Despalo says only one mall in Zambo, Two others are on inquiry stages only

Despalo says only one mall in Zambo,

Two others are on inquiry stages only

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – City Engineer Luis Vicente Despalo of the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) yesterday said so far only one mall is undergoing construction in this city.

As for talks of other malls, he said representatives of  two other malls, ShoeMart and Robinson, that  visited his  office and made inquiries.

Despalo said that work on the KCC Mall is going on with a  completion period within  two (2) years.

The inquiries made by the  two big Malls were about possible sites in this city where they can put up their establishments.

He admitted that inquiries made by the  big malls were some four to five years ago and did not return for more inquiries.

 The areas referred by Despalo are in the barangay of Divisoria, Putiki, Boalan and Mercedes located in the East Coast while  in Calarian and Sinunuc in  the West Coast .

“They are looking for a place. There no more place within the city proper, “Despalo  said in as far as  the entry of big malls in the city proper. (Letty Militante) (092414)

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Despalo says SP building vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunami if seawall breaks

Despalo says SP building vulnerable to

earthquakes, tsunami if seawall breaks

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – The city engineer believes that the P100 million City Council Building along R.T. Lim could be vulnerable to earthquakes or tsunami when the “big one” happens.

City Engineer Luis Despalo said that the city council bulding is almost 10 years old and could be destroyed by quakes or big waves.

He said the council building is too near the sea hall and among other government offices in the shorelines will be the first structure that could be easily destroyed.

In fact, he said that other than government buildings near the shorelines, many buildings in the city proper could also be destroyed or leveled to the gound particularly those aged 20 to 25 years old.

Earlier, Despalo said that the structural engineer is still liable with a period of 15 years if and when the building will collapse .(Letty M. Militante ) 

He also said that if the big waves will destroy the sea wall along the boulevard the city will be flooded from San Jose down to the low level areas in the city.

The city proper, particularly Zone IV is below sea level which explains why the area gets flooded easily during rains.  (Letty M. Militante )   (092414)

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No price movements in Zambo establishments

No price movements in

Zambo establishments

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)  has not detected any  price movement  in this city .

DTI Officer Seferiro Rubio said that prices both for prime and basic commodities remains  the same as well as on the raw materials for candles.

Rubio said that there was already an announcement from head office in Manila , but in as far as this city of Zamboanga is concern, prices remains the same because   purchases comes by the bulk basis  considering the supplies comes from far away places.

Rubio  said that the city’s gets some of its supplies from Cebu via Ozamis  thru  panel – big trucks  by the volume wherein the  different  department stores and grocery to include the warehouses  stored the supplies good for one to two months  on an “inventory type” listings .

As this developed, Rubio said that the office is getting ready for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival in Honor of the celebration of the Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar on October 12, 2014 .

The DTI will show-case the so-called “ Zamboanga Peninsula Trade Exposition “ on October  8-12,2014 at the Garden Orchid Hotel Pavillon Hall.

This will showcase the indigenous  products to be participated by the other regions of Caraga, Davao City, Cotabato and many more.

Rubio further said that there will also be  other presentation like the production mix preparation  where exhibitors  from other region will come  to demonstrate the products in variety .

There is also the “techno demo “ like on how  to prepare “buko juice “  and among others  were the office of the  Agriculture  will also give features  during the   four (4) days  event. (Letty M. Militante )  (092414)

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Speak out Zambo’ tackles Muslim-Christian relations

Speak out Zambo’ tackles

Muslim-Christian relations

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –  The third of a series of youth forum dubbed “Speak Out Zambo” rolled out Sunday with some 120 youth leaders representing different schools and organizations actively sharing thoughts and inputs on the topic building Muslim and Christian relations.

Just as in previous forums, the activity featured a series of “talk clouds” to discuss pressing issues on being a Muslim or Christian youth in the city in terms of access to social services such as education, health and employment as well as possible solutions. The discussions were facilitated by youth leaders and lead facilitators Prof. Jason Sabdilon and Dr. Nahda Abutazil.

One of the highlights during the day-long forum was the “speak out” where youth leaders presented their recommendations to Mayor Beng Climaco and other heads of agencies, who in turn presented their immediate response. Six recommendations were presented and they included Sensitivity to others, and to the self; Reorient how our families look at others; Review, revised, and strictly implement policies in diff orgs and levels; Immediate & decisive action as response to reported bullying. Realistic & reasonable sanction system; Monitoring line agencies in government in delivery of tasks and to consider structural changes in government.

Dr. Steven Rood, Country Director of the Asia Foundation who kicked off the forum underscored the essence of harmony and unity between Muslims and Christians "It is important for the thriving of Zamboanga City that the two communities, Christians and Muslims, communicate. We are hoping that with this event, we are able to bring together the two communities, to reach out to each other."

Mayor Beng Climaco in her message said it is her administration’s thrust to celebrate the diversity of culture in Zamboanga. This means, respecting and recognizing the importance of all tribes, culture and religious beliefs in Zamboanga.

She assured that her administration will continue to undertake programs and initiate steps to ensure unity and harmonious relationship between the Muslims and Christians in Zamboanga City.

Representatives from other agencies and religious groups were one in saying that despite difference in culture and religious beliefs, everybody are brothers and sisters in the eyes of God and Allah.

The activity was capped with a covenant signing where all agency and group representatives led by Mayor Climaco and Dr. Rood including the participants affixed their signature in the covenant for peace acknowledging diversity and committing themselves to the “constant pursuit of building and maintaining a culture of dialogue among Muslims and Christians for peace and harmony in Zamboanga City”.

The youth forum Sunday was organized by the Asia Foundation, through its USAID-supported People to People Engagement (P2P) Program, in partnership with Markaz Attarbiyatul Islamiyah Inc. and the Social Action Center of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga and the City Government.

The activity was first launched in June 2014 by the USAID in partnership with the City Government as a response to constituency responsive governance. It is envisioned to be  a monthly face-to-face dialogue where youth can creatively engage and interact with Zamboanga City leaders on pertinent issues besetting their sector.

Among the agency representatives who acted as respondents during the forum yesterday were Councilor BG Guingona, representatives from the group ESPERANZA, MAII, Archdiocese of Zamboanga, National Commission for Muslim Filipinos, National Youth Commission and other agencies. (Sheila Covarrubias) (092414)

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Climaco highlights security plans for ZC

Climaco highlights

security plans for ZC

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – Mayor Beng Climaco expressed optimism to build a Zamboanga City that is free of crimes during a symposium on crime prevention and public safety held at Centro Latino, this city.

Talking in front of students from different academes and barangay officials last Friday, the mayor reiterated the thrust of her administration which are security, health and education.

However, talking specifically about security, she said, “We cannot have one hundred percent and absolutely no crime or zero crime, but we will try to diminish the incidents of crimes.”

“We want a community that is security ready and that is able to respond to natural calamities.” The mayor added.

In her presentation, Mayor Beng highlighted how security can be intensified in the city by highlighting points for improvements. Among these points include (1) the need for intelligence fusion in the ZamBaSulTa region; (2) a need for real-time intelligence reports and develop pre-emptive response; and (3) update the standard operation procedures.

The symposium was intended to educate students and barangay officials on how to respond to crimes and prevent them from happening.

In the said event, Eugene Estipona from Mine Risk lectured on proper handling of explosive ordnance devices. His discussion dwelled much on what to do if Unexploded Ordnances (UXO) or any similar explosives were found within one’s vicinity, factor for UXO’s to explode, and how to recodnize an UXO.

Also present in the symposium was founding president of the Crime Watch Volunteers, Mr. Sonyboy Jalani. Who spoke about the role of Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) and Civial Society Organizations (CSOs) in community policing.

The said symposium was a collaborative effort of the City Government of Zamboanga, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Western Mindanao State University, Crime Watch Volunteers of Zamboanga, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and USAID-ENGAGE. (By Juseph G. Elas, WMSU-OJT) (092414)

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Mayor proposes action points to address crimes

Mayor proposes action

points to address crimes

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – Mayor Beng Climaco on Tuesday proposed various action points to help address crimes and strengthen security in the Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-tawi area as well as curb transnational crimes.

Speaking before police and military officials and personnel, guests and participants to a public safety workshop dubbed Zambasulta Area-wide Target Hardening: an advocacy campaign on operationalizing the “whole of nation” approach against terrorism and criminality in a local hotel Tuesday morning, the mayor cited among the others the urgent need for intelligence fusion in the ZAMBASULTA area in a bid to ensure security and public safety in this part of Mindanao.

Mayor Climaco said there should be merging of intelligence activities of all police and military units in the Zambasulta area. She stressed that all reports related to security should be property validated and that there should be dissemination of real time intelligence report for pre-emptive response.

Present during the event were Tawi-tawi Gov. Norbert Sahali; Executive Director Oscar Valenzuela, Anti-Terrorism Council- Program Management Center; PDir. Felizardo Serapio Jr. (Ret.), head of Law Enforcement and security Integration Office, PCI Alexander Lorenzo, Chief of PCTC Western Mindanao; PCSupt. Agrimero Cruz, Sulu Anti-Kidnapping Task Force and Dir. Joseph Ladip, PDEA Western Mindanao.

Other proposed measures include strict monitoring of movement of foreign and local terrorists; evaluate effectivity of people on the ground and creation of an Area Action Center of local government unit for the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Coast Guard and force multiplier organization response.

The chief executive likewise called on the PNP and the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) to fully support the Anti-Kidnapping Group on logistics and guidance of LGU from negotiation to release; brief LGU through the crisis management team in handling kidnapping, bombing and other incidents; harmonize BPATS, BDAC and BCPC for barangay response and update standard operation procedures for first responders to avoid human rights cases.

Finally, the mayor also suggested the enhancement of AKG operational capability; that the overall strategy must be the safety of people through pre-emptive  measures and that the response to incidents should be pro-active rather than reactive. The Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) should also have close coordination with concerned agencies with regards to undesirable aliens particularly international and local terrorists.

Mayor Climaco offered these action points in line with her administration’s priority plan on peace and security. “This is something that we in the LGUs need, we need the support from the national government so we can take care of our own security and domestic problems.”

The mayor emphasized that aside from Health and Education, security is her priority thrust.  “Our vision is to have a safe and crime-free city so that our children can enjoy a vibrant, investor-friendly economy that is globally-competitive, able to provide jobs to its people and can secure a better future for our children.”

It is also the city’s vision to have a disaster-ready community that shall be able to respond to natural calamities and secure lives of its people.

Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan, who was also present during the workshop’s opening program also set security challenges besetting the province of Sulu.

The advocacy campaign and public security workshop is in line with the President’s directive to the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice and Peace last August to intensify the government’s efforts on target hardening amidst the then spate of bombings in Mindanao.  Participants to the activity were local chief executives, other local government leaders, regional heads of concerned National Government Agencies (NGAS), sectoral leaders and law enforcement and security officials of Region 9 and ARMM-Island Provinces. (Sheila Covarrubias) (092414)

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DOLE: 4 Zambo firms qualify for DOLE Secretary’s Award

DOLE: 4 Zambo firms qualify

for DOLE Secretary’s Award

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that four local companies have qualified for DOLE Secretary’s Award, which will be given during the agency’s anniversary in December.

DOLE Regional director Sisinio Cano made this announcement Friday during the awarding of certificates of compliance to more than 200 companies here in the region.

Cano named the four companies as the following: Western Mindanao Power Corporation; Permex Producers and Exporter Corporation; Petron Corporation; and the Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative-1 (Zamsureco-1).

All four firms except Zamsureco-1 are based in this city.

Cano said the four companies are compliant to General Labor Standards (GLS), Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), Tripartite Compliance Certificate for Labor Standards (TCCLS), and Child Labor Free establishments.

Cano said the four firms are International Organization Standardization (ISO)-certified.

He said they will nominate them to be recipient of the DOLE Secretary’s Award.

He said that all companies nominated will be validated “if they are really compliant” to labor standards by the DOLE central office to determine the recipients of the award.

The DOLE Secretary’s Award is the highest recognition given to labor compliant companies.

The award is being given every December 8, which is the founding anniversary of DOLE.(PNA) (092414)

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ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that four local companies have qualified for DOLE Secretary’s Award, which will be given during the agency’s anniversary in December.

DOLE Regional director Sisinio Cano made this announcement Friday during the awarding of certificates of compliance to more than 200 companies here in the region.

Cano named the four companies as the following: Western Mindanao Power Corporation; Permex Producers and Exporter Corporation; Petron Corporation; and the Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative-1 (Zamsureco-1).

All four firms except Zamsureco-1 are based in this city.

Cano said the four companies are compliant to General Labor Standards (GLS), Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), Tripartite Compliance Certificate for Labor Standards (TCCLS), and Child Labor Free establishments.

Cano said the four firms are International Organization Standardization (ISO)-certified.

He said they will nominate them to be recipient of the DOLE Secretary’s Award.

He said that all companies nominated will be validated “if they are really compliant” to labor standards by the DOLE central office to determine the recipients of the award.

The DOLE Secretary’s Award is the highest recognition given to labor compliant companies.

The award is being given every December 8, which is the founding anniversary of DOLE.(PNA) (092414)

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DOST accepts applicants for ‘14 junior level science scholarship

DOST accepts applicants for ‘14

junior level science scholarship

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –  The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) announces the availability of scholarships to 2014 Junior Level college students who are enrolled in priority science and technology (S&T) courses and are willing to teach in the secondary schools in the Philippines.

Republic Act (RA) 10612 better known as “Fast-Tracked Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 2013”, aims to strengthen the country’s science and technology education by fast tracking graduates in the sciences, mathematics and engineering who shall teach science and mathematics in secondary schools throughout the country.

Interested applicants must be Filipino citizen. A regular third year college student in an identified priority S&T course in any of the State Universities or Colleges or private universities, with a general weighted average of at least 83% (or its equivalent) in his/her first and second years in college.

Must qualify in the JLSS examination and agree to teach in the secondary level of basic education in public or private high school as their return of service (ROS); agree to any of the approved ROS conditions; and agree to pay the amounts disbursed with applicable interest, in case of failure to comply with the terms of ROS.

Application form can be obtained and filed at the any DOST Regional Offices nearest you or it can be downloaded at the website, www.sei.dost.gov.ph and www.science-scholarship.ph.

Deadline for filing of application is on September 30, 2014 and the examination date will be on October 18, 2014.(PIA) (092414)

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DENR bats media support to Sept. 26 “TreeVolution”

Gideon C. Corgue

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –  To meet its target of planting 4,888,888 trees, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has appealed to the media to drum up the “TreeVolution” activity on Sept. 26 at 8:30-9:30 a.m. throughout Mindanao.

In a media forum on Tuesday, Mr. Carlito Tuballa, regional technical director for Forest Management Services (FMS) called on the fourth estate to help promote the said activity to encourage active participation among stakeholders.

Dubbed “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow,” the activity aims to break India’s record as having planted the most number of trees in multiple locations for an hours.

India got the Guinness World Records title with 1,945,535 trees planted for an hour in 408 locations across the country by 340,200 participants.

With the help of the media, Tuballa expressed optimism that Mindanao’s target of planting 4.6 million of seedlings in 9,200 hectares would be achieved. 

Tuballa said the simultaneous tree planting will be participated in by regions 9, 10, 11, 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

For Zamboanga Peninsula, DENR-9 aims to plant 700,000 seedlings in 1,000 hectares to be participated in by 35,000 participants from local government units (LGUs), people’s organizations, and other sectors of society.

Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Serena Cabrera said they were asking assistance from the members of Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City, Inc. (ZPPI) to help them disseminate information to the people.

“We are reaching out to you because you have the power to reach our people in remote areas, and those living in mountains using the radio, television and newspapers,” Cabrera appealed.

“We encourage you to help us instill environmental awareness and promote proactive participation among all Mindanawons to realize our target,” Cabrera added.  

Meanwhile, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Adelaida Borja reminded all planters to be at their respective designated assembly area on time for the Sept. 26 tree planting activity. “They shall plant to the best of their ability a minimum of 20 seedlings.” (PIA) (092414)

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DOE, PIA conduct multi-sectoral advocacy drive on downstream oil industry in Dipolog

DOE, PIA conduct multi-sectoral advocacy

drive on downstream oil industry in Dipolog

Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –  In an effort to raise awareness on the oil industry, its benefits to the local economy as well as its legal implications, the Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is conducting a multi-sectoral advocacy campaign on the downstream oil industry for local government units (LGUs) of Zamboanga del Norte and local oil industry players at the Ariana Hotel here today, Sept. 16.

The discussions center on the laws, rules and regulations governing sale of liquefied petroleum products (LPPs) and the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with municipal mayors, treasurers, licensing officers, business licensing issuing officers, and information officers as participants.

Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are also attending the activity.

Assistant Director Rodela Romero of DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) told the participants that the basis for conducting the said campaign is Republic Act 8479, An Act Deregulating the Downstream Oil Industry. “This is to ensure a truly competitive market under a regime of fair prices, adequate and continuous supply of environmentally clean and high quality petroleum products,” Romero said.

DOE’s role is mainly monitoring quality, quantity, refining and marketing process, inventory and pricing of the fuels, however, “the local governments have a major role to play in ensuring local oil retailers meet the standards.”

Romero also discussed on certain oil and LPG retail prohibitions. She encouraged LGUs to properly monitor and sanction violations.

Additional topics for the day include the Regulatory Framework on the Business of Retailing Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Liquid Petroleum Products, LPG Regulatory Framework and LPG in Canisters, LPP Retail Rules, Metrology, and Calibration and Sealing of Mechanical Pumps.

At the end of the day, the participants will be brought to a local gasoline station to observe the proper calibration of dispensing pumps. Romero emphasized that it is important for LGUs to know how to properly inspect stations operating within their jurisdiction to ensure that the consumers do not get short-changed.

“Pag kulang ang pag-dispense nila, kakasuhan namin sila (gas stations that fail to dispense properly and accurately will be sued),” Romero pointed out.

The Philippine Oil Industry generates millions worth of revenue not only for the retailers, but also to local government returns every year. (PIA) (092414)

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City council cannot contradict “no build and no return” areas rule for evacuees

City council cannot contradict “no build

and no return” areas rule for evacuees

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – The city council cannot contradict the decision of the Local Interagency Council to prohibit the return of war victims to at least two areas the council classified as “No Build and No Return Areas” in coastal areas of the city.

The classification of these two areas will ban the return of more that 1,000 families to their homes or what remained of their homes.

These families are still staying at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex or Grandstand at Baliwasan this city.

City Councilor Jawo Jimenez said that  City Council can not contradict the decision made by the Local Inter-Agency Council regarding the return of the evacuees or war victims to their former homes.

Earlier the Local Inter-Agency Council announced  that  the areas is not safe for the IDP’s to return as the area can be in danger cases of calamities or tidal waves.

Councilor Jimenez said that sitio Sumatra at Barangay Talon Talon is one of the area that will be affected in case of tsunami or any coastal calamities .

Jimenez also said that this was  also one of the recommendation coming from the military  because of security reasons. (Letty M. Militante ) (092314)

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P22M CCTV cameras; 8 in streets, 90 in offices, all are not fuctioning

P22M CCTV cameras; 8 in streets,

90 in offices, all are not fuctioning

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –All of the  some 98 Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) installed by the city government years ago are not functioning or have stopped functioning, according to City Councilor Roel Natividad.

In a report to the city council, Councilor Natividad said these unites are not functioning at all.

Incidentally while the purpose of the CCTV is to record crimes and incidents in the city, only 8 are located in streets.

The rests have been installed in offices at City Hall and the City Council.

There are no confirmed reports that these cameras have caught in action a crime in progress or provide the police with photographs or images of criminals committing crimes or escaping from crime schemes

There are also no reports of these cameras installed on government offices have caught employees stealing money or are malingering in their jobs.. or in effect collection salaries for doing no work at all.

City Councilor Jawo Jimenez said that at the very  start , he already questioned   the quality  and quantity of the CCTV cameras.

Up to now no one has come out to say how each of these cameras costs and how many units were purchased or installed.

The purchase of CCTV cameras was purposely for security reasons  in the line to crackdown criminality  to include kidnapping particularly shooting incidents  occurring  on the streets or highway every now and then .

It was also learned that only one (1) among the over 90 units of CCTV cameras  is in good running condition   (Letty M. Militante ) (092314)

   

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PCCI: Zambo residents must be updated on proposed BBL

PCCI: Zambo residents must

be updated on proposed BBL

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Western Mindanao urged this city’s two congressional district representatives to regularly provide updates to the city residents about the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

PCCI-Western Mindanao Regional Governor Pedro Rufo Soliven made the call Wednesday citing it is aimed to allay fears of the residents amidst “loose” talks this city could still be included into the proposed Bangsamoro Region.

Soliven’s call came days after President Benigno Simeon Aquino, III has submitted to Congress the proposed BBL for ratification.

“We should be consulted so that they will know what are our aspirations and desires in order for them to bring it to the Halls of Congress,” Soliven said.

Soliven said the residents of this city are apprehensive about the provision in the proposed BBL that a barangay may join the Bangsamoro Region once 10 percent of the population will petition for inclusion.

Soliven said the particular provision “must be looked into” carefully by the two congressional representatives of this city. (PNA) (092314)

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Covenant of cooperation for Sta. Cruz Islands OKd

Covenant of cooperation

for Sta. Cruz Islands OKd

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – The Protected Area and Ecotourism Management Board of the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape (PAEMB-G&LSCIPLS) recently approved the Inter-Agency Covenant of Cooperation that seeks to establish a comprehensive security and law enforcement plan for the protection and conservation of both Sta. Cruz Islands, widely acclaimed for their pink-sand beaches.

The PAEMB, a multi-sectoral management body created by virtue of RA 7586 known as the National Integrated Protected Areas Systems (NIPAS) Act of 1992, also called upon all the agencies concerned, specifically the Philippine Navy- Naval Forces Western Mindanao (PN-NAVFORWEM), Philippine National Police –Maritime and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to coordinate with each other in the conduct of a joint maritime patrol and law enforcement operations on and off the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands.

Other signatories to the covenant of cooperation were the city government represented by Mayor Beng Climaco through the City Agriculturist Office, Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources, City Tourism Office/Protected Area Management Unit, the Philippine Army through Task Force Zamboanga, Zamboanga City Police Office and the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology.

Early on, the PAEMB has passed a resolution supporting Mayor Climaco’s request for the city government of Zamboanga to own, manage, protect and preserve the parcels of land located on the Great Sta. Cruz Island.

Records from the City Assessor’s Office showed that the parcels of land with an aggregate area 104,891 sq.ms situated on the Great Sta. Cruz Island (facing the Island of Basilan) were titled under the names of the Republic of the Philippines/C. Lind.

It can be recalled, the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), formerly the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), the City of Zamboanga, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-9) and PAEMB signed a memorandum of agreement in June 2011, transferring the development, management maintenance, operation, conservation and protection of Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands to the City Of Zamboanga.

Considering that the entire Great Sta. Cruz Island is part of the protected landscape pursuant to RA 7586 known as the National Integrated Protected Areas Systems (NIPAS) Act of 1992, Mayor Climaco deemed it proper and necessary for the city government to develop, manage, protect and conserve the entire island. (Vic Larato) (092314)

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COMELEC sets registration for Sangunian Kabataan poll

COMELEC sets registration

for Sangunian Kabataan poll

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – Registration of members of the Katipunan ng Kabataan will commence this month in preparation for the scheduled Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on February 21 next year.

Through Resolution 9899, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has scheduled the registration of members and voters for the 2015 polls from September 20 – 29. Youth applicants are to accomplish one copy of the application form which will be submitted and retained at the Office of the Election Officer.

Application forms may be downloaded from the COMELEC website at www.comelec.gov.ph.

Filipino youths who are or shall be 15 to 17 years old on or before February 21, 2015 are qualified to register for the polls.

The resolution further states that those who were registered from July 22 – July 31, 2013, need not register anew, unless they turned 18 years of age on or before February 21, 2015, in which case, their names shall be deleted from the existing SK lists.

The SK election was postponed last year to make way for Congress to pass a law to either amend or revise the SK system, amidst calls for the its abolition.

However, as no such law was passed by Congress, the COMELEC will be pushing through with the youth polls election this 2015. (Jasmine Mohammadsali) (092314)

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Government set to clear Grandstand by Dec 15

Government set to clear

Grandstand by Dec 15

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – The city government continues to work to relocate the internally displaced families staying at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex to better and safer areas.

This was announced yesterday, September 15, by Assistant City Administrator and head of the temporary shelter cluster during the regular press briefing at City Hall. According to Apolinario, fifty-three housing units under the Buggoc housing project have already been completed with seventy-three others in various states of construction.

The Buggoc housing project, a joint undertaking of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the city government, aims to construct 200 single detached housing units for Sama de Laut families displaced by last year’s siege. The project has garnered significant support from different private organizations. Furthermore, additional rooms are also being built in Masepla to  accommodate no less than 300 families.

Personnel from the City General Services Office have already cleared the RT Lim Boulevard and relocated affected families to the Masepla transitory site.

“Cawa-Cawa [RT Lim Boulevard] have already been cleared of [internally displaced persons] in the area and we are working now to relocate the more or less 400 families from the grandstand,” Apolinario said. “We are now embarking on a program to relocate them to Masepla and Buggoc.”

Apolinario also revealed initial plans to build 150-200 additional housing units in Buggoc to accommodate the families from the sports complex.

“We have been given a timeline by DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman to close the grandstand by December 15,” he shared.

Apolinario likewise acknowledged the support extended by various government agencies and humanitarian groups to further improve living conditions at the different transitory sites. (Claudine Uniana) (092314)

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CHO reports 79 diarrhea cases in Limpapa; 1 dead

CHO reports 79 diarrhea

cases in Limpapa; 1 dead

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – At least 79 people have been hospitalized while a six-month-old infant has died due to diarrhea, resulting from E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacterial contamination in the water source in Barangay Limpapa, west of this city.

The City Health Office reported that the number of diarrhea cases had increased last Sept. 6 at Labuan Hospital, prompting the medical team to conduct an epidemiologic surveillance through house-to-house search of diarrhea patients.

The following day, Sept. 7, the City Health Officer Dr. Rogelio Agbulos himself led medical personnel together with the barangay officials of Limpapa conducted an inspection of the water source from where samples were taken.

Result of the water analysis conducted on Sept. 9 showed the presence of E. coli by coliform bacteria usually from human feces. Thus, the source of water was temporarily condemned.

Of the total diarrhea patients, 37 were treated at home, 31 were confined at Labuan Hospital, 3 at Zamboanga Peninsula Medical Hospital and 8 at Zamboanga City Medical Center. An infant, Kristel Gumandao, died of the disease.

The incident prompted the CHO medical personnel to conduct information campaign regarding the disease in Lower and Upper Luuk, Barangay Limpapa, where residents were advised to boil water before drinking. They were also taught on proper preparation of sodium hypochlorite solution.

Likewise, the team conducted rectal swabbing to all diarrhea patients, facilitated referral of patients to hospital using CHO ambulance, and supplied medicines and IV fluids were given to the affected area and Labuan Hospital. (Vic Larato) (092314)

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DOST accepts applicants for junior level science scholarship

DOST accepts applicants for 

junior level science scholarship

Claro A. Lanipa

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –  The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) announces the availability of scholarships to 2014 Junior Level college students who are enrolled in priority science and technology (S&T) courses and are willing to teach in the secondary schools in the Philippines.

Republic Act (RA) 10612 better known as “Fast-Tracked Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 2013”, aims to strengthen the country’s science and technology education by fast tracking graduates in the sciences, mathematics and engineering who shall teach science and mathematics in secondary schools throughout the country.

Interested applicants must be Filipino citizen. A regular third year college student in an identified priority S&T course in any of the State Universities or Colleges or private universities, with a general weighted average of at least 83% (or its equivalent) in his/her first and second years in college.

Must qualify in the JLSS examination and agree to teach in the secondary level of basic education in public or private high school as their return of service (ROS); agree to any of the approved ROS conditions; and agree to pay the amounts disbursed with applicable interest, in case of failure to comply with the terms of ROS.

Application form can be obtained and filed at the any DOST Regional Offices nearest you or it can be downloaded at the website, www.sei.dost.gov.ph and www.science-scholarship.ph.

Deadline for filing of application is on September 30, 2014 and the examination date will be on October 18, 2014. (PIA IX) (092314)

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Region finest products star in ZAMPEX 2014

Region finest products

star in ZAMPEX 2014

 Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –The region’s finest products take center stage in the 2014 ZamZboanga Peninsula Trade Exposition on Oct. 8 -11 at the Garden Orchid Hotel this city.

At least 90 exhibitors from all over Mindanao regions and the neighboring countries  Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia will be showcasing their products, varying from food, handicrafts, and other products during the four-day activity.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-9 OIC-Regional Director Sitti Amina M. Jain said ZAMPEX 2014 is a great venue for local businessmen to promote their products that will be identified with Zamboanga Peninsula.

Aside from the exhibit, technological demonstrations will also be held for interested individuals or groups who wish to start their own businesses.

The techno demo is slated on Oct. 9-11 with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) taking charge of the NutriFood demos which include buko (coconut) and squash products on October 9; the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) will be demoing on seaweeds and bottled sardines while the Department of Agriculture will handle cooking demo on organic banana and “mamon preciosa” on October 10.

 The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) will be showcasing abaca rope and bag making on the last day, Oct. 11. 

Doctor Jain is also inviting the public to come to the venue to appreciate local products and gain ideas on starting their own business.

“This is a free activity. There is no entrance fee for those who want to go to the venue and attend our demos. The public can also appreciate and buy our local products of their interest in the venue”, Jain said. 

ZAMPEX 2014 will also feature a garden show care of the Zamboanga City Local Government, Business Matching with prospect buyers from Home Accents Group of the Philippines (HAPI), Philippine Chamber of Handicraft, Inc. (PCHI), Phil Food Processors & Exporters Organization, Inc. (PHILFOODEX), and the Integrated Food Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (INFOMAP) invited. A one-day seminar on Franchising is also set on October 9. 

ZAMPEX 2014 is an initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry-9 in partnership with the Local Government of Zamboanga, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Core Group-9, Zamboanga City Economic Zone and Free Port Authority (ECOZONE), PLDT and Globe Telecom. (PIA IX) (092314)

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