Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Monday, October 27, 2014
Hundreds denounce “desecration,” “renovation” of Fort Pilar buildings
Hundreds denounce “desecration,”
“renovation” of Fort Pilar
This indignation over the repair, renovation,
conservation of Fort
Pilar
As of yesterday, the comments and the number of
people who reacted negatively to the picture have reached over a thousand hits,
and more are reacting to the posting as the days goes on.
Áron De La Verdad said “ White Paint Jobs is
not a Conservation work but destruction of Authenticity. “
He also said “Not only that, they should have
coordinated with the UNESCO and nominate it for World Heritage.”
In his post, Councilor VP Elago daid “It will be all white inside if we
don't move. I hope you will join the peaceful lighting of candles at the
entrance to the fort museum Monday 6pm. Thanks!.”
Councilor Elago also said the renovation is a
“"crime against the heritage of Zamboanga" "crime against the
people of Zamboanga"
“It is only recently that we realized the kind of
"improvement" the National Museum has been doing inside our Fort Pilar
which is recognized as the oldest landmark of Zamboanga City Fort Pilar
“Sometime in 2012, the National Government
announced that it has budget for the improvement of the Fort. Given the fact
that they are the key agency with the expertise in the field of preservation of
Heritage, Culture and History, I have a feeling that those who knew about it
had confidence in this mentioned agency.
BUT WHAT HAVE THEY DONE???!!!
“They have destroyed the ruins in their goal of
"improving". The south and east brick-walls have been plastered with
cement to make the surface smooth just like any new building today. Gone are
the Spanish-looking walls' that made the inner fort look as authentic as it
looks outside. On the same walls, they constructed something that does not look
old but an ugly edifice that looks new. I had goosebumps just seeing it! National Museum
“What i
also learned which should alarm us all even further is that they are about to
also plaster with cement the west and north wings of the inner fort!!! We
should not allow it to take place! they are about to begin doing it as i
noticed the scaffoldings already in place. we should now act a.s.a.p. before
they begin destroying our fort... our heritage... our identity!
“Let us
storm the internet with our objection to further destruction of the inner walls
of fort pilar. let us write jeremy m. barns, the executive director of the
national museum and tell them to stop now!!!
“They never consulted us Zamboangueños about
their project. they went on and vandalized our significant past. calling all
Zamboangueños! we must not waste time! we should act now against this crime
against the heritage of Zamboanga!”
Icelle Gloria Durano Borja wrote : “The Fort Pilar
VP Elago said : “we have to act now and make them
stop! they are about to plaster the other wings!!!”
He said he said he “showed these photos to a German
friend and he said this was a sin against heritage.”
Lotty Concillo-Arieta wrote “This only means
while these people are doing nasty things inside the fortaleza
no one from the city goverment was checking on them,if there was Even one from
the councilors or from the department of tourism checked on their work nuay era
keda ancina el fortaleza
Trajano Dagala Cabrales said “White paint jobs
could be better, but dem vinta sails? Nope. So un-Chavacano. “
Kenny Shinn asked “And who is the gov’t
official who approved it? Here, we would say "hang those mother
fuckers"...”
Vanessa Roubinek “This is really sad. This
is our heritage. Someone from the government who let this happened screwed up
big time!”
Maelin Piedad said “ Zamboanga’s most important
historical landmark now looks like a mental asylum! Que lastima! How could
anyone let this happen?!”
Jericho Noah Baro also said “Àra ese museum
pwede manda mira na mga hente ta bisita dos storya. Uno el heritage De Zamboanga y el uno c pakimodo kere
tapa el national government kunel heritage De Zamboanga.”
Bigmike B. Muin said “Architectural
conservation deals with issues of prolonging the life and integrity of
architectural character and integrity, such as form and style, and/or its
constituent materials, such as stone, brick, glass, metal, and wood. In this
sense, the term refers to the "professional use of a combination of
science, art, craft, and technology as a preservation tool". (zns) (102814)
Kim Elago : -restoration of Fort Pilar is national government job
Kim Elago : -restoration of Fort
Pilar is national government job
“Whether you like it or not that is the structure
,” said Councilor Juan “Kim” Elago.
Elago said that the restoration of the Port Pilar
Museum
He said that the comments of people against the
present restoration work at the fort is because “the people are used to see the
new which means what had been damaged from the early years.”
“Ya debolbe el de
antes. Yan anat lang kita mira maga kebrao –agujerao, “ Elago said .
Elago said that the “vintas” was only to
show other tribe because the Port Pilar is not only a
museum but also the relics and culture of other tribes in the
city .
According to Elago, the National Museum
He also said that the National Museum
“They made the research and this it to bring it
back once,” Elago said.
Elago said that if there are comments or
complains , then it has to be made in writing because it is a national
property – a government structure .
The City Government can go or only ask on the
architectural design and explain its purposes for that matter.
“The City government will only recommends
but final authority is the national government ,” Elago said .
(Letty M. Militante ) (102814)
Confab highlights Zamboanga culture
Confab highlights
Zamboanga culture
ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –The Conferencia sobre del
Cultura Artes y Historia del Ciudad de Zamboanga, a conference and visual arts
exhibit held early this October at Centro Latino, served as the avenue for
around 300 students, teachers, and professionals to learn more and appreciate
the unique Zamboangueño culture.
Spearheaded by the City Government of Zamboanga,
through the initiative of Dr. Jose Genaro Yap-Aizon, the conference officially
kicked off its opening program Thursday, and for two days, tackled the rich and
distinct heritage which helped shape the formation of Zamboanga City
The lectures
covered a wide-array of topics and were helmed by distinguished educators such
as: Prof. Norma Conti (Musica na Zamboanga), Dr. Maria Socorro Ramos (Maga
Comida na Zamboanga), Dr. Roberto Torres (El Evolucion y Diseno del Mascota),
Prof. Sandra Jamiro (Escultura y Pintura na Zamboanga), Dr. Jose Genaro
Yap-Aizon (Abucion y Rezo del maga Zamboangueño, and Lenguage – Estructura y
Grammatica del Chavacano) Dr. Robert Panaguiton (Forjando el Historia de
Zamboanga), Prof. Jerville Omaga (Maga Baile na Zamboanga), Prof. Claro
Potenciano (Mitologias y Rituales del maga Zamboangueño), Prof. Julie Uy Cabato
(Icons y Simbolos na Zamboanga), Dr. Jaime Jalon (Literatura – Maga Folclore),
and Dr. Robert Panaguiton (El Devocion con la Virgen del Pilar)
In her message, City Mayor Beng Climaco enjoined
all participants to take the opportunity to learn about the culture and story
of Zamboanga, which the chief executive said has always been about unwavering
faith.
“El istorya de fe
del Ciudad de Zamboanga, maskin tiene kita ta enfrenta maga emergencia,
destroso, deluvio,como siempre el fe del Zamboangueño Muslim, Zamboangueño
Lumad, Zamboangueño Christiano, ta esta siempre con Dios Tata celestial,” said
Climaco.
“Toma kita el
oportunidad aprecia el deaton unico cultura Zamboangueño,” she added.
Aside from the learning sessions, the conference
also featured a visual arts exhibit by renowned local artists as well as a
special display of old religious statues, locally known as santos , shared by some of the pioneer families of Zamboanga City
The conference is just one of the plethora of
activities highlighting the grand 2014 Hermosa Festival celebrations. Upcoming
activities include the Festival de Musica Chabacano (October 6), the Festival
de Comida Zamboanga (October 8), the Balikbayan Night and Mascota de Zamboanga
(October 10), the Regatta de Zamboanga, the Baile de Festival, the Fiesta Main
Program, and the Danza la Vida (October 11), and the festival mass and
procession at the Fort
Pilar
CSWD attends to basics before IDPs relocations
CSWD attends to basics
before IDPs relocations
While the government has already constructed 53
bunkhouses, these houses are without bathing and other facilities that will be
needed by the evacuees in the site.
The government has already constructed some 500
houses in projects initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and
Development and in International Organization for Migration for the evacuees at
the Grandstand
There are still about 1,000 families of evacuess
houes at the grandstand and these two agencies plan to construct a total of
1,000 houses this year.
Meantime, the city government is using generators
to provide electricity to houses occupied by evacuees.
Temporary Shelter Cluster chief Dr. Elmeir
Apolinario the use of the generators is because the city still has unpaid
electric bills with the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative.
Apolinario said four of these generators are at
Masepla, Mampang while two are a Sitio
Bugguc. (zns) (102814)
Ecozone takes steps via OGCC to collect P10M rental for power site
Ecozone takes steps via OGCC to
collect P10M rental for power site
The amount covers arrears and still uncollected
rental for some 33 hectares of land inside the Zamboecozone that the San Ramon
Power Incorporated (SRPI) will use to construct a 100 megawatt coal-powered
plant at the site.
Zamboecozone Chairman Christopher Arnuco said the
period within which SRPI was supposed to pay the amount has already lapsed and
the amount is now collectible and due the Ecozone.
Arnuco said that the Ecozone through the OGCC has
sent three demand letters to SRPI, the latest dated Sept 18 with the stipulation
that the amount be paid within 15 days upon receipt of the demand letter.
At the same time, Arnuco said that the
Zamboecozone has nothing to do with the power sharing agreement (PSA) entered
into betwen the SPRI and the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative or Zamcelco.
SRPI and Zamcelco have agreed to the construction
of the coal powered plant at the Zamboecozone.
He said that their main responsibility is to
prepare the site for the coal fired power plant.
On the other hand, the contract between the Zamboanga
Ecozone and SRPI is only to produce the 33 hectare land that includes the
removal of any of any settlers of occupants to the property and the conversion
of the site from agricultural to industrial use.
Arnuco said that having done these, SRPI is obligated
to pay to them the mentioned amount of over P10 million pesos.
The amount covers the advance rental payment for
the lot from October 2013 to December 2014 to include interests on the
amount.(ZNS) (102814)
Veterinarians converged in Zambo for convention
Veterinarians converged
in Zambo for convention
Various topics were covered during the three-day
convention which included talks on risk disaster management, biosecurity
measures, poultry medicine, animal pound and animal shelter management, marine
mammal medicine and technical presentations.
This year’s gathering was guided by the theme,
“At Your Service: Fulfilling the Compassion of Western Mindanao Veterinarians
toward Community Welfare.”
One of the highlights of the convention was the
election of PVMA-Western Mindanao Chapter officers who will advance the
veterinary field of medicine as well as promote animal welfare in the region.
Elected were Drs. Elmer Nueva (President), Erwin
Roy Jalao (Vice-President), Marie France Jalao (Secretary), Arcadio Cavan Jr.
(Treasurer), Joseleo Galicia (Auditor) and Arnedo Agbayani (PIO). The Board of
Directors is comprised of Drs. Miercy Padilla (Zamboanga City), Efren Davin
(Zamboanga Sibugay), Darwin Lloyd Sulay (Zamboanga del Sur), Darwin Abadilla
(Zamboanga del Norte) and Sorayda Aguisanda (Basilan/Isabela).
National Philippine Veterinary Medical
Association (PVMA) Vice-President and President-elect delivered the keynote
address and the inducting officer of the new set of PVMA-WM officials.
A veterinary medical outreach capped the annual
gathering of veterinarians in the Zamboanga
Peninsula Tarlac
City
LTO readies Oplan Ligtas
LTO readies
Oplan
Ligtas
In an
exclusive interview , Chief Shan Amilasan of the LTO Operation Division said
that to ensure an orderly and peaceful convenient travel for
motorists and commuters of the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls
Day in the provinces and other cities the LTO will establish “help desks”
in bus terminals , major public cemeteries , seaport and airport
areas .
The DOTC in cooperation with its 20
attached agencies are ensuring that the
people can have safe and convenient sea, land and air travel during this
season.
The help
desk will be set up in airports, seaports, bus
terminals and major cemeteries to include major roads not only region wide but nationwide.
K-9 units
will also be deployed in airports seaports and bus terminals
to prevent any act of terrorism and deadly weapons from getting
into the public vehicles .
Amilasan
said that the assistance mode is geared towards the traveling of
men, women and children to see to it that they take a safe mode of
transportation .
He also
said that while they are focused on the safety of the motorists and commuters ,
colorum -non franchises of vehicles will not be tolerated to
protect the riding public .
“We will
not tolerate colorum –non franchise vehicles. They will be apprehended and
fined accordingly , Amilasan said .
“Let’s us
help one another .Keep the national observance of All Saints Day and All
Souls Day a safe day for everyone, “ Amilasan said . (Letty M. Militante)
(102414)
Ordinance mandates P5 fee for toilet use at Paseo
Ordinance mandates P5
fee for toilet use at Paseo
He also said that the comfort rooms at
Plaza Pershing is rented by a private individual and who pays rentals to the
city government.
The public also pay P5 per use of the
toilets at Plaza Pershing, although part of the money goes to the one who
leased the toilets from the city government as part of his profit in the
enterprise.
Orendain said that payment of fees for
use of the toilet is one way to train the people on the use the comfort
rooms.
Other cities in the country are doing
the same, he said.
Some
malls in the city charge one peso
per use, but the city government charges P5 as this is covered by an ordinance.
“It’s an ordinance , “ Orendain said.
According to Orendain, the
charging or collecting of P 5 per use of the CR’s is also a complaint
among the stalls holders that people do not know how to use the comfort
room as well as to maintain its cleanliness and sanitation.
On the other hand , Orendain said that
the CR’s at Plaza Pershing is a “private” , it is being rented by a
private individual who is paying a rental fees to the city government .
Said CR’s at Plaza Pershing is
open as early as 6
o’clock in the morning
.
The issues on government CR’s and or
public CR’s came after Councilor VP Elago chairman on Tourism said
that several corner of the streets aside from the illegal disposal
of garbage stink because people are just
urinating at any corner of the streets instead using the public cr’s or
any comfort room for that matter.
Orendain said that there is the
Ordinance 500 that that provides for a P500 fine or community services for violators thereof .
That, in as
far as to how many were apprehended or caught and fined it is the City
Treasurer Office who can tell because payment are being done and received
at the said office . (Letty M. Militante ) (102414)
SRPI “no show” at City Coucil dialogue
SRPI “no show” at
City Coucil dialogue
The city council wanted
to find out from SRPI officials their failure to start construction of the
multibillion peso 100 MW coal powered plant at San Ramon or inside the Ecozone.
City councilor Cesar
Jawo Jimenez said the councilors invited the president of SRPI Tirzo Santillan
for the dialogue.
The SRPi and the
Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative have already signed a Power Sharing
Agreement (PSA) a main requirement needed by SRPI to start the project.
SRPI said it failed to
start work on the project last year because of the delay in the approval of the
PSA by the Energy Regulatory Board or ERB..
However, although the
PSA was already approved, there is no move of any actual construction at the
site.
Jinemez said an official
of SRPI should have attended the dialogue because the councilors have a number
of questions regarding the Project, more particularly about the delay in the
undertaking of the Project.
He said he suspect that
the SRPI is just arguing away their delay in undertaking the Project.
Jiménez is also against
a statement of SPRI officials that in the event the corporation fails to
construct the Project on time, they can avail of other alternative sources of
electricity to provide the city.
He said that in this
case, power consumers in the city will end up paying more for the electricity
they need, when the main reason for the PSA between Zamcelco and SRPI is to
provide cheaper electricity to the city.
On the other hand,
Councilor Charlie Mariano that the failure of SRPI to send an official to the
dialogue is not a “snub” at the city council.
Mariano was the one who
proposed for the holding of a dialogue with SRPI, and he sad the other day,
that another day can be set aside for the dialogue.
In which case he said
that other than SRPI , officials from Zamcelco and the Zamboanga Ecozone should
also be invited to the public hearing.
The dialogue has been
reset to November 4, of next month. (ZNS) (102414)
DSWD eyes work in sardine Canneries for war evacuees
DSWD eyes work in sardine
Canneries for war evacuees
ZAMBOANGA
CITY (ZNS) –The Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) is training Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) or victims of the 9/9
war in Zamboanga for possible employment in sardine factories in this city.
Incidentally, there are vacancies in these factories
brought about by the resignation of some workers for one reason or the other.
The DSWD is training these IDPs in preparation for
possible employment next year.
DSWD Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo said they are
trying to find ways to coordinate with owners of sardine factories for the
possible employment of these war evacuees.
The DSWD is also conducting livelihood training for
these evacuees and provide them with starter kits of loans to Stara them off in
livelihood project. (zns)(102414)
Mercov patients negative for virus
Mercov patients
negative for virus
Of this number, all six were found negative for the
disease while the department is still waiting for the results of tests made on the seventh patients.
Health Regional Director Ninfa B. Toribio said that initial medical
checks were made on these patients upon arrival at the airport in Manila
She said that the regional health office is
coordinating with the city health office and hospital authorities in preparing
the city against the possible confinement of patients and the spread of the
virus in the city and the region.
The department has
advised the public particularly those who traveled abroad , on in the middle
east to immediately proceed to hospitals if they get sick or develop symptoms
of the Merscov virus. (102414)
Filing of graft and corruption, bribery cases urged versus erring contractors
Filing of graft and
corruption, bribery
cases urged versus
erring contractors
These erring
contractors have caused the loss of hundreds of millions of pesos spent for
these projects that cannot be used or remain uncompleted to today.
City Councilor Juan Kim
Elago said these erring contractors can be charged for graft and corruption, bribery and
administrative charges and be penalized for these crimes.
He said the charges against
the contractors can include some employees of the city engineers office who were
remiss in the supervision of these projects or who erred in the computation of
costs for projects that were abandoned by contractors, reportedly for lack of
funds.
Elago endorsed his
resolution on the matter and which was approved by the city council in session
last Tuesday.
Elago said the filling
of these charges have been long overdue since these contractors have been
abandoning projects through all these years for one reason or the others but
mostly for lack of funds.
There is the case of
the near 200 million peso Limaong bridge that was abandoned by the contractor
early this year. Residents there say the contractor has pulled out all their
equipment from the project site and they see no possibility of the contractor returning
to complete the project – also for lack of funds.
There are also schools building like the one in Bolong and a
barrio hall at Capisan and similar structures in other barangays worth hundreds
of millions or billions of pesos that have been abandoned by the contractor.
Earlier, City Engineer
Luis Despalo said that his office has nothing to do with the abandoned projects
because it is the city’s bid and award committee (BAC) that awarded the projects
to the contractors. (ZNS)
(102414)
Zamboanga ranked #9 as one of top Dangerous Cities in the world
Zamboanga ranked
#9 as one of
top Dangerous Cities in the world
The story was written by a Tessa Riley for
destination.com, a group of writers writing about unusual places, events and
personalities in the world.
Her story was titled “Stay Away: Top Dangerous
Cities To Avoid (For Now)” and posted September 24, 2014.
This story was posted at
http://www.destinationtips.com/advice/top-dangerous-cities-to-avoid-for-now/
In her writeup Tessa Riley said “There are always
travel advisories, news stories and rumors to scare us out of visiting certain
places around the big bad world. If we take all of them to heart, we might
never go anywhere. But us brave and adventurous types often throw caution to
the wind and venture forth anyway. More often than not, these journeys are
without incident and lead to those kind of serendipitous, enriching experiences
that only travel can bring. However, there are some hotspots on the globe that
really do pose a credible threat to health, safety and well-being at the
moment. Now is not the time to go cowboy and take an unnecessary risky trip.
Here’s a list of some of the top dangerous cities that are worthy of a visit
someday, but are best avoided right now:’
She listed the top 12 dangerous cities as
follows:
San Pedro Sula, Honduras; Fukushima City, Japan;
Caracas, Venezuela; Kiev, Ukraine; Acapulco, Mexico; New Orleans, USA;Cape
Town, South Africa; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Zamboanga City, Philippines;
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Bogotá, Colombia, and Cairo, Egypt.
Tessa Riley described Zamboanga as a “ large urban center in the south of the Philippines , is affectionately hailed as “Asia’s
Latin City
Her report was countered by others in Facebook.
Jeffrey Bajade said “Hmmm.... Its seems the
author did not make a very concrete research before writting this article
especially about zamboanga city,, zamboanga city is just a center for news
reports, because all vital installation for mass media and government
institutions such as military headquarters for the southern region of
philippines are located in our city. The said september 2013 arm conflict took
only 28 days and not months or years of gunfights, unlike of those what happen
in other cities in the middle east. Its so exaggerated,.. To me this article
does not have validity and updated reports about the situation on the places
she is citing... But thanks anyway for mentioning my muy hermosa ciudad in this
article..”
Pedro Cruz countered “To include Zamboanga city as top most dangerous
in the world is unfair and untrue. the trouble occurred on a small area only
and all the rebels were either captured or killed, there will be no repeat. the
kidnappings occur outside the City and in the provinces, but it is only
reported "dateline Zamboanga
City Gaza , or Jerusalem or Tripoli or Cairo London
Leda wrote “True, I am much safer in
Zamboanga than in Manila
Zamboanga is more of a paradise than unsafe.”
(From Facebook) (102114)
Exclusivity contract bars power providers for city
Exclusivity contract bars
power providers for city
Councilor Juan “Kim” Elago yesterday said that
there is the so-called an “ exclusivity contract” between the
Zamcelco and the SRPI and Infinity
for the supply of electricity in the city.
There are some
interested investors who wanted to come in but they cannot do so because
of the said “ exclusivity contract.
Muchmore, there is no period of time as the
contract entered favored the SRPI and Infinity as to when these projects
will be realized.
Elago said that there are rumors that SRPI does jnto have enough funds or money for the construction of
the 100megawatt Coal Fired Power Plant in Ecozone.
It will be recalled that Zamcelco entered
into two (2) contracts with SRPI and
Infinity for the additional supply of power plant in the city .
SRPI will construct the Coal Fired Power Plant while Infinity
will put up a solar power system.
However, up of this time there is no clear status
on the aspect as to when it will be realized.
The city council has invited the Zamcelco ,SRPI and Infinity for a
dialogue to shed light on the matter .
“Tiene rumor cay nuay sila sen , “ Elago said
referring to the SRPI.
Elago added that the standing contract is
also the reasons why Zamcelco cannot enter into another contract
from the other power suppliers in the country .(Letty M. Militante ) (102114)
Unfair and unjust, claims Kim Elago
Unfair and unjust,
claims Kim Elago
This story is
spreading in the social media network , particularly Facebook,
written by a writer from “Destinationtips.Com.”
The writer placed Zamboanga in that list , due in
part to the rebel attack in this city last year.
Elago said that it is unjust and unfair
because it also happen in other country like London, U.S., Syria , Dallas
Beruth, Jerusalem and among other countries in the world.
According to Elago, the writer must come to Zamboanga City
Elago said that the Zamboanga Siege last
September 09, 2014 was a “victory “ as the city won and the rebels died .
“it’s a victory not dangerous . They were
killed ,” Elago said .
Unfair for us , the violent had ceased , “ganao
kita ,” Elago said .
Elago also
said that the city is
“normal “ as there are no groups walking in the streets with
heavily fired arms as compared to other countries.
Elago said that the inclusion and ranking of the
city as top 9 is damaging is as far as the tourism industry is
concern because every time a tourist wanted to come to the
city and search about the city they will come across the “article “ wrote by the writer. (Letty M.
Militante ) (102114)
Beng calls for more aggressive campaign against illegal drugs
Beng calls for more aggressive
campaign against illegal drugs
*
This, after the chief executive received a letter
cum memorandum from Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas
identifying the barangays of Recodo, Arena Blanco, Baliwasan, San Roque and
Sta. Catalina as seriously affected by the illegal drugs trade. The report was
based on the findings of the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
“Our instruction is for the City Legal Office to
get a copy of the memorandum, Col. Casimiro and Councilor Jerry Perez to take
appropriate action and submit reports on their anti-drugs accomplishments,”
Climaco said.
She said the city government has funds for the
fight against illegal drugs and “we need to utilize them properly. “We need to
continue aggressively the campaign against illegal drugs because they destroy
our society, the family and the future of our children.”
Meanwhile, city police director Sr. Supt.
Angelito Casimiro reported during this week’s press briefing that the from the
period Sept. 22 to Oct. 12, the ZCPO had conducted 23 anti-illegal drugs
operations, resulting in the arrest of 44 suspected pushers and confiscation of
illegal drugs locally known as “shabu” in 68 plastic sachets and other
paraphernalia.
He said the suspects were locked up in different
police station jails, pending their transfer to the Zamboanga City
Reformatory Center
Climaco said she received a letter from Interior
and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas informing her about the findings of
the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) that five of the city’s 98
barangays were seriously affected by the illegal drugs trade.
There were barangays Recodo, Arena Blanco,
Baliwasan, San Roque and Sta. Catalina.
The city chief executive has instructed Supt.
Casimiro and Councilor Jerry Perez to do appropriate action in a bid to
eradicate the illegal drugs trade in the barangays and the city in general.
(Vic Larato) (102114)
101% of Zambo children immunized vs polio- CHO
101% of Zambo children
immunized vs polio- CHO
*
City health officer Dr. Rodel Agbulos told the
weekly press briefing in City Hall Monday that for the whole month of September
the CHO’s medical team had conducted Measles-Rubella-Polio mass immunization
for children ages from nine to 59 months.
He said oral polio vaccines (OPVs) were also
given to children from birth to 59 months, covering 101% of the children within
the said age bracket in a bid to make Zamboanga a polio-free city.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative reported
that polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. There is no
cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines. The strategy to eradicate
polio is therefore based on preventing infection by immunizing every child
until transmission stops and the world is polio-free.
Meanwhile, Dr. Agbulos said additional manpower
is needed to sustain health programs and services for internally displaced
persons (IDPs) in the different transitory sites and evacuation centers.
This, after the International Committee of the
Red Cross (ICRC) medical team has pulled out medical consultations from the
Masepla Transitory Site in Mampang.
Thus, the city health officer has invited other
agencies to help augment health personnel for the IDPs even as he suggested to
identify IDPs who can be trained as barangay health workers or to compose the
community health teams.
He said multipurpose halls that will serve as
clinics have already been constructed at the transitory sites in barangays
Taluksangay and Tulungatung. The one at Masepla TS will start construction
soon. (Vic Larato) (102114)
Zamboanga city, a finalist in the Liveable Cities Design Challenge
Zamboanga city, a finalist in the
Liveable Cities Design Challenge
*
ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –Zamboanga City was one of
the four cities in the country selected to join in the Liveable Cities Design
Challenge (LCDC), a planning and design competition aimed to get city planners
to better plan their respective cities for a climate-defined future.
Mayor Beng Climaco led the Zamboanga team in the
final defense presentation of the city’s entry in the LCDC under the Government
Center/Evacuation Center category held in Manila
Wednesday. The other cities that made it to the finals were Cagayan de Oro,
Valenzuela and Roxas. Cagayan de Oro City was selected as grand winner.
The other category was APEC meeting venue where
finalists were the cities of Ilo-ilo, Cebu and
Legazpi. Ilo-ilo City
It is also the aim of the competition to
encourage city planners to design liveable cities that offer safety,
convenience, livelihood, lifestyle and sustainability, attracting people to
live, work, play, thus enhancing the city’s competitiveness.
The organizers of the competition believe that
the facilities are vital elements or parts of the city that should be planned
in the context of the city’s overall development strategy, particularly
its environmental characteristics, land use and road network and the
competition initiative can thus serve as models for liveable and
environmentally-responsible urban planning and spatial designs.
Mayor Beng Climaco Wednesday leads the Zamboanga
team during the defense of the city's entry in the Liveable Cities Design
Challenge (LCDC) where Zamboanga was selected as one of the four finalists to
the competition under the Government Center/Evacuation center
category. CED ZABALA
Originally, there were 20 cities from all over
the country that submitted entries. Zamboanga was included in the shortlist of
four cities to join in the Government Center/evacuation center category.
Organizers included National Competitiveness
Council of the Philippines, USAID, Microsoft, WWF, APEC 2015 National
Organizing Council Philippines, Assure, Asia Society Philippines Foundation,
Inc. and Urban Legend Institute. (Sheila Covarrubias) (102114)
Firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices banned in Zambo
Firecrackers, pyrotechnic
devices banned in Zambo
*
The ordinance enacted September 30, 2014 as an
urgent measure, takes effect immediately in accordance with the provisions of
Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.
The strict prohibition likewise is in effect “at
anytime regardless of the occasion except of such prohibited items are in the
form of a cargo or cargoes that will only be used by the city as transhipment
point to another ship or vessel or vehicle or other means of transportation to
its point of destination outside of Zamboanga City”.
The transhipment of the banned items however has
several conditions. Items in transit are to be stored temporarily in warehouses
and other suggested storage facilities deemed safe as determined by the City
Government and the Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards
Supervisory Section (FESSAGS) for a period not exceeding 3 days and that the
concerned dealer or supplier shall immediately notify the City and FESSAGS of
any and all incoming cargo or cargoes containing the banned items.
Any person or business establishment found to be
violating the law shall be penalized with a fine of not less than P1,000 nor
more than P5,000, or imprisonment of not less than 6 months nor more than 1
year or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court in
addition to the cancellation of the license or permit issued by the PNP and the
Business Permit issued by the city and the confiscation by the city of his
inventory or stock.
Administrative fines include P1,000 for first
offense; P3,000 for second offense and P5,000 for third offense.
The local chief executive, through the City
Administrator, in coordination with the City Fire Marshall, the FESSAGS, PNP
and such other concerned agencies are directed to enforce the provisions of the
Ordinance. Barangay chairmen are also deputized to enforce the law in their
respective areas of jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, a Technical Working Group is created based
on the ordinance, for the purpose of formulating rules the Implementing Rules
and Regulations necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of the
said law and to institute any and all relevant measures to ensure its smooth
implementation.
The TWC is composed of the mayor as chairperson,
the city administrator as vice chairperson and the Chairman of the Council
committee on peace and order, City Treasurer, City Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Officer, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, City Health
Officer and the FESSAGS representative as members.
The ordinance was authored by Councilors BG
Guingona, Cesar Jimenez Jr., Charlie Mariano, Juan Climaco Elago II, Eduardo
Saavedra Jr., Miguel Alavar III, Vincent Paul Elago, Luis Biel III, Melchor Rey
Sadain, Jerry Perez, Roel Natividad, Rogelio Valesco Jr., Myra Paz Abubakar,
Percival Ramos and Rommel Agan with Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde as presiding
officer.
Last year, Mayor Climacoo issued an executive
order in response to a City Council resolution directing the temporary ban on
the use and sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices within the city.
The city was prompted to institutionalize the ban
on firecrackers and pyrotechnics devices due to risks it pose on lives and properties.
Likewise the memories of the 2013 siege are too fresh to be forgotten and the
city government deemed it right and proper to put in place a “definitive and
decisive step in banning potential incendiary tools or devices” on a permanent
basis “if only to prevent fears, anxieties and a contributory factor to the
general feeling of threat and insecurity”. (Sheila Covarrubias) (102114)
City mulls other solutions to incoming energy crisis
City mulls other solutions
to incoming energy crisis
“We need another fallback position to ensure that
energy may be available by the summer of 2015,” the mayor said.
Speaking before members of the media during the
regular press briefing at City Hall Monday morning, the mayor disclosed that
while she sees the issuance of a provisional approval by the Energy Regulatory
Commission (ERC) to the San Ramon Power, Inc. (SRPI) as a positive development,
the question as to whether the power plant project would be completed by or
before 2016 remains unclear.
Aside from the ERC requirement, the lady mayor
revealed that there is also a need to revisit the terms of the memorandum of
understanding entered into by the city government and the SRPI.
“While the ERC’s approval of the project was
contributory to the delay,” Climaco explained, “the big question would be if
SRPI has the capacity to build the coal-fired plant? Can they build it by
2016?”
The mayor admits that she has yet to hear from
SRPI officials, but she has been in discussion with other stakeholders on other
options as the city expects other energy crisis come April 2015.
“The SRPI project has been significantly delayed,
so what will the ZAMCELCO (Zamboanga Electric Cooperative) and the city
government do?” the mayor asked. (Claudine Uniana) (102114)
Police nab 44 suspects in anti-illegal drugs drive
Police nab 44 suspects in
anti-illegal drugs drive
City police director Sr. Supt. Angelito Casimiro
said from the period Sept. 22 to Oct. 12 the ZCPO had conducted 23 operations
against the illegal drugs, resulting in the arrest of 44 suspects and
confiscation of illegal drugs locally known as shabu in 68 plastic sachets and
other drug paraphernalia.
He said the suspects are presently locked up in
different police station jails, pending their transfer to the Zamboanga City
Reformatory Center
This, Casimiro said, has rendered the police station
jails in the barangays and that of the ZCPO overcrowded, thus the need to
transfer the suspects to the City Jail the soonest time possible.
As this developed, Mayor Beng Climaco has
commended the local police for their accomplishments in the fight against the
illegal drug menace in the city.
Climaco said she received a letter from Interior
and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas informing her about the findings of
the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) that five of the city’s 98
barangays were seriously affected by the illegal drugs trade.
There were barangays Recodo, Arena Blanco,
Baliwasan, San Roque and Sta. Catalina.
The city chief executive has instructed Supt.
Casimiro and Councilor Jerry Perez to do appropriate action in a bid to eradicate
the illegal drugs trade in the barangays and the city in general. (Vic Larato) (102114)
Climaco: halt in Telecom operation a safety measure
Climaco: halt in Telecom
operation a safety measure
“The halt of [telecommunications] operations was
a precautionary measure,” said Climaco during her press briefing at City Hall
Monday morning.
Network signals and communications via mobile
phones were disabled in the roads leading to and within the Fort Pilar
The same measure for safety and security was
utilized to secure last year’s fiesta celebrations.
Climaco emphasized that the prerogative to
temporarily halt communication services was made at the discretion of the
telecommunication companies themselves upon request of the local government and
security forces.
“We leave it at their discretion,” she said.
Telecommunication companies in the City agreed and
heeded the request, and in cooperation with local police and military, observed
the security protocol to restrict text and call services.
The Mayor emphasized that the safety of all
residents attending the procession and mass was a primordial concern. The local
government respects the right of residents to communicate, and the safety
measure was not intended to impede this right.
Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ) Commander Colonel
Andrelino Colina said the precaution was pursued after investigations revealed
traces of ammonium nitrate, wirings and mobile phone parts in the unattended
thermos, later officially identified as an improvised explosive device (IED),
found by security forces Saturday evening in Plaza Pershing.
“If ever we caused inconvenience for temporary
shutdown of signal of all telecommunications, that was for everybody’s safety.
We did this to protect the lives of everybody here,” declared Colina.
For her part, Climaco expressed her gratitude to
the telecommunications companies for their response and vigilance.
“We would like to thank our telecommunication
companies for supporting the City of Zamboanga