local business chambers

2009-07-12T23:52:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

CONGRESSMAN Antonio Cerilles urged the local government of Pagadian and the Pagadian-ZDS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (PZCCIFI) to rally round on local businesses to become chamber members.

Cerilles said the LGU and PZCCIFI can help spruce up local economy by formulating laws that mandates micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to register or affiliate with the business chamber in order to justify their legitimacy as traders.

This was the first track of Cerilles’ discourse when he he delivered his keynote speech during the 5th Zamboanga Peninsula Business Conference (Zampenbizcon) held here last week, July 8-11.

Cerilles curtly said that efforts to boost the business sector will find relief when all businesses in the locality, in Pagadian City and in other urban centers, for example, feel their relationship with their respective trade chambers.

“The local government may opt not to issue licenses to businesses who are not members of your business chambers,” Cerilles said, saying this notice will guarantee enlistment.

The congressman added that he was moved to offer such a suggestion after seeing few people in attendance although he said those present in the conference were the more responsible business sectors in the region.

With the theme: “Meeting the challenges of time: One region, one vision,” the 5th Zampenbizcon gathered together delegates from the local chambers and trade associations along with different regional officials of the trade department.

The delegates are businessmen from the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Misamis Occidental and from the cities of Isabela, Dipolog, Dapitan, Zamboanga and Ozamiz.

During its plenary sessions, the said event tackled on the LGU’s role in business and investment promotion, tourism and agri-aqua development agenda, offered special presentations on successful ventures and awarded the “2009 Most Oustanding MSMEs.”

In recognition of its innovative business processes, Nutribooster Foods Phils. Inc. is the provincial winner in the micro category while Pagadian City Springland Hotel grabbed the award in small category and RML People’s Mart in the medium category, for its entrepreneurial spirit.

The Zamboanga del Sur-I Electric Cooperative (Zamsureco-I) also received an award for demonstrating excellent responsiveness and service to customers and commitment to the growth and well-being of the community.

Governor Aurora Cerilles and Mayor Samuel Co, respectively gave their messages during Zampenbizcon’s opening ceremonies.

The governor, in her welcome remarks, commended the business sector for its active role in peace building and community development, which subsequently improved people’s lives.

Co, for his part, encouraged firms and private companies to invest and take advantage of the trade opportunities in Pagadian, taking cue from the achievements of the already thriving businesses in the locality.

Call for thorough and steadfast resolution of the Rollin murder

2009-07-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

PRESS STATEMENT

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Northern Mindanao have recently announced the filing of a murder case before the Regional Trial Court in Oroquieta City against the suspect in the killing of DxSY broadcaster Ernesto “Ka Ernie” Rollin.

Regional State Prosecutor Jaime Umpa has declared that the suspect was positively identified by Rollin’s live-in partner, Ligaya Barrero, who was with him waiting for an Ozamiz city-bound vehicle on that fateful morning of February 23, 2009 when the shooting happened.

However, Umpa acknowledged that the suspect was only the triggerman, and the mastermind in the killing is yet to be identified as well as the motive for the attack on Rollin.

We laud the efforts of the law enforcers in going after the killers, as well as the prosecuting agencies who worked for the solution of the Rollin slay.

We understand the difficulties they have undergone in order to establish the vital information that make up a legal argument before the court to pin down those involved in the brutal act.

But amid this seeming success in bringing the resolution effort to this level, we still urge authorities to continue their lookout for vital information that may have been left out, even if this could mean starting over again.
We also insist that the authorities’ focus must be guided by the highest sense of justice: punishing those responsible and sparing those who are not. It is only through this that such a revolting act against journalists will be prevented in the future.

NAPTALIE BATOLENIO, vice-chair
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)
Ozamiz City Chapter
Mobile phone 09297461772

Call for thorough and steadfast resolution of the Rollin murder

2009-07-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

PRESS STATEMENT

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Northern Mindanao have recently announced the filing of a murder case before the Regional Trial Court in Oroquieta City against the suspect in the killing of DxSY broadcaster Ernesto “Ka Ernie” Rollin.

Regional State Prosecutor Jaime Umpa has declared that the suspect was positively identified by Rollin’s live-in partner, Ligaya Barrero, who was with him waiting for an Ozamiz city-bound vehicle on that fateful morning of February 23, 2009 when the shooting happened.

However, Umpa acknowledged that the suspect was only the triggerman, and the mastermind in the killing is yet to be identified as well as the motive for the attack on Rollin.

We laud the efforts of the law enforcers in going after the killers, as well as the prosecuting agencies who worked for the solution of the Rollin slay.

We understand the difficulties they have undergone in order to establish the vital information that make up a legal argument before the court to pin down those involved in the brutal act.

But amid this seeming success in bringing the resolution effort to this level, we still urge authorities to continue their lookout for vital information that may have been left out, even if this could mean starting over again.

We also insist that the authorities’ focus must be guided by the highest sense of justice: punishing those responsible and sparing those who are not. It is only through this that such a revolting act against journalists will be prevented in the future.

NAPTALIE BATOLENIO, vice-chair
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)
Ozamiz City Chapter
Mobile phone 09297461772

DOLE hands out livelihood funds to Zambosur rubber farmers group

2009-07-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), last week, turned over a P500,000 livelihood check to the Tubod Farmers Association (TFA) of Lakewood, this province.

Ponciano Ligutom, DOLE-9 director, said the funds will be distributed as a grant-in-aid to TFA for their rubber nursery project in the municipality.

Rubber is the top 12 agriculture produce of Mindanao, with 404.05 metric tons produced in 2007, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics said.

The turnover was made possible by Ligutom and DOLE Provl. Dir. Virginia Bonbon, also witnessed by Gov. Aurora Cerilles, who represented the provincial government as DOLE’s accredited co-partners (ACPs).

ACPs are tasked to assist DOLE in monitoring the development of livelihood undertaking of a particular group or association to ensure that the grant-in-aid is put to good use.

The half-a-million pesos aid is under the economic resiliency program of the government which aims to provide emergency employment and or livelihood to probinsiyanos.

Ligutom, in a huddle, said that their department is responding to the possible impact of global financial crisis and has stepped up efforts aimed at providing immediate interventions to those who will be affected.

In Zamboanga Peninsula, Ligutom identified the workers from canning, coconut and rubber industry as those likely to be affected by the looming crisis.

In Zamboanga City, last June 12, DOLE has facilitated the turnover of several emergency employment contracts and livelihood programs under its Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Programs (CLEEP) in the amount of P46,552,372 including scholarship grants worth P8,000,040.

DOLE also awarded P33,742,466 for training agreements of CLEEP agencies and another P3,594,004 in livelihood checks to municipalities around the region.

In Zambosur, the grant will be used to start various livelihood projects such as the boneless danggit production, cassava and broiler production and seaweed farming.

Cerilles, in her message, thanked DOLE for the financial support as she urged the beneficiaries to make their livelihood ventures useful in order to get the best benefit.

RPOC pushes for special courts for drug cases

2009-07-11T23:54:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE growing incidence of illegal drugs and the increase of drug-related cases have nudged the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) to pass a resolution requesting for a special court in Zamboanga del Sur, which will exclusively try drug cases.

Resolution No. 01 series 2009 contains RPOC’s request, as pushed by the council chaired by Gov. Aurora Cerilles, duly motioned by Mayor Samuel Co and seconded by B/Gen. Jovencio Magalso of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

The RPOC noted the statistics presented by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), which showed “a remarkable increase” of drug related cases.

The council likewise mentioned that despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, the PDEA and PNP, only a negligible percentage has been resolved.

“Whereas to dispel doubts on the impartiality of our justice system, there is an imperative need to place responsibility in the prosecution of drug-related cases in a particular court,” the RPOC resolution reads.

Last June, the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) raised the possibility of holding a dialogue among the so-called pillars of the criminal justice system in order to complement each others action and or interpretation of the law, especially on drug-related cases.

PADAC noted the need to harmonize community involvement, law enforcement, prosecution, court and the correctional institution in the provincial government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

PADAC was suggesting the move based on the case of one illegal drug suspect who was caught red-handed by police in a drug buy-bust operation but was granted bail by the judge.

Congressman Antonio Cerilles, himself said in an interview that he is agreeable to the proposal put up by Chief Justice Reynato Puno, which calls for the creation of a three-member special court that would exclusively try drug cases.

Cerilles said he is open to the said proposal; especially that it goes with the establishment of a separate penitentiary exclusively for drug offenders in order to isolate them from their drug networks.

Article 6, Section 90 of RA 9165 referred to special courts to be designated by the Supreme Court from among the existing Regional Trial Courts in each judicial region to exclusively try and hear cases.

It likewise added that “The DOJ shall designate special prosecutors to exclusively handle cases involving violations of this Act.”

May, this year, the House committee on dangerous drugs approved the bill creating the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Dangerous Drugs (OSPDD), as filed by Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez.

The OSPDD, which would be under the Office of the President and with an initial budget of P200 million, will solely handle controversial drug cases against drug offenders who may include government officials.

Pagadian takes steps against dengue

2009-07-08T01:06:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

IN an effort to help decrease dengue incidence in the city, a week-long fogging activity was conducted by the Provincial Government in several villages here identified as having high prevalence of dengue hemmorhagic fever (DHF).

The activity came after reports from the City Health Office (CHO) stated that the city, as of June, noted an increase of dengue cases documented in the barangays.

Although City Health Officer Noel Ceniza said he does not endorse fogging, he said in a conversation that for this time only, he is giving in to the request of local government to fumigate barangays suspected with dreaded dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Both Gov. Aurora Cerilles and Mayor Samuel Co have each set aside funds for the fumigation activities and Ceniza said he has likewise mobilized health teams to conduct information dessimination campaigns about the dangers of dengue in identified high-risk barangays.

The barangays subjected to fumigation last June 29 to July 3 were Sta. Lucia, Dumagoc, Sto. Niño, Gatas, Kawit, san Pedro, Tiguma, San Jose, Balangasan and Napolan.

Fogging, according to the Department of Health (DOH), is used to kill adult mosquitoes infected with the virus to immediately stop transmission.

But fogging, added the DOH, is recommended “as a preventive measure” only as it will be very costly to do fogging every seven days since mosquito larvae thrive and became adult in 7-8 days.

Despite the suspected presence of the Influenza AH1N1 virus all around, the DOH said that dengue is still a major concern that should also be addressed by barangays and town officials.

2009 figures from the CHO listed Tiguma, Balangasan, San Pedro, Sta. Lucia, Sto. Niño, San Jose, Tuburan and Banale were among the so-called high-risk villages when it comes to incidence of dengue cases.

2009-07-06T23:52:00.001-07:00

Zambo drug route ‘closely watched’

THE Philippine Drug Enforcemnent Agency (PDEA) last week said they are “closely monitoring” the so-called backdoor routes of drug syndicates as they disclosed they are “strengthening their strategies” to combat the continued proliferation of illegal drugs.

READ FULL STORY

Maceda praises Cerilles

FORMER ambassador and Senator Ernesto Maceda was full of praise when he spoke of the Cerilles and Enerio families last weekend with ex-president Joseph Estrada and company visited Pagadian City for their “Lakbay Pasasalamat.”

READ FULL STORY

Roads are ‘real drivers of development in Mindanao’

ROADS are important not only for travel and relocation but it can also be seen as the “real drivers of development,” MEDCo Usec. Virgilio Leyretana Sr. said.

READ FULL STORY

Zambosur warms up for Megayon ‘09

THE Provincial Government is currently putting things in order for the one-week affair of the 57th Megayon Festival 2009.

READ FULL STORY

Zambosur offers eco-adventure tourism

LOCAL government initiatives being implemented to develop the Agro-Tourism and Heritage Complex (AHC) in Dao, this city, has already produced good results and generated interest among visitors.

READ FULL STORY

Booming businesses liven up in Zampen

AMID the financial crisis besetting the world today, certain investors have come to put up their booming businesses in Zamboanga Peninsula.

READ FULL STORY

DOH confirms first AH1N1 case in Zambopen

THE influenza A(H1N1) protection barrier in Zamboanga Peninsula is breached after the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed its first A(H1N1) case.

READ FULL STORY

RPOC makes fuzz on MNLF streamer

A streamer which specifies the location of the headquarters of the so-called Bangsa Moro Republic in Labangan became a big topic in the recently concluded meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).

READ FULL STORY

15 Mindanao airport projects fast tracked

FIFTEEN airports in Mindanao classified as priority infrastructure projects will be completed by December, this year. Three of these are the big airports of Zamboanga, Dipolog and Pagadian cities.

READ FULL STORY

5 Zambosur towns stand out in 2008 MELLPI

2009-07-06T23:52:00.000-07:00

Zambo drug route ‘closely watched’

Maceda praises Cerilles

Roads are ‘real drivers of development in Mindanao’

ROADS are important not only for travel and relocation but it can also be seen as the “real drivers of development,” MEDCo Usec. Virgilio Leyretana Sr. said.

READ FULL STORY

Zambosur warms up for Megayon ‘09

THE Provincial Government is currently putting things in order for the one-week affair of the 57th Megayon Festival 2009.

READ FULL STORY

Zambosur offers eco-adventure tourism

Booming businesses liven up in Zampen

AMID the financial crisis besetting the world today, certain investors have come to put up their booming businesses in Zamboanga Peninsula.

READ FULL STORY

DOH confirms first AH1N1 case in Zambopen

THE influenza A(H1N1) protection barrier in Zamboanga Peninsula is breached after the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed its first A(H1N1) case.

READ FULL STORY

RPOC makes fuzz on MNLF streamer

15 Mindanao airport projects fast tracked

5 Zambosur towns stand out in 2008 MELLPI

2009-07-06T23:47:00.000-07:00

Zambo drug route ‘closely watched’

Maceda praises Cerilles

Roads are ‘real drivers of development in Mindanao’

ROADS are important not only for travel and relocation but it can also be seen as the “real drivers of development,” MEDCo Usec. Virgilio Leyretana Sr. said.

READ FULL STORY

Zambosur warms up for Megayon ‘09

THE Provincial Government is currently putting things in order for the one-week affair of the 57th Megayon Festival 2009.

READ FULL STORY

Zambosur offers eco-adventure tourism

Booming businesses liven up in Zampen

AMID the financial crisis besetting the world today, certain investors have come to put up their booming businesses in Zamboanga Peninsula.

READ FULL STORY

DOH confirms first AH1N1 case in Zambopen

THE influenza A(H1N1) protection barrier in Zamboanga Peninsula is breached after the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed its first A(H1N1) case.

READ FULL STORY

RPOC makes fuzz on MNLF streamer

15 Mindanao airport projects fast tracked

5 Zambosur towns stand out in 2008 MELLPI

Zambo drug route ‘closely watched’

2009-07-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE Philippine Drug Enforcemnent Agency (PDEA) last week said they are “closely monitoring” the so-called backdoor routes of drug syndicates as they disclosed they are “strengthening their strategies” to combat the continued proliferation of illegal drugs.

PDEA Reg. Dir. Adzhar Albani disclosed that drug syndicates have been keeping their illicit transport of shabu under wraps through land, sea and air logistics.

During the Regional Peace and Order conference last week, Albani reported to the council that the usual drug routes have not changed and still tag along that of the integrated transport network system, from the National Capital Region down to the east-west nautical highways including that of Misamis provinces.

Down south, one can see the straight path from China in the west border and the Sandakan, Malaysia-Zamboanga Seaport link, which also involves Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA) areas.

So overwhelming were the interchange and the volume of drugs being transported in this network that the PDEA started to monitor closely those smuggling illegal drugs by large quantities.

By this appraisal, Albani said they have categorized Zamboanga del Sur as a “critical area” along with Sulu.

Albani further stated that PDEA’s “Task Force Foxtrot” is watching over Regions 9, 10 and ARMM over these illicit drug trafficking.

He added that drug trafficking in these areas is controlled mostly by locally based drug group and sometimes, by politicians acting as protectors and or drug lords.

Albani explained that PDEA’s assessment is consistent with that of intelligence reports received from their counterparts in the Philippine National Police (PNP) placing Zambosur and Sulu in equal level.

This is so because, as he affirmed, of the presence of armed groups affiliated with the locally-based drug organizations and the emerging narco-politics in their responsibility areas.

Albani adds that shabu “is still the number one choice of drug” in the region, presently with a prevailing price between P9,000-P11,000 per gram.

This increase in price, he said, is attributed to the pounding buy busts and raid operations jointly conducted by PDEA, PNP, NBI and the 53rd IB, which eventually lead to the dwindling supply of the illicit drugs.

To recall, in a press conference called by Gov. Aurora Cerilles last May, attended by Task Force Kontra Droga (TFKD) action officer and board member Ernesto Mondarte, the lawmaker claimed that they have suppressed circulation of shabu illegal in the province, resulting to the increase of shabu street price due to dwindling supply.

Prices have increased five times, from P100 per sachet to P500, said Mondarte, as evidenced by relentless entrapment and buy-bust operations against drug traffickers in identified barangays in Pagadian.

“The price now is high because of the diminishing supply,” Mondarte disclosed.

Mondarte adds the supply reduction and their strategy against shabu proliferation have been successful in the mentioned areas because they saturated the secondary and tertiary schools through information campaign on the dangers and effects of illegal drugs.

Likewise, the legislator said that he requested each town to activate their municipal anti drug abuse councils, which they did, and intensified advocacies on radio airtimes and media reports in the all out war against illegal drugs

“Nakita nato ang effect niining nanglabay nga confiscations, tungod sa scarcity sa supply, mimahal ang shabu. Magdungan ning supply and demand reduction and the community has done well, I hope kita tanan, with the parents and all sectors in the society will help flush out illegal drugs in our communities,” Mondarte said.

As of June 29, about 13 anti-drug operations have been conducted by the PDEA resulting to the arrest of 23 suspects and the confiscation of 247.77 grams of shabu with 25 cases filed against the alleged suspects.

As to the joint operations, 74 drug buy bust and raids have been effected resulting to the arrest of 117 suspects the confiscation of 132.4228 grams of shabu.

As to Cannabis or marijuana, PDEA has uprooted some 1,500 hemps worth P300,000 in Brgy. Punungan in Talipao, Sulu.

Cerilles, in her response to Albani’s report, said that she “was saddened in knowing that Zambosur is still considered as critical” despite the significant accomplishment of the authorities in the anti-drug campaign in the province.

“Honestly, you’ve heard about the accomplishment of Task Force Kontra Droga running after drug personalities in Zambosur. Their action has brought about the scarcity of drugs,” Cerilles said.

Even so, drug lords in the province are now “transferring,” added the governor, to which Albani corrected that some may have, to the so called “friendly areas.”

“Don’t worry maam, there’s no boundary limit in our campaign. We can cross those places and arrest those people. We only need to continue our coordination and the community’s participation and involvement,” Albani assured.

For his part, PNP Provincial Director Ramon Ochotorena, when asked by this paper what he thinks of the report, said the information was a good eye-opener.

“Nindot na aron ma-focus sad ang PDEA dinhi sa atoang probinsiya. As for the PNP, we also need to double our effort,” he said.

Maceda praises Cerilles

2009-07-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

FORMER ambassador and Senator Ernesto Maceda was full of praise when he spoke of the Cerilles and Enerio families last weekend with ex-president Joseph Estrada and company visited Pagadian City for their “Lakbay Pasasalamat.”

Estrada and son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, actor Rex Cortez and Maceda were welcomed and billeted by provincial officials led by Representatives Antonio Cerilles and Victor Yu, Mayor Samuel Co, members of the provincial board and village chieftains.

In his short speech at the multimedia center stage of the AEC, Maceda recalls his past visit in the city when he proclaimed all the candidates of the Cerilleses in the Nationalist Peoples Coalition provincial convention.

“I must congratulate the Cerilles and Enerio families for their more than 50 years of service to Zamboanga del Sur,” Maceda said, explaining his familiarity with former governor and congressman Vicente Cerilles and the late Rep. Canuto Cerilles who served the province for many years

“The best proof of their long service is the fact that you the voters of Zambosur keep on sending them to office because you have seen and you have decided that they have done a good job in running this province especially the incumbent Governor Auring Cerilles,” the former ambassador said.

“Earlier, Governor Inting reminded me that when I was executive secretary, I was the one he approached for the release of the funds for Salug Valley Irrigation project and the approval and implementation of PADAP,” Maceda recalls.

“I am grateful that during the time of Governor Vicente Cerilles I was made an adopted son of Zambosur and nalipay gyod ako nga nakabalik ako dinhi sa atong pinalanggang lungsod,” he added.

Saying further that he won’t be running again this May synchronized election but hopes that when Estrada returns to Malacañang, he will be given a position so that he can help the people of Zambosur.

Maceda then give details of their visit and explained the possible direction of Estrada this coming May 2010.

“Bakit ba kailangan ibalik si Erap sa Malacañang? Fair play and justice dictates that dapat ibalik si Erap because he was unsconstitutionally removed after two and a half years inspite of having won by a landslide of six million votes,” was Maceda’s words.

“Not satisfied with that, he was imprisoned for six and a half years. Tama lang, its just right and fair na dapat, kung papayagan ninyo, ibalik naman siya uli bilang presidente ng Pilipinas,” he bellowed, as the audience clapped their hands.

“There are many presidentiables at present but sino ba ang dapat piliin? I would like to recommend to you the following reasons: Experience, yong may malawak ang karanasan, with more than 30 years in public.”

“Maturity—as you grow older you become mellower, you become more deliberate and understanding,” he said.

“And especially for a person who has served six years in jail, you have gone to a feeling of reflection and penance. He has gone to a process of purification and conversion and therefore having been in the shoes of somebody who has been imprisoned, who has been unjustly treated, he knows what it is to be a person na naapi at pinahirapan.”

“And therefore when he makes decisions as a president in the future, he will be objective, balanced and Chistian-like and he will never be a dictator.”

The former senator said that Estrada will likely win if the voice of the people, the “charisma factor” and the “underdog factor” plus the “sympathy votes” prevails.

Maceda recalls that past presidents like Ronald Reagan got re-elected at the age of 73 and became the best president the US ever had; likewise with Nelson Mandela—a Nobel Peace Prize winner— who was elected president of South Africa at the age 84 and Charles Nicole, who was elected at the age 70 and became the greatest president of France.

“Huwag na tayong mag-take a chance sa 40-45 anyos na kandidato na kulang pa sa karanasan, kulang pa sa maturity at experensiya sa kahirapan ng buhay dito na tayo sa taong mahaba ang karanasan at isang taong dako ang kasing-kasing para sa mga pobre ug motabang gyod sa mga pobre,” Maceda concluded.

A dinner party was held for Estrada and company that evening, at Hotel Alindahaw after which a film showing of Estrada’s “Ang Mabuhay para sa Masa” was shown to guests.

The dinner was attended by provincial, city and municipal executives, Jaycee members, PNP officials and media.

Zambosur warms up for Megayon ‘09

2009-07-06T23:16:00.001-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE Provincial Government is currently putting things in order for the one-week affair of the 57th Megayon Festival 2009.

This early, Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Officer Anthony Frederick Padayhag has called on a number of meetings attended by the different assigned clusters.

Padayhag explains the Megayon Festival for this year will be the last under the leadership of Gov. Aurora Cerilles so he wants to make it more impressive than the previous ones as well as more memorable.

Megayon, a Subanen word for unity, traces its history as an artist-led cultural event started in 1996 at the foot of Mt. Timulan.

In 2006, the Provincial Government, through Ordinance No. 016-2006, officially adopted the Megayon Festival for the annual celebration of the founding anniversary of the province.

It was learned that Cerilles has directed Provincial Administrator Pepito Degamo to head the Steering Committee, which composed of board member Felicidad Funtanilla, Mayor Ace William Cerilles and Exec. Asst. Tyrone Singgo as vice chairmen.

For the 57th Megayon Festival, about 50 working committees are being organized and divided into four clusters.

The Physical Preparation Cluster is being headed by Diego Suela of Provincial General Services Office; the Sports, Culture and Arts Cluster by Padayhag; the Activities and Program Cluster by OIC Provincial Agriculturist Marilyn Bersales; and the Administration Cluster by Allan Cabatingan of the Barangay Affairs Office.

Padayhag said that they have come up with a tentative theme for the celebration, which is, “Lig-ong Pangagamhanan, Tuburan sa Kalambuan, Legasiya sa Kasamtangang Pamunuan.”

The Megayon Festival will be officially opened this coming Sept. 11 and will culminate on the 17th, the province’s anniversary and coincidentally the governor’s birthday.

Padayhag noted that the annuall beauty pageant “Search for Miss Zamboanga del Sur 2009” is still included in the list of activities along with a band festival, skate boarding, mountain bike race, video kasiyahan and others.

A consolidation meeting was just concluded and the budget proposal is now the main concern being deliberated by Padayhag and company.

Roads are ‘real drivers of development in Mindanao’

2009-07-06T23:16:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

ROADS are important not only for travel and relocation but it can also be seen as the “real drivers of development,” MEDCo Usec. Virgilio Leyretana Sr. said.

Farm-to-market roads, for example, drive farmers to produce something to be harvested, collected and bring in to the market,” he told journalists.

“Circumferential roads and bridges facilitate movement and mobility of people and make the goods people bring at low cost. Roads really are a big incentive to producers and boost Mindanao’s development, he added.

Leyretana visited Pagadian last week for the 12th Mindanao Super Region inter-Agency meeting with other stakeholders and attended also by provincial and city officials led by Rep. Antonio Cerilles, Gov. Aurora Cerilles and Mayor Samuel Co as hosts.

“Roads, for law enforcers, make it easy for patrolling the barangays,” Leyretana continued, “greatly benefitting the community,” along with big infrastructure projects like airport rehabilitations all over the island.

The undersecretary mentioned that portions of roads from Surigao to Bislig need improvement, including the Sibuco-Siraway network.

“With good roads, Mindanao will not be anymore a fragmented geographical region. Farming, tourism, trading and commerce will then expand. The integrated system of tourism development will boost job generation and everybody lives,” Leyretana said.

“What Mindanao needs today is a logistical hub for the import and export of goods and distribute these to other regions. We also need to build lateral roads and make it a holistic and balanced development,” he stressed.

Raw 2007 data of infrastructure utilities from the Department of Public Works and Highways stated that some 4,359.06 kilometers in length are classified as paved national roads in Mindanao while another 2,650.63 are unpaved national roads.

“With this, Mindanao will then be a self-sustaining, integrated, borderless sconomy. But we first need to protect our environemtn, rivers, lakes because no living things will survive without these,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cerilles commented that in setting up developments in Mindanao, population frequency should be considered.

“We should look into the poverty incidence in the island and the disparity between the poor and rich,” the congressman said.

In her 2006 State-of-the-Nation Address, President Gloria Arroyo unveiled the concept of “super regions,” noting the importance of grouping selected regions and provinces by their economic strengths to stimulate economic growth and development.

Arroyo’s EO No. 561 dated Aug. 19, 2006 mandated the formation of Mindanao Super Regions (MSRs) to strap up the island’s competitive advantage in agribusiness, through major infrastructure support.

MSR projects, to date, have a total budget of P62.555 billion until 2010 for the implementation of its programs, projects and activities. The whole amount does not include those for additional projects.

A MEDco briefing paper stated that there are still unfinished businesses in Mindanao like the widespread and chronic poverty, the need to address long-standing conflict, strengthening of weak institutions and the need to increase public and private investments.

Zambosur offers eco-adventure tourism

2009-07-06T23:15:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

LOCAL government initiatives being implemented to develop the Agro-Tourism and Heritage Complex (AHC) in Dao, this city, has already produced good results and generated interest among visitors.

The AHC, a novel innovation by Rep. Antonio Cerilles and Gov. Aurora Cerilles, has been the customary venue for the annual Megayon Festival.

The AHC is said to be the harbinger of the ambitious promotion of the province as an eco-adventure tourism destination in Zambosur.

Within its grounds one can find the famous Butterfly Park, Canopy Walk and Zipline and other amenities for adventure-loving people to explore and venture.

Last April, the AHC hosted the 2nd Summer Youth Fest (SYF) and gathered together youths from as far as Jolo-Sulu and Misamis Occidental for an educational-cultural immersion on the dances and rituals of the Subanen people.

The Zambosur SYF was conceptualized by Provincial Tourism Officer Frederick Anthony Padayhag in accordance with the thrust of Cerilles for youth development in arts and sports.

The event was coincided with the celebration of the 1st League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Zambosur Week, led by Dumalinao mayor Ace William Cerilles.

Padayhag said the AHC was the center of attraction in their promotion to other areas like Ozamiz, Iligan, Cagayan, Dipolog and Dapitan cities, though the conception of “Laag Zamboanga del Sur.”

Padayhag reveals that the Provincial Government is [ayong attention to the promotion of tourism that will cater to adventure, escapades and exploration.

These adventure come-ons, Padayhag said, will be diverse and unique from other tourist destinations with the help of improved domestic transportation and the re-opening of this city’s airport in the coming months.

Provincewide, Zambosur boasts of pleasureable resorts and attractions like the Lapuyan Falls, Lakewood’s Biswangan Resort, Lake Dasay in San Miguel, Mount Timolan Protected Tourism Landscape in Tigbao, Sominot Cave and the Pulacan Falls and camping site.

Dive sites can also be found in San Pablo and Tabina, where white sand beaches abound along with giant turtles in the so-called Panikian Island.

In Pagadian City, one can visit Dao-Dao Islands, White Beach, Bomba Beach, Mt. Susong Dalaga, Lourdes Waterfalls, Mt. Pinokis in Lison Valley and Manga Falls, a two-layered cascading fall surrounded by huge trees which are home to white monkeys.

By itself, this city’s motorcab is already a tourist attraction, with its one-of-a-kind aerodynamic design—the sidecar tilted upwards.

Last June, during the 40th Araw ng Pagadian, the city government lined up 2,000 motorcabs in single file along F.S. Pajares Avenue, in its bid for a Guinness World Record for the longest motorcycle parade.

Based on raw data from the Department of Tourism, for 2007, total tourist arrivals in Zamboanga Peninsula accounts for 11.2 percent of the total arrivals in Mindanao.

Booming businesses liven up in Zampen

2009-07-02T00:18:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

AMID the financial crisis besetting the world today, certain investors have come to put up their booming businesses in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Nick Nacaytuna of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Dipolog City said example of this observation is POMS Venture Corporation (PVCorp).

PVCorp, a manufacturer and exporter of high-grade quality crude and refined coconut oil products, has put up a processing plant for dried mango and mango puree at the Provincial Agri-Industrial Center (PAIC) in Irasan, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte.

Its products are now being sold here and abroad.

Asia Milk and Cream Inc., a company owned by an Indian national, likewise showed interest in putting up a dairy plant in Dipolog City.

With these developments, Nacaytuna surmised business activities in Zamboanga Peninsula have perked up despite the economic downturn that sweeps across the world.

With the favorable peace and order condition in the province more particularly in the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan coupled with the proximity to the markets in the Visayas, more businessmen are expected to come and start investing here, he said.

In Pagadian, during the launching program of the National Disaster Consiousness Month, PNP Reg. Dir. C/Supt. Angelo Sunglao said that Zamboanga Peninsula enjoys big investor confidence, citing for example the establishment of a 24-hour operation of the Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI).

RTMI routes in Zamboanga Peninsula, Sunglao observed, start from Zamboanga up to Davao and vice versa daily, which is different from that of General Santos, which closes at 3:00 in the afternoon because of security problems.

He also noted his travels to and fro, seeing the rapidly increasing construction of hotels in Zamboanga, Dipolog and Pagadian cities, an indication of growing tourist visits in the region.

Another example the police director cited is BIR-91 in Dipolog, which topped its 2008 tax collection goal in Region 9 with 504.1 million, registering an excess of P337 million plus, as stated by the Department of Finance (DOF) for 2008.

And in Pagadian too, Sunglao said that as a regional center, the city has a lot to offer for investor come-on.

“Because Zamboanga Peninsula delivered a good mandate in 2004 to President Gloria Arroyo, nakikita ninyo na laging bumibisita ang pangulo sa ating lugar. Ganyan tao kamahal ni PGMA,” he stressed.

Mayor Samuel Co said Pagadian is seeing improved business climate with the opening of Best Emporium and Gaisano Capital and the recent branching out of Rural Bank of Dipolog Inc. (RBDI)-Pagadian.

Governor Aurora Cerilles too once said that businessmen investing in the city give a big boost to local employment. WITH REPORTS FROM PIA

DOH confirms first AH1N1 case in Zambopen

2009-07-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE influenza A(H1N1) protection barrier in Zamboanga Peninsula is breached after the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed its first A(H1N1) case.

This information was from DOH Reg. Dir. Aristides Tan, who said that a Grade 3 student from Ateneo de Zamboanga was positively tested for the virus.

The boy was reportedly infected after coming into contact with a woman who came to Zamboanga from Manila last June.

It was not known whether the woman was the boy’s relative or not as the DOH has promptly subjected the said woman for quarantine and medication after she went back to Manila.

The DOH likewise reported several suspected infections in other government elementary schools in the city but laboratory tests are still on going.

Tan also said that they already were recording several suspected cases since May 14 after several patients showed symptoms of A(H1N1).

Following DOH protocols, the identities of the patients were classified confidential.

So far, the number given by the DOH is 12 as Tan explained that half of the number showed negative results while the other half still has to be received from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) which made laboratory analysis of the patients’ swab samples.

Health officials there said two of the suspected cases came from Isabela City in Basilan, two in Zamboanga del Norte and one from Zamboanga del Sur.

Dr. Norvie Taruc, chief of DOH’s Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU), confirmed to Pagadian reporters the lone case of A H1N1 patient from this province during a press conference held during the launching of the National Disaster Conciousness Month at the Liga City.

However, Taruc assured mediamen that the individual was still being sorted out as a “case under observation” pending the release of laboratory results.

The doctor declined to tell the place where the Zambosur patient lives as she urged the public to “bear with us” since specimen results “would take a lot of time to arrive.”

Taruc added that DOH has already shifted its control strategy from containment to mitigation, which means that A(H1N1) cases will now be treated as an ordinary flu.

A DOH update No. 35 has stated that “Those manifesting with mild symptoms can be managed and monitored at home so that only patients at risk who develop complications will have to be hospitalized.”

A(H1N1) virus is spread from person-to-person and is transmitted as the normal seasonal flu and can be passed to other people through coughing or sneezing that can be inhaled or contaminate hands or surfaces.

Signs of A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose.

Health Sec. Francisco Duque III disclosed that as of June, there are 1,709 confirmed A(H1N1) cases reported. He said 1,485 of these cases have already recovered, while the rest are still under treatment.

As this developed, the DOH has already designated the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) as the Regional Satellite Referral Hospital to handle treatments and or confinement of any victim of A (H1N1) in the region.

ZCMC has also stacked 5,000 Tamiflu capsules and organized its personnel protection equipment like mask, goggles, and gowns including the assignment of trained nurses for A(H1N1) patients.

RPOC makes fuzz on MNLF streamer

2009-07-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

A streamer which specifies the location of the headquarters of the so-called Bangsamoro Republic in Labangan became a big topic in the recently concluded meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).

The streamer in question was hung by Labangan mayor Abubakar Afdal in front of his residence a few months back, which voluntarily announced MNLF’s presence in Zamboanga del Sur.

The said streamer, actually, was also brought out during the Provincial Peace and Order Council as the ruling body fumble about what specific violation was committed by the mayor.

Afdal, in an interview with several Pagadian reporters, admitted he is an active member of the MNLF or the Moro National Liberation Front under Prof. Nur Misuari’s faction.

The mayor further claimed that Misuari appointed him as in-charge of MNLF’s civil and military affairs in the whole of Region 9.

Afdal accordingly said that his intentions of revealing his affiliation with the MNLF was for “peaceful means,” a move he wished “will help bring serenity in his home town" after authorities placed Labangan under close watch due to alleged rampant drug peddling activities by illegal drug syndicates.

Lately, in an interview aired over RMN-DxPR, Afdal said that as an entity recognized by the Philippine government, there is nothing wrong with his membership with the MNLF, maintaining this same stand in his action of hanging a streamer outside his house.

Afdal, in the same radio interview, concluded by saying: “Kung unsay akong sala, ipaagi lang unta sa balaod, dili lang ta ipersonal.”

It was not known, however, whether Afdal’s group has been making recruitment activities in large numbers or not as several reactions came about from government officials in the province.

Brigadier General Jovencio Magalso, assistant division commander of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, was quoted by a report from the previous RPOC meeting last March as having said that as long as recruitment activities fall under lawful means like forming cooperatives for livelihood purposes and peaceful assemblies, these are justifiable and allowed by the law.

But Magalso added that in the case of arms build-up, establishment of camp with the presence of armed groups, wearing of uniforms and insignias and battle gears, these are strictly prohibited.

As an addition, PNP Directorate for Intelligence head Felizardo Serapio said that MNLF activities in the region are being closely monitored and that they have already warned on the use and display of any Bangsamoro emblems or flag, establishment of camps and the wearing of unauthorized military uniforms.

He added that if found, they will not hesitate to dismantle the same.

But for Gov. Aurora Cerilles, as chair of the RPOC, she said she won’t take the issue sitting down.

“As marshalls of peace and order in the region, we highlight the importance of convergence and keep an eye on external security, operational efforts and giving support to authorities, agencies, military and police,” she said.

“The hanging of a streamer by my mayor in Labangan bearing the words Bangsamoro Headquarters, Bangsamoro Armed Forces instills fear and apprehension among the people. We shall delve into the legality and propriety of the hanging of such streamer,” the governor added.

“There is only one Republic of the Philippines and embracing another republic is a betrayal (of trust) and a threat to our country. Kinahanglan siguro we need a clarificatory statement from the national government kung unsa ba gyod ni and that we might be enlightened (on this matter),” Cerilles said.

As for Usec. Nabil Tan of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), he explained: “The establishment of the headquarters of the Bangsamoro and the putting up of streamer may not be illegal per se.

“However, it may pose as a threat to the peace situation of the area especially when they (the Bangsamoro) converge and display or carry their firearms in the public. This constitutes illegal assembly and illegal carrying of firearms,” he added.

Tan further mentioned that recruitment of any kind by the MNLF; especially for the regional security force of the regional police command of the autonomous region is being withheld at present.

As a sense of history, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the MNLF signed its historic agreement in 1996 ending a 25-year conflict in the country.

The agreement was said to be a culmination of previous accords signed by both parties since 1976 and was meant to serve as a final peace agreement paving for the creation and self-rule of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Misuari was then appointed Regional Governor of ARMM while institutions were established to channel aid to the region. Some 7,250 MNLF fighters were then also integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

15 Mindanao airport projects fast tracked

2009-07-01T01:59:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

FIFTEEN airports in Mindanao classified as priority infrastructure projects will be completed by December, this year. Three of these are the big airports of Zamboanga, Dipolog and Pagadian cities.

A press release distributed by the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) during its 12th Mindanao Super Region (MSR) inter-agency meeting here, stated that works of the the three airport upgrade projects are sped up for completion before 2010.

The said airfields have a combined funding of P1.28 billion and are being implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communication in close coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines under the MSR strategy.

Works of the project components of the mentioned airports include the continuation or completion of the asphalt overlay of runways, rehabilitation or construction of terminal and fire station buildings and the procurement of air navigational facilities, among others.

Of the total amount, the Dipolog airport gets the biggest chunk with P478.05 million, followed by Zamboanga City with P428.5 million and Pagadian with P379.46.

The status report paper of the MSR stated that total funding requirements for both Dipolog and Pagadian airports have already been released while that of Zamboanga City has a total of only P127 million or 29.64 percent released.

“By fasttracking the upgrading ofour airports, we would be able to improve our connectivity with the rest of the country. This would lead to more economic activities and generate employment and business opportunities in Mindanao,” said MEDCo chair Usec. Virgilio Leyretana Sr.

Leyretena, who is also MSR’s deputy development champion, added that the rehabilitation and contructions of the airport facilities will contribute to the safe and efficient airport operations as well as ensure safer and smoother landings.

Presently, 35 other infra projects with a total budget of P62.555 billion are under MSR, a concept which aims to spruce up Mindanao’s potential as an agribusiness center through major infrastructure support.

Aside from the Pagadian City Airport, two other infra projects are mentioned as 100 percent completed under MSR. These are the P9.97 million Aurora General Hospital in Aurora, Zambosur and the P20 million Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Hospital, now renamed Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZSMC).

The ZSMC project involves the construction of a CT Scan facility and repairs of the doctors’ quarters, OPD and PT rooms and OR and laboratory rooms, improvement of the administration building, construction of the two-storey building, construction of dialysis center and facilities and the gas pipe-in connections.

2009-06-29T01:15:00.000-07:00

Lakewood Subanens learn cassava planting

REPORT AND PHOTO BY REMAI ALEJADO

A three-day seminar in natural farming system (NFS) concerning the cassava rootcrop was initiated the other week with the Subanens from Lakewood.

READ FULL STORY

2009-06-29T01:07:00.000-07:00

5 Zambosur towns stand out in 2008 MELLPI

Lakewood Subanens learn cassava planting

2009-06-28T23:39:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO

A three-day seminar in natural farming system (NFS) concerning the cassava rootcrop was initiated the other week with the Subanens from Lakewood.

Cassava in local parlance is kamoteng kahoy or balanghoy.

Provincial Agriculturist Marilyn Bersales and Agricultural technologist Ramon Rodrigo Jr. trained the Subanens on NFS while supervising cassava livelihood coordinator Jothan Marc Agad assisted.

Board members Eriberto Sumalinog and Ernesto Mondarte likewise participated in the training as resource speakers, tackling on the two important advocacies of the Provincial Government which is Better Quality of Living and the Anti illegal drugs campaign, respectively.

Primarily, the training was for Subanen tribal leaders and members to know NFS for sustainable rural development and food security.

Interest in NFS has been advocated by Gov. Aurora Cerilles since 2001, as she sees this essential to agricultural production in the province, aside from health and environment considerations it gives to consumers.

Thus, preferring to plant only organically-produced crops, Cerilles sees an opportunity for farmers to cash in on cassava and perhaps, after the training, the 54 timuays and their tribesmen will become model-trainers in their Lumad community for the cultivation of cassava.

With NFS applied to cassava planting, there’s what they call the “Cerilles method,” which means and as Rep. Antonio Cerilles would always suggest, require the use of compost or organic fertilizers.

Not only realistic but sensible since cassava can withstand periods of prolonged drought, and therefore the use of organic fertilizer is highly recommended.

Cerilles has employed livelihood coordinators all over the province who are tasked with teaching farmers in 681 villages about the “Cerilles method” and transform their land into productive farms.

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NICP) Regional Director Abdul Puengan sponsored the training in part along with NCIP Provincial Director Marita Miñao, who distributed pick mattocks as digging tools for planting.

The Provincial Government also handed out cultured trichoderma samples to the participants for development into organic fertilizers.

5 Zambosur towns stand out in 2008 MELLPI

2009-06-28T23:27:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

MARGOSATUBIG, Molave, Vincenzo Sagun, Dinas and Dimataling came out as the top five municipalities or Municipal Nutrition Councils (MNCs) who scored big in the 2008 Provincial MELLPI.

MELLPI, which stands for Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Program Implementation, cites local government units who implement the best nutrition programs.

The scores and evaluation visits also assessed the LGU’s good nutrition records, consistent performance, and the support of the local chief executive.

After the annual evaluation will be the award-giving ceremonies this July during the celebration of the 35th Nutrition Month.

The Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC), which conducts the yearly MELLPI, is responsible for the selection of the said MNCs.

The high-pointer list is contained in the agenda folder of the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) 2nd Quarter Meeting last June 25 and obtained by this paper.

The said meeting, held in the PGO conference room of the Capitol, discussed several nutrition concepts and presented overviews of the Nutrition Program Management, the Local Nutrition Committee and the 2008-2010 Updated Medium Term Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition.

There, it also listed the results of the municipal visits and the provincial searches for 2008 Outstanding Nutrition Program Implementers, 2008, Most Functional Barangay Nutrition Committee (FBNC), Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) and BNS.

In the Municipal MELLPI, The evaluators adjudged Margosatubig as first, based on its final score of 89.00; followed by Molave with 86.11, then V. Sagun with 84.29; Dinas with 83.48 and Dimataling with 82.98.

Completing the list for the top nine are San Pablo, Mahayag, San Miguel and Tukuran.

The paper likewise listed the municipalities whose MNCs failed to conduct Municipal MELLPI for 2008.

These are the towns of Dumingag, Josefina, Midsalip, Ramon Magsaysay, Sominot and Tambulig for the first district and Dumalinao, Guipos, Kumalarang, Lapuyan, Pitogo, Tabina and Tigbao for the second district.

In the search for 2008 Provincial Outstanding BNS, Marife Basalo of Poblacion Dinas garnered the highest total score of 94.00 followed closely by Adelaida Miral of Kalian, Margosatubig with 93.10.

For the 2008 most FBNC, Poblacion, Dinas—as FBNC entry and headed by Faisal Andi as BNC chair—is first with 91.38 total score.

The list also included Margosatubig, Vincenzo Sagun, San Pablo, Dimataling and Mahayag.

Dinas, again, is first in the 2008 provincial outstanding MNAO, with Corazon Bernante as MNAO entry and scoring a total score of 88.70; followed by Glemma Briones of Margosatubig and Maria Elena Pailden of Vincenzo Sagun.

The said MNAO entries are scored according to their status of appointment, acapability trainings, ability to manage and plus factors.

The selected provincial winners will vie for the regional contest before competing for the national green banner award.

Last year, Zamboanga del Sur coveted the Green Banner Award as 2007 Outstanding Nutrition Program Implementer during the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony.

The province bested its neighbors in the region in terms of efficiency and effectiveness of nutrition program as measured by the National Nutrition Council (NCC) MELLPI.

Governor Aurora Cerilles, in receiving the award, emphasized the importance of proper health and good nutrition that she integrated into her nutrition programs, as contained in the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan for 2008-2010.

“This shall be one of lasting legacies that I can leave behind to the people when my full term of office ends,” Cerilles then said.

For the said year, Zambosur then got 91.23 percent in the regional ranking with Margosatubig, Dinas, Vincenzo Sagun and Mahayag on the top ten.

Lakewood Subanens learn cassava planting

2009-06-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

REPORT AND PHOTO BY REMAI ALEJADO

A three-day seminar in natural farming system (NFS) concerning the cassava rootcrop was initiated the other week with the Subanens from Lakewood.

Cassava in local parlance is kamoteng kahoy or balanghoy.

Provincial Agriculturist Marilyn Bersales and Agricultural technologist Ramon Rodrigo Jr. trained the Subanens on NFS while supervising cassava livelihood coordinator Jothan Marc Agad assisted.

Board members Eriberto Sumalinog and Ernesto Mondarte likewise participated in the training as resource speakers, tackling on the two important advocacies of the Provincial Government which is Better Quality of Living and the Anti illegal drugs campaign, respectively.

Primarily, the training was for Subanen tribal leaders and members to know NFS for sustainable rural development and food security.

Interest in NFS has been advocated by Gov. Aurora Cerilles since 2001, as she sees this essential to agricultural production in the province, aside from health and environment considerations it gives to consumers.

Thus, preferring to plant only organically-produced crops, Cerilles sees an opportunity for farmers to cash in on cassava and perhaps, after the training, the 54 timuays and their tribesmen will become model-trainers in their Lumad community for the cultivation of cassava.

With NFS applied to cassava planting, there’s what they call the “Cerilles method,” which means and as Rep. Antonio Cerilles would always suggest, require the use of compost or organic fertilizers.

Not only realistic but sensible since cassava can withstand periods of prolonged drought, and therefore the use of organic fertilizer is highly recommended.

Cerilles has employed livelihood coordinators all over the province who are tasked with teaching farmers in 681 villages about the “Cerilles method” and transform their land into productive farms.

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NICP) Regional Director Abdul Puengan sponsored the training in part along with NCIP Provincial Director Marita Miñao, who distributed pick mattocks as digging tools for planting.

Also, the Provincial Government also handed out cultured trichoderma samples to the participants for development into organic fertilizers.

2009-06-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

Motor parade aims for Guinness record

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

MAYOR Samuel Co showed city residents a glimpse of what it’s like when all the city motorcabs assemble in single file and parade itself around the city proper. READ MORE

Motor parade aims for Guinness record

2009-06-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

MAYOR Samuel Co showed city residents a glimpse of what it’s like when all the city motorcabs assemble in single file and parade itself around the city proper.

Consuming half the stretch of the three-kilometer F.S. Pajares Avenue from the crossing of Cabrera Street to the Rotunda in Dao, some 2,000 motorcabs lined up, Wednesday, June 17, for documentation and in preparation for its Guinness bid next year.

Roseller Duterte of the Federation of Tricycle Drivers and Operators Association (FETDOA) told journalists in an interview that some 80 percent of their membership attended the motor show along with individual motorcab owners who volunteered to attend the demonstration.

“This is in support of the mayor’s activities of the 40th Araw ng Pagadian for giving importance to the transport sector. This is our show of force and unity,” Duterte said.

Co, accompanied by councilors Arnold Gavenia and Bienvenido Culve, made the pass and review, 9:00 in the morning, and led the motorcade downtown towards the City Oval grounds.

The mayor, in a huddle with mediamen, said that he wants to set a record for the “longest motorcycle show” which he plans to submit to the Guinness World Records.

“Maybe next year atong iplastar and mo-invite ta og mga taga-Manila ug TV crews to document it,” Co said.

According to the Guinness World Record website, an application for a Guinness record can be submitted to them by completing a detailed information form, which they will then register and confirm.

The application requires a period of two months to be processed.

Presently, Guinness has several records for longest bike jump, longest backwards motorcycle ride, longest motorcycle ramp jump and longest motorcycle ride through a tunnel of fire but none for longest motorcycle parade.

2009-06-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

Anti-drug council seeks new scheme

Anti-drug council seeks new scheme in crusade

2009-06-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO

THE Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) last week has raised the possibility of holding a dialogue among the so-called pillars of the criminal justice system in order to complement each others action and or interpretation of the law, especially on drug-related cases.

The five pillars of the Philippine criminal justice system are community, law enforcement, prosecution, court and the correctional institution.

Saying these pillars has important roles to play in the investigation, prosecution and dispensation of justice of alleged offenders or felons, PADAC members said such a move of exchanging ideas for synchronization would strengthen the Provincial Government’s campaign for a drug-free Zamboanga del Sur by 2010.

This suggestion, actually, was an offshoot of the report of Assistant City Prosecutor Cleto Edralin who opined on one illegal drug case whose suspect was caught red-handed by police in a drug buy-bust operation last May 14 but was granted bail by the judge handling the case.

In certain circumstances, a judge may refuse bail for an accused on the grounds that the accused would pose a significant threat to public safety, or would attempt to interfere with witnesses and evidence.

But such a condition is rare enough, because of the basic rule which says that a person is innocent until proven guilty and is therefore within reason entitled to bail.

Edralin said that the suspect in the drug case he mentioned was granted bail by the judge but he petitioned for reconsideration as there was no hearing done to determine the bail.

PNP Provincial Director and PADAC vice chair Ramon Ochotorena said he is also familiar with the situation, citing instances wherein the PDEA, PNP and the military going through the action of running after everybody in the illegal drug business but then get to see the suspects in liberty after the legal battle.

He added that there are even times that law enforcers get blamed and or charged in court for their official acts.

For her part, Provincial Prosecutor Mary Ann Tugbang remarked that the case mentioned by Edralin is an example of differing interpretation of the law between the prosecutors and the judge.

For this, Tugbang confirms her willingness and favored the suggestion of her fellow PADAC members about holding a dialogue as an ideal move.

However, the suggestion by PADAC is still up for contemplation by Gov. Aurora Cerilles as she will be informed of this when she returns from her trip in Manila this week.

2009-06-24T19:11:00.001-07:00

DAR-Zambosur’s feat on CARP

2009-06-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

CHO cites need to drop Dengue data

2009-06-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

NUJP cites Tony's effort in stalling ROR’s passage

2009-06-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

Tony sees cassava’s role in stifling global crisis

CHO cites need to drop Dengue data

2009-06-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

WHEN it comes to solid figures as to which city barangay is “Dengue prone” or has the most cases of the mosquito-borne virus, Balangasan District is a topnotcher, a report paper submitted by the City Health Office (CHO) said.

The said paper from CHO contains comparative graphs prepared by Task Force Dengue Control and Prevention Program Coordinator Dr. Referino L.A. Lingating, which indicated Balangasan as a consistent honor.

The said barangay topped the list from 2004 to 2007, before sliding second in 2008 and for this year, next to Tiguma, which previously was a third placer.

Balangasan posted its highest number of Dengue cases in 2005 with 48, up from only 14 the previous year.

By 2006, the said village posted 27 cases before reducing this by four in 2007 and then shoot up to 31 in 2008 and finally settling with 10 in 2009 for the period of January to April.

Other barangays frequently listed since 2004 are San Pedro, Sta. Lucia, Sto. Niño, San Jose and Tuburan.

San Francisco, listed as No. 11 in 2004, was not included in 2005 anymore along with Kawit and Napolan, which were also replaced with newcomers Lumbia and Sta. Maria districts.

In 2007, barangays Dumagoc and Dao were included in the top 10 along with Napolan.

San Francisco was listed again in 2008 statistics with both Kawit and Lumbia districts while Santiago was a newcomer in the 2009 list along with Banale making a comeback since it landed in the list four years ago.

The six-year data collected by CHO pointed to 2005 as the year with the highest number of Dengue cases with 303, followed by 2008 with 236; 2006 with 194; 2007 with 159 and 2004 with 74.

As to the municipalities and for the period 2005 to 2007, Labangan and Dumalinao occupied the first two slots for 2005 and 2006 along with Tukuran and Tabina exhibiting two-figure statistics in 2005.

All other towns listed with Dengue cases are Tigbao, San Miguel, Bayog, San Pablo, Vincenzo Sagun, Dinas, Guipos, Lakewood, Aurora and Margosatubig.

City Health Officer Dr. Noel Ceniza said the given figures may not be accurate because some of the victims were not confined to local hospitals, which is the basis of their office for these statistics.

DAR-Zambosur’s feat on CARP

2009-06-24T19:06:00.001-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

VOLUNTARY Land Transfer (VLT) composes the bulk of lots accomplished by the provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for their land acquisition and distribution (LAD) under CARP for the period covering 1972 until Dec. 31, 2008.

CARP, acronym for Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, expired last June 10, 2008 and was recently extended by both the Senate and Congress through Senate Bill 2666 and House Bill 4077.

The other week, during DAR’s celebration of CARP’s 21st anniversary, Dir. Julita Ragandang and Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Glenn Sabijon hailed the approval of CARP extension for another five years.

The sizeable volume of VLT composed of 43,063.9479 hectares with 31,356 farmer-beneficiaries.

A paper containing DAR-Zambosur’s LAD cumulative accomplishment by land type distributed during Sabijon’s meeting with press members, Monday, last week, stated a total 61,215.5535 hecatres of land distributed under CARP, benifitting some 43,217 farmers.

Following VLT is operational land transfer (OLT), composed of 6,147.9724 hectares and 4,813 farmer-beneficiaries.

Sabijon, in his Land Tenure Improvement (LTI) accomplishment report covering January to May 2009, said that some 21.4572 hectares classified as OLT have already been submitted to DAR regional office and classified as distributed but not yet paid (DNYP).

Next are the government finance institutions (GFIs) with 5,900.0997 hectares and benefitting 3,384 farmers. As to GFIs, some 175.69 hectares were listed for submission and classified as DNYP, from the 1,463 targeted lands.

This was followed by those under PP2282 with 4,847 hectares and 2,818 beneficiaries.

As to DAR-Zambosur’s accomplishment in legal assistance covering January-May, this year, some 275 cases in agrarian law implementation has been targeted and with 224 present cases received, 190 of these has been resolved—an 83 percent attainment.

As to mediation, 500 were targeted, of which 218 were received and 209 were eventually resolved, translating to a 96 percent accomplishment.

All in all, 4,558 cases were listed for target in 2009, which includes representation before the courts and DARAB and legal counseling, among others, and a total 3,868 case resolved.

In whole, under CARP, some 7.2 M hectares of lands were previously distributed to 4.5 M farmer-beneficiaries, surpassing DAR’s land distribution targets.

Also, about 4.106 million hectares of the total accomplishment were distributed by DAR to 2.387 million beneficiaries. The rest consisted of uplands and ancestral domains distributed likewise by the DENR.

Agrarian Reform Sec. Nasser Pangandaman said his department’s land distribution target was increased from 100,000 hectares to 130,000 hectares and improved the disposition of several agrarian cases.

2008 PNP crime solution ability sinks, says NSCB

2009-06-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

THE Crime Solution Efficiency Rates (CSER) of the Zamboanga Peninsula Police Office (ZPPO) dropped by 6.8 percent in 2008 compared to the previous year, a latest crime report statistic said.

The detailed report, based on National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) data, showed that the ZPPO has solved 1,557 cases out of the total 1,858 crimes recorded in 2008.

“This is a worse scenario as compared to 2006 and 2007 where the CSER were 91.7 percent and 90.6 percent, respectively,” the NSCB stated.

The province of Zamboanga del Norte recorded the highest CSER in 2008 with 87.09 percent, while Zamboanga City had the lowest with 80.50 percent.

The NSCB also noted that Zamboanga del Norte consistently registered the highest CSER from 2005 to 2008, with 95.8, 95.1, 92.3, and 87.9, respectively.

Zamboanga Sibugay, meantime, showed a consistent increase in the number of reported crimes from 2005 to 2008, with 209, 210, 277, and 347, respectively.

Zamboanga City showed a decreasing number of crimes committed from 2005 to 2008, with 1,164, 1,055, 827, and 477, respectively.

The NSCB said the number of reported crimes in Zamboanga Peninsula decreased by 14.57 percent from 2,175 total crimes in 2007 to 1,858 in 2008.

Zamboanga Peninsula's reported index crimes decreased from 1,544 in 2007 to 1,336 in 2008, as well as the non-index crimes from 631 to 522 covering the same period.

Again, based on the NSCB report, physical injuries topped the statistics at 37 percent, with 492 cases among index crimes reported in 2008. This was followed by murder and robbery, with 27 percent and 14 percent, respectively.

About 10 percent of the total index crimes registered in 2008 was homicide while the two least committed index crimes were theft and rape, which comprised of eight percent and four percent, respectively.

Index crimes refer to crimes that are suitably significant and which occur with suitable regularity to be meaningful such as murder, homicide, robbery, physical injury, theft and rape. WITH REPORTS FROM BONG GARCIA

NUJP cites Tony's effort in stalling ROR’s passage

2009-06-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) lately acknowledged Rep. Antonio Cerilles’ helping move in stalling the passage of the Right of Reply (ROR) Bill in the House of Representatives.

The pending ROR Bills are both contained in Senate Bill No. 2150 and House Bill No. 3306, also known as “An Act Granting The Right Of Reply And Providing Penalties In Violation Thereof.”

In an open letter distributed to its entire chapter-members ’forums signed by NUJP vice chair Nonoy Espina and secretary-general Sonny Fernandez, the NUJP hierarchy mentioned Cerilles’ part in “exposing ROR’s unconstitutionality.”

Cited along with the congressman from Zambosur’s second district are fellow Representatives Raymond Patalino of Kabataan Partylist, and Teddy Casiño and Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna.

NUJP was referring to June 2’s Congress session wherein only 110 of 265 congressmen were present but an attempt to railroad the ROR was observed.

“As with the previous sessions, proponents of the bill, most notably one of its principal authors Rep. Bienvenido Abante, have been insistently pushing that the Reply Bill be voted on and ultimately approved,” NUJP said in its letter.

“Interpellations and statements from our allies in the House, like Representatives Raymond Palatino, Teddy Casiño and Neri Colmenares, and Antonio Cerilles, helped not only to stall the bill on the plenary but also to expose the bill’s unconstitutionality,” the letter added.

“It is in light of this that we are enjoining all media outfits and organizations to mobilize their members…to register our collective opposition not only to the bill but also to the attempts by lawmakers to railroad the passage of the bill,” NUJP then urged.

“We also encourage the continued release of statements, news articles, and editorials, as well as sustained TV and radio coverage, as our expression of uncompromising position towards the junking of the Reply bill.

Meanwhile, a position paper circulated by NUJP stated the media organization’s unified statement on the ROR Bill.

“The Right of Reply Bill is an ill-conceived piece of legislation that violates two of the most cherished freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, those of the press and of expression,” it said.

“It is both unfortunate and ironic that the principal authors of the bill in the two chambers of Congress ought to have known better, Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. having earned his reputation as a champion of civil rights and Bacolod Representative Monico Puentevella having been president of the Negros Press Club.”

“It is also clear, from the pronouncements of both lawmakers, that this bill is a product of the sorriest excuse for legislation – personal pique.”

The NUJP added that the danger in the ROR Bill comes when “it would legislate what the media ought to publish or air, while casting a chilling effect that could dissuade the more timorous from publishing or airing what they should.”

“The bills would free public officials, especially the corrupt – and they are legion – of accountability and give them carte blanche to force their lies on the suffering public,” the position paper stressed.

“We would be the last to say that the Philippine media are without fault. Yes, we understand perfectly the frustration and anger of Pimentel and Puentevella over some media outlet's refusal to air their sides on issues,” it added.

“Alas, but we cannot allow the sins of the few to be an excuse for the wholesale muzzling of a free press and the suppression of free expression. To do so would allow bad governance to triumph.”

“We call on Senator Pimentel and Representative Puentevella to withdraw their bills. We urge the media and the people to close ranks against the passage of this bill, to challenge it before the Supreme Court if it is passed, and, if even that fails, to defy it by refusing to comply. No less than our freedoms are at stake. This is a battle we cannot afford to lose.”

As of this writing, concerned media groups and other journalists nationwide have signified their opposition to the ROR Bill saying the bill has negative repercussions on the workings of the free press.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Malacañang has stood pat on its earlier decision that it would not support a bill that would infringe of the freedom of speech and of the press.

For his part, House Speaker Prospero Nograles said concerned media entities may submit recommendations on the ROR Bill so that Congress “can craft a measure that is acceptable and fair to all parties.” WITH REPORT BY PJAMES TREMEDAL

Tony sees cassava’s role in stifling global crisis

2009-06-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY REMAI ALEJADO & MICHAEL MEDINA

CONGRESSMAN Antonio “Tony” Cerilles foresees the immense participation of the agriculture sector in mitigating the hard impact of the looming financial slump hitting the country by next quarter of this year.

Cerilles said the farming sector should intensify its efforts in generating employment or income for themselves in order to cushion the blow of global economic crisis.

The congressman pointed out that most of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) abroad are working as domestic helpers and with the recession hitting the US, UK, Germany and Japan, a large part of these people will be forced to go home.

This shift would inadvertently swell the unemployed in the country.

Cerilles then consoled that in Zamboanga del Sur, for example, if people will only cash in on cassava planting that advocates organic farming, such an income generating pursuit would do well to the unemployed.

Tony added that the province already have trained livelihood coordinators who will assist farmers in all 681 villages around the province, providing them the methods, technology and experience in utilizing even small farmlands into productivity.

Thus, a “Cerilles method” of farming cassava will be taught, which means that a farmer with at least 10,000 square meters will be able to earn money for the whole year with planting only cassava.

Supervising Coordinator Allan Cabatingan says a farmer can do it step by step and may start cultivating 1,000 square meters in the beginning, adding organic fertilizer before planting the cassava stalks, until he covers his whole 10,000 square meter land.

This method has been applied by Dumingag, one of the towns which has the largest number of lands planted with cassava at present.

“This gives them no excuse of having failed to plant for lack of space and planting material,” Cabatingan said.

Cassava grows and matures within ten months. By the time the last 1,000 square meters is planted with cassava, the farmer also begins to harvest those he planted ten months earlier.

“This explains how a farmer earns ten-fold from his one hectare land for the whole year,” Cabatingan concluded.

The cassava farmer is likewise assured of selling his produce since a sure and tenable buyer, which is San Miguel Corporation, will buy his cassava at a hefty price per kilo.

2009-06-18T02:04:00.000-07:00

Cop escapes death after shooters miss

A policeman barely escaped death after he was shot four times by two motorcycle-riding assassins, mid-morning last Tuesday. READ FULL DETAILS