Christmas revelers urged 

to avoid toting backpacks

To avoid any inconvenience on their part, the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) has advised the public against the carrying of backpacks in the city particularly while attending festivities during the Christmas Season.

The police  is all set  to give security for the season starting with the   “Misa de Gallo” that started on Friday ,December 16, 2016.

As usual most of the barangays with churches  will have the Misa de Gallo as early as4 o’clock dawn. 

All of this churches will be provided with police security  in close coordination with the other line enforcement units  to include the respective Tanods in the barangays .

The local police authority prefers  for  the people going to church for the “Misa de Gallo” not to bring with them a “ bag pack” .

As this developed,  the local police authority also appeals the citizenry that there is no threats.

However, everybody must stay vigilant at all times  and report immediately any suspicious persons  in their  areas against any atrocities from lawless elements or terrorist . (Letty M. Militante )

LTO starts its longer 

term drivers licenses

The Land Transportation Office IX has  finally started to implement and issue its Drivers Licences vali for  five (5) years.

These licenses will be have  longer period of use , that is, for five years, instead of the previous liceness that were bali for only three years.

The five years validity of Driver Licenses started last November 13, 2016, according to Chief  Dhang Nurulla of the Licensing Division , LTO -9 regional office.

Earlier , LTO Regional Director Atty. Aminola Abaton  said that the implementation of the five years validity Driver License  did not push through as scheduled  last November 14, 2016  tas this was further deferred to  November 28, 2016 due to some  technical problem.

The five years validity of Driver License will have an additional payment of about P 235.00.

 That ,  from the total payment of P 417.63 it will now be at P 652.63.

There are no new requirements when it comes to the process of renewing the driver licenses other than the additional payment of P 235 only . (Letty M. Militante )

Iturralde tags colorum vehicles

as "culprits" in traffic congestion

Vice Mayor Cesar Itturralde has tagged   "colorum' (unregistered with the LTO) vehicles  as a main contributor to traffic congestion int he city.

Because of this, there is now a strong and strict implementation of the drive to apprehend and  impound colorum vehicles . 

According to Iturralde , there is  a dis-advantage of colorum vehicle particularly when it comes to vehicular accidents considering these colorum vehicles are not registered and has no insurance coverages .

That, in any accidents for that matter, the 3^rd party like the passenger are  ones who will be affected and “kawawa”, Iturralde said .

“There is no Insurance , only as private vehicles ,” Iturralde said referring to those who does not have a franchise .

Iturralde further said that  aside from the colorum vehicles, there is also the problem  on the “ franchising of route” wherein there is no  limitations as to how many PUJ’s will be allowed in a particular route .

“There is no limitations on franchising , “ Iturralde  said referring PUJ’s route .

As this developed, Iturralde said that this will have to confer with the LTFRB – a subject to be discussed  by the Advisory Council . (Letty M. Militante )

City councilors on call" 

for the Christmas Break

The Member of the City Council will stay “on call”  anytime

legislative actions are needed, thus said Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde .

The City Council  took an early   Christmas break starting last December 13, 2016  and will resume their regular session next year 2017.

“ We are on call anytime legislative action needed,” Iturralde said .

Iturralde said that  the City Council  are ready to convene anytime as needed even they are on Christmas break which means there will be no regular session  amid the yuletide season.

It will be recalled that  the city legislators usually take their Christmas break in December of each year .

But, this does not mean there are not available when it comes to legislative actions .  (Letty M.Militante )

Beng wants add’l trips to avoid 

overloading on holiday rush

•  

City Mayor Beng Climaco has directed shipping vessels to facilitate additional trips to and from the City to prevent overloading especially during the holiday season rush.

“Bien delicao gayot si man beyond capacity. Ta apela quita na maga pasajero, no mas inisisti esta na maga barko. Apela ya lang ta na maga owners to facilitate trips,” Climaco advised.

The chief executive initiated the close watch on all vessels in the City’s port following an incident Sunday afternoon involving the MV Stephanie Marie 1, which has denied departure clearance by the Coast Guard due to loading of passengers beyond its capacity.

With this development, Climaco tasked the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and ship owners to ensure that all vessels comply with laws concerning passenger capacity and maritime safety.

“We call on MARINA and ship owners plying the neighboring islands to ensure compliance of laws on passenger capacity of vessels to prevent sea mishaps,” she said.

The local government, Climaco declared, will not tolerate overloading.

She also called on passengers to cooperate with authorities, and to exercise caution and prudent judgment when travelling back home for the holidays.

On December 18, the Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection (VSEI) Team of the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Zamboanga issued Enforcement Inspection Apprehension Report (EIAR) and denied departure clearance on MV Stephanie Marie 1, which was scheduled to depart bound for Isabela City, Basilan.

According to the CGS report, the MV Stephanie Marie 1 was carrying 550 excess passengers on board, which was beyond its authorized passenger capacity of 945. The CGS team advised the ship captain to rectify the aforesaid deficiency, but passengers refused to disembark.

After continuous coordination between the CGS and ship owners, and with Mayor Beng Climaco on scene to monitor the situation, the ship owners re-scheduled the voyage for the next day.

Another head count was conducted on December 19, where the CGS team found that there were still 27 excess passengers on board. They were advised to transfer to MV Stephanie Marie 2. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)

City Hall notes success 

in ‘Pick-n-Go’ scheme

The city government has reported a significant success in the two-week implementation of the “Pick-n-Go” traffic scheme for northbound public utility jitneys (PUJs), conceptualized by the traffic division of the Zamboanga City Police Office.

City Administrator Marie Angelique C. Go told the press briefing yesterday that the new scheme was successful in achieving its objectives of—1) providing accessibility to all commuters by reducing the walking distance to the loading bays; and 2) preventing the build-up of standing vehicles in queue on the streets, thus reducing vehicle-pedestrian conflicts.

This, as the northbound operators/transport association has agreed to participate in the implementation of the scheme on an experimental basis which started December 5, 2016.

Go said the dispatchers were successful in ensuring that only one vehicle per barangay is present at the loading bays in the central business district even as she observed that many commuters have grown accustomed to accessing the jeepneys by going to the storage area.

“Nevertheless, the alternative design gives those, who are unable to walk, the choice to wait at the loading bay or to walk the short distance to the storage area,” the city administrator said.

The “Pick-n-Go” scheme was designed to allow the northbound and westbound PUJs to access their old on-street loading bays within the central business district, and could only stay in the designated area for a maximum period of three minutes for the purpose of picking up waiting passengers then go when the time is up, regardless of whether or not the vehicle is fully loaded.

According to Go, along the route within the central business district, there are marked limited loading and pick-up points which drivers and passengers are to strictly observe.

She said the drivers were enjoined not to pick-up or drop off commuters other than at designated areas, and at the loading bays, the dispatcher was placed in charge of managing the commuters and scheduling the vehicle arrival/departure.

Go cited a time study conducted by engineering students of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) headed by Engr. Jessica Casimiro , showing that the average travel speed of PUJs for northbound vehicles vary, depending on the time of the day.

The study further showed that the PUJs travel faster in the morning but slow down significantly in the afternoon towards the evening.  Total stop at the intersection comprises 64% of total stop time.

This implies long queues at the approach towards the intersection perhaps due to a longer cycle red time in the signalization. The longer stop time affect the total vehicle speed for the entire route. Future traffic designs can be implemented to target the reduction of stop time at the intersections.-(Vic Larato)

Anti-colorum drive nets

 1, 21 other violations

•  

The first day of the implementation of the anti-colorum campaign netted 1 public utility van and 21 other vehicles for other violations.

As of 4pm Monday, operatives from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reported to the City Administrator’s Office that the apprehended van is subject for verification of papers.

Other violations recorded by the LTO and LTFRB included lack of accessories, drivers without license and non-wearing of helmet among others.

Per observation from the implementing agencies, many operators of PUVs and PUJs did not ply their routes while others unloaded their passengers a few kilometers away from the checkpoints where the enforcers were posted.

Trucks deployed by the city government ferried passengers from the west coast, specifically from the Lund Memorial Park in Upper Calarian to the downtown area. From the east coast, the trucks deployed to the Integrated Bus Terminal in Divisoria transported passengers to the city proper.

In the afternoon, the government-owned vehicles ferried passengers to the Ayala area in the west coast and the IBT in the east coast.

Meanwhile, the Community Police Action Center (COMPAC) in City Hall and the Traffic Enforcement Team partially reported 14 confiscated licenses with 4 motorized tricycles, 3 motorcycles, 1 habal-habal and 1 pedicab impounded as of 3pm Monday.

The anti-colorum campaign will continue in the days to come, according to authorities. (Sheila Covarrubias)

Climaco to police: Never 

allow terrorists to thrive

•   

Mayor Beng Climaco has asked police and military authorities to continue fortifying security measures and never allow terrorists the opportunity to conduct lawless activities in the city.

The chief executive issued the strict instructions to the police during a year-end meeting of all police station commanders of the city with City Police Director Col. Luisito Magnaye and Task Force Zamboanga Chief Col. Juvymax Uy at her office the other day.

“We should never allow terrorists the opportunity to conduct terroristic activities in our area of responsibility,” Climaco said as she reaffirmed her commitment to public safety and security.

Both Magnaye and Uy reiterated the tasks and mission of the security forces in the city stressing that they are closely coordinating with each other to ensure the safety and security of the city and its people.

During the meeting, the mayor also distributed checks as incentives or rewards to units that have been successful in their operations the past months. She was assisted by Councilors Cesar Jimenez and Kim Elago.

“Thank God for the continued service with God's grace we will keep ZC safe. I will be supportive of the PNP and TFZ,” the mayor added. (Sheila Covarrubias)

Tanod to control, direct 

traffic pending LTO act

•  

The police clarified yesterday that they are tapping the assistance of barangay officials, particularly the tanod, only to “control and direct” the flow of traffic in their respective areas of responsibility, and not to apprehend violators yet, pending their deputization by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Insp. Albert Acorin, chief of traffic division, made the clarification during the traffic orientation with barangay tanod yesterday morning at Centro Latino.

He said the police together with the City Administrator’s Office are studying the possibility of asking LTO to deputize the barangay tanod as traffic enforcers so that they can issue citation tickets and apprehend traffic violators.

In the meantime, Acorin said the tanod will only have to man the flow of traffic and let the police or “blue boys” do the apprehension.

For his part, Chief Insp. Albert Sta. Teresa, deputy station commander and chief for Operations Section of Police Station 11, acknowledged the enormous police powers of barangay officials as they were directly elected by the people.

Sta. Teresa even cited some instances in other places or cities where barangay officials can issue citation tickets and apprehend traffic violators, even as he was hoping that it can be done in the city.

“Por que sila ta pwede, kita no pwede?” Sta. Teresa asked in a statement during an initial meeting with barangay officials Wednesday afternoon.

He said the traffic situation in Zamboanga City has reached a monstrous level, owing to the ever increasing volume of vehicles compounded by the city’s narrow streets, illegal parking of motorcycles, illegal terminals/storage plus the presence of “kulig-lig” or pedicabs and several other factors that include undisciplined drivers.

Wednesday’s and yesterday’s meetings were called by City Administrator Marie Angelique C. Go in a bid to decongest the traffic in the city proper, especially in barangays considered as bottlenecks of traffic congestion.

Deployment of barangay tanod to direct and control traffic in their AORs may start today.

The police identified some of the bottlenecks of traffic during rush hours as follows:

-        Baliwasan (Suterville-Fernandez Road Section) from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

-        Baliwasan (Baliwasan Chico, San Jose Rd near Brgy Hall) from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

-        Baliwasan (Labuan Road-Baliwasan Grande) from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

-        San Jose Gusu (Labuan Rd-Suterville-San Roque) from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

-        San Jose Cawa-Cawa (San Jose Rd-Claret Rd) from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

-        Normal Road-R.T. Lim Blvd (Rotonda) from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

It was agreed that all tanod will wear unified uniforms and ID cards regardless of barangays.

Present in yesterday’s orientation with Insp. Acorin as resource person were the tanod and some chairmen of barangays Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Putik, Calarian, Canelar, Baliwasan, Guiwan, Recodo, San Jose Gusu, Cawa-Cawa, San Roque, Sta. Catalina, Sta. Maria, Talon-Talon and Tumaga.-(Vic Larato)

Read More

 

Renewals of Business 

Permits starts January, 

The City Permit and Licensing Division (CPLD) will start  the renewal of   Business Permit for the year 2017 on January 2-20, 2017.

 The plan to renew business permits at the fourth quarter of the year did nonmaterial.

 In previous hers the renewal of business permits start by the last quarter of the year.

But this time, the process will start by It will be recalled that during the past years the CPLD started to receive the renewal o Business Permit  during  the end of the 4^th quarter of each year .

  But, this time the renewal will start by the first Monday of January, 2017.

 This renewal is expected to be speedy because of the establishment of the  so –called “Business One Stop Shop or BOSS “  composing the different concerned  government  agencies that will stay in one place to make it more comfortable and faster to the licensees.

 Furthermore , this is also to complete the preparations next year for the BOSS following the Executive Order No. 225, Series of 2016.

Under the  BOSS the procedure wil be simplified as the renewal of business permits will consists mostly in the payment of licenses fees and compliance with requirements.

Those  applying for new Business Permit (New)  will have to pass the various verification processes  and the payment of license fees. . (Letty M. Militante )

Lobregat doubts construction of 

impounding dam due high costs

Congressman Celso L. Lobregat of District I   doubts plans for the  Zamboanga City

Water District (ZCWD)   as well as the City Government of Zamboanga to put up  an “Impounding Dam “  as this  will  cost  billions of pesos .

 Lobregat told newsmen that   an impounding dam will cost about $ 600 millions or about Php 30 Billion.

“The Zamboanga City Water District  can not do this, “ Lobregat said . adding that “bien alto gayot  el costs.”

 According to Lobregat,even with the help of the city government still it can not be realized  for the Php 30 billion costs .

 Lobregat said that there should be a “pre-feasiblity studies “ and it needs big funds for  the conduct of surveys.

 That, the feasibilities studies alone , it will already cost some Php 50  million and funds surveys about Php  30 million .

 As this developed, Lobregat also said that there was a resolution filed urging National Economic Development  Authority (  NEDA ) to support  ZCWD for  the impounding program including  national funding  of the government  in the barangays of  Tumaga , Manicahan and  Limpapa. (Letty M. Militante )

Pres. Duterte to impose 2-bodyguard

 limit per politician starting next year

– Politicians with bunch of security escorts will have to be contented with only two bodyguards starting next year.

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday that he will impose next year a two-bodyguard limit for every politician, particularly at the local government level.

”Next year I will impose the two limit. Two security officers and the rest will go back and that’s what I said,” President Rodrigo Duterte said in his speech during the awarding of the 2016 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organization Overseas at Malacanang Palace.

”That’s why you saw people running that you cannot imagine a mayor who moves like a swagger, like a tough guy and when I gave the warning, you surrender or I will kill you within 24 hours, they went to Crame perspiring and sweating all over,” he added.

Earlier, President Duterte said he will revive the implementation of the Alunan doctrine, referring to the “Oplan Pag-lalansag” initiated by former Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan III who served under former President Fidel V. Ramos.

Under the Alunan doctrine, local officials will be arrested if they have more than three bodyguards.

”Do you know these politicians they have an Army escort of two and then a police, so nobody would touch them,” the President said.

”Every time they go to places people would know that there is an idiot there pretending to be a big one when he is not. He wants his presence felt by the crowd. Rides on a plane with arms. Well, not in my term,” he warned.

The President said when he was mayor of Davao City, he used to patrol the city without bodyguard.

”I have been mayor of Davao City. I do not even appear on national TV. I find it corny and makatindig balahibo (goose bumps),” the President said. (PNA)
RMA/JFM

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 AFP Modernization not taking the 

backseat in Duterte administration

With the country undergoing a massive campaign to eliminating the illegal drugs menace, criminality and corruption, the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not taking a backseat amidst these initiatives as the six-month administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has given the green-light for the construction and acquisition of the nation's first two missile-armed frigates.

Contract signing for this project took place last Oct. 24. The winning bidder is South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana formally inked the contract for the project as principal signatory along with ranking officials and delegates from HHI.

Signing took place at the Philippine Navy (PN)'s headquarters in Naval Station Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

The project involves the construction and delivery of two missile-firing frigates to the PN.

The signing of the contract signals the start of the construction and is the culmination of the long and tedious procurement process for the project.

As background, the Notice of Award was approved, issued and was duly conformed by HHI on Sept. 13 with the amount of US$ 336,912,000 or PHP15,744,571,584.

Another PHP2 billion was also allocated for the acquisition of assorted anti-air, anti-sub, and anti-surface weapon platforms and munitions for the two frigates.

Lorenzana said the project is of utter significance to the DND and to the PN, in particular. It is the single most expensive modernization project signed by the Duterte administration as of this time.

Signing of the missile-firing frigate contract demonstrates the willingness of the Duterte administration to go ahead with projects started by its predecessors provided no evidence of anomalies are unearthed or discovered.

The DND chief earlier said the AFP Modernization Program remains a priority of the new defense leadership.

This is because the program jibes with the Duterte administration's plan of having a credible deterrence to secure Philippine territory especially the maritime ones.

"In the long run we will still follow our modernization because you know it jibes with what our long term plans (of) having credible deterrence to secure our territory (especially the) maritime plan," he said.

And while some projects may be fast-tracked to address criminality, terrorism, and insurgency threats in southern Philippines, Lorenzana said they will follow the plans laid for the AFP Modernization Program.

"The 15-year modernization program of the AFP will continue as scheduled," he earlier stated.

Some of the equipment acquired in this period include the three Hamilton-class cutters, the latest of which is the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) who arrived last Dec.9, six multi-purpose assault craft, 114 armored personnel carriers, three brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft, three C-130 heavy transports, four FA-50PH light-interim fighter aircraft, the last two jets arriving last Dec. 1; five utility versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopters, eight of its attack versions, five landing craft heavies, three multi-purpose attack craft, and two strategic sealift vessels to name a few.

As this develops, plans to acquire modern weapons from other countries like Russia and the People's Republic of China are now in the works as ranking DND officials are coordinating with their counterparts to see what types of equipment can be sourced from these two countries.

Lorenzana said he is scheduled to meet with ranking Chinese officials to discuss China's firearms offer to the country.

These officials are Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jinhua and the Chinese Defense attache.

Lorenzana said the meeting is to determine what type of firearms China is willing to provide to the country

"If its already available, we will look into it and see if we need it," he added.

The DND chief also said he sees no problem for Filipino troops in handling Chinese firearms especially if it etched with Chinese characters.

"(Firearms are) mechanical. One doesn't need to read the guide to operate it. All you have to do it operate it manually. That will not be a problem," he said.

With regards to quality, the DND chief said they will know it once they see the weapons first hand.

The DND chief also said they are gearing to acquire sniper rifles from Russia.

This was based on the orders by President Rodrigo Duterte, he added.

"The President told us to look into the sniper rifles being produced by Russia as these are good. Although we are still to see anything yet, they (Russians) will show us some models for testing to (determine whether are suitable for our needs)," Lorenzana said in Filipino.

Earlier, DND undersecretary for finance, munition, materiel Raymund DV Elefante said the country is open to acquire weapons of all kind from Russia but said these are dependent on the nation's capabilities to handle these equipment.

Capabilities refer to the funding and manpower capable of handling these weapons.

"It depends. As long (as) we have capabilities (i.e funds and manpower) but this is still a long-term (plan)," he added.

Elefante made this statement when asked if the Philippines is interested in acquiring attack helicopters, diesel electric submarines and fighter jets from Russia aside from small arms like the AK-47 automatic rifle and longe-range sniper rifles.

Aside from upgrading the AFP, the Duterte administration also made significant headway in bringing peace to the countryside due to ongoing peace talks with the New People's Army (NPA).

Armed confrontation between the AFP and the NPA finally ceased after PRRD restored the declaration of ceasefire on Aug. 21 after lifting it noting violations from the rebel group.

President Duterte's gesture in restoring the erstwhile unilateral ceasefire declaration effectively reimposed the suspension of military operations earlier issued by the AFP to its field units.

Further, peace-building efforts were exerted to ensure that line units are aware of the advocacy of the Commander-in-Chief, including the dissemination of the proposed reconstituted JASIG (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees) list and the release of detained alleged political prisoners.

The original JASIG list was meant to identify communist members who will figure in the peace negotiations with the CPP-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front) and will aid in the implementation of the ceasefire with the rebels.

On the other hand, the AFP attended the workshop of the combined Secretariat of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Davao City on Aug. 28.

The workshop reviewed the signed agreements/guidelines of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities that will aid refresh talks with the MILF as well as the Moro National Liberation Front to come up with a more inclusive peace plan.

In the ongoing war against illegal drugs, the military's participation in the campaign was propelled by the signing of the Joint Letter of Instruction on Aug. 24, prescribing the mission, concept, and tasks of the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the war on drugs.

It also activated on July 24 with the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other law enforcement agencies also activated Task Force Noah mandated to conduct intelligence and counterintelligence operations.

These inter-agency efforts enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the steps taken to implement President Duterte's order to end the proliferation and use of illegal drugs in the country.

To manifest its adherence to the campaign, the AFP conducted random drug testing within its ranks.

Through Task Groups Jacob, Midas, Joshua, and Salamander, the AFP conducted random drug tests on 19,163 military and civilian personnel, allowing the identification of 44 individuals who tested positive to the use of certain illegal drugs.

With the purpose to establish a drug-free country leading towards a peaceful and secure environment conducive for sustainable development, the AFP also supported the implementation of "Oplan Tokhang" of the PNP through the conduct of 169 anti-illegal drugs operations, resulting to the arrest and apprehension of 191, surrender of 689, and killing of eight drug suspects.

Meanwhile, three AFP personnel offered their lives in this campaign while five others were wounded during the joint operations with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency against the group of Moks Masgal in Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato in Aug. 14.

The AFP opened its camps to host the rehabilitation facilities for drug dependents. The Philippine Army committed areas in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal; Camp Alfredo Santos in Calauag, Quezon; Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz; Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato; Camp Paulino Santos in Alamada, North Cotabato; and the 401st Brigade Headquarters in Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur.

The construction of the drug rehabilitation facility in Fort Ramon Magsaysay on a 10-hectare land in Nueva Ecija is nearing completion. The project, a joint venture of the Department of Health and the Army Real Estate Office, is expected to accommodate around 1,200 individuals. (PNA)
LGI/PFN

Duterte vows stronger family planning anti poverty measure  President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he will be instituting a stronger family planning policy in order to reduce poverty and uplift the country’s economic growth. In his speech before members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) prior to the command’s Christmas boodle fight, the President said that he does not want a quarrel with the church but a smaller family is needed to cope up with present realities. “Every time I go to other countries like Indonesia and Singapore, and you can see the progress of the country, I get misty-eyed when I think of my country. Why is it that up to now, we are still like an airplane ready for takeoff but has no lift?” he said. “We are not really taking off. I really do not know. Maybe it’s sheer population, talagang marami lang. And, of course, I do not want a quarrel with the church, but I will be ordering a stronger measure this time for family planning,” Duterte said. The Philippines has an estimated population of almost 103 million with an annual growth rate of 1.54 percent. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there are three babies born every minute throughout the country, or around 1.7 million additional Filipinos per year. The PSA also reported that for 2015, the Philippines has a poverty incidence of 21.6 percent, with 8.1 percent living below the poverty line. “Maawa ako sa tao, sobra-sobrang...hindi mo mapapa-aral. We really need to have to do some programming and just say to the people: two or three (children) that is enough,” the President said. Duterte has been pushing for an aggressive implementation of the country's family planning law to push his economic growth agenda even before he was sworn in as President of the Republic. Congress passed the "Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012” despite strong opposition from the church. Republic Act No. 10354 was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on December 21, 2012 but its full implementation was suspended by the Supreme Court. In 2015, the High Court stopped the Department of Health’s program for the distribution and sale of contraceptive implants that can prevent pregnancies for up to three years. Under the same ruling, the SC also barred the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from "granting any and all pending application for reproductive products and supplies, including contraceptive drugs and devices." The Commission on Population (PopCom) had warned that as result of the prohibition on the FDA almost 90 percent of contraceptive brands will no longer be available by 2018, unless the TRO is lifted. This, according to PopCom, would render the RH Law ineffective. Meanwhile, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that full implementation of the RH Law would help accelerate the government’s program for poverty reduction in the country. Last October, NEDA Director General Ernesto M. Pernia said that in order to achieve a 17-percent poverty incidence by the end of the term of President Duterte, “it will have to be a combination of strong economic growth, lots of jobs, complemented by the full implementation of the RH law so that the poor are able to limit and/or space their child bearing.” “Limiting the number of children to three per family is the desire of many Filipino couples. This also helps keep them from poverty,” Pernia said. (PNA)		==============
ACE Medical Center to open  branch in Zamboanga City The Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center, a fast-growing chain of hospitals, is opening up a branch to provide quality medical services in this city and to the nearby provinces. Dr. Amado Enriquez, ACE Medical Group president, said that entry of ACE Medical Center is to provide opportunity to medical specialists to serve their native place. “What is happening now is that after the doctors undergo specialization in Manila, they stay there because the facilities where they can practice are there,” Enriquez explained. Enriquez said the opening of the ACE Medical Center-Zamboanga would provide the needed facilities for medical specialists to serve their town mates. “We will bring back the specialists to their localities,” Enriquez stressed. He said the opening of the ACE Medical Center - Zamboanga would also provide the residents the opportunity of availing services of medical specialists and to lessen the lack of good and fully equipped hospitals. He said the standards of the World Health Organization is one bed for every 500 Filipinos “but what is happening now is one bed is to 1,000 Filipinos.” He said the benefits that ACE Medical Center - Zamboanga would grant to their clients will be honored by ACE sister hospitals in other parts of the country. The ACE Medical Center operates hospitals in Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Pateros, and in Subic. Here in Mindanao, ACE Medical Centers will be established in the cities of Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog and General Santos aside from Zamboanga City. The ACE Medical Center that would be opened at Barangay Tetuan here is a one - basement, eight - storey fully equipped hospital to be manned by medical specialists. Enriquez and Engr. Ibrahim Nuño, president of the Metro Stonerich Corporation, on Sunday led the signing of the construction contract in this city. Nuño said the construction of the ACE Medical Center would commence on January 9, 2017 and expected for completion within a 10-month period although the contract is 18 months since the laying of the foundation has been completed. (PNA)

Zambo OCVet intensifies 

monitoring of meat sales

 The Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet) has intensified its monitoring to ensure that meat products sold in the markets and meat shops are safe for human consumption.

Dr. Portia Quintas, OCVet chief for veterinary inspection services, on Monday said they intensified the monitoring since there is an increased in demand of meat products brought about by the yuletide season.

Quintas disclosed they have so far confiscated 102 kilograms of hot meat from various meat outlets since December 1 in this city.

Of the total, Quintas said 17 kilograms were roasted meat or “lechon” while the rest are raw meat.

“Hot meat is dangerous since there is the possibility it has prognostic diseases which might be transferred to humans,” Quintas said.

She advised the public to ensure the meat products they buy has meat inspection certificate.

The certificate is a proof the meat is clean and slaughtered in licensed slaughterhouses.

She said the meat is fresh when it is colored pinkish to red and without foul odor.

She discourages the public from buying meat products from peddlers since these did not pass sanitary inspection.

She said the public may slaughtered animals in their backyard provided it is for the consumption of the family and not to be sold.

She meat products sold in markets and meat houses are safe for consumption since it is regularly inspected by OCVet meat inspectors. (PNA)

Zambo Sibugay places 7 inundated 

villages under the state of calamity

The Zamboanga Sibugay provincial government on Monday placed under the state of calamity seven of the 27 barangays in the nearby town of Buug.

The seven barangays were inundated by flood brought about by three-day continuous heavy downpour spawned by inclement weather condition that hit the municipality over the weekend.

Governor Wilter Palma on Monday said that the flood had damaged hundreds of hectares of agricultural crops in Buug.

Placed under the state of calamity with the concurrence of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan were the villages of Talamimi; Talairan; Labrador; Poblacion; Manlin; Pulog; and, Pamintayan.

Palma said the seven barangays were isolated since the bridge along the Pamintayan provincial road had collapsed due to the flood.

The provincial road serves as the main access of the seven affected barangays to the town proper of Buug.

Palma said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has yet to assess the worth of properties and agricultural crops damaged during the flood.

The declaration of the state of calamity enables the local government to impose price ceiling on basic commodities based on Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.

The declaration also enables the local government to reprogram funds for repair and safety upgrading of public infrastructures and the granting of no-interest loans by government financing or lending institutions. (PNA)

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