Ecozone gives ultimátum for SRPI to pay P10 M rental for plant site

Ecozone gives ultimátum for  SRPI

to pay P10 M rental for plant site

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) -The Zamboanga Special Economic Zone has given the San Ramon Power Incorporated  (SRPI)  15 days within which to pay their P10 million rental of a space at the facility for use as the construction site of the multimillion peso coal fired Power Plant.

Zamboecozone Chairman Christopher Arnuco said the facility has already sent by registered mail their demand letters to the SRPI to settle the account.

The final notice to collect was mailed  September 18, 2014. The demand letter gave the SRPI 15 days to settle the account alter receipt of that setter by registered mail.

Arnuco said the matter will be  referred to their corporate counsel in case SRPI cannot pay the said amount.

He said the firm has promised to settle the amount but failed to do so, thus the final demand.

The Ecozone has leased over 30 hectares to the SRPI where the company plans to construct its multibillion peso coal-fired 100 megawatts power plant.

Arnuco said that under its lease agreement, the Ecozone has the option to cancel the contract according to reasons stated therein.

The amount include rental payments for the leased property starting September of last year to December this year.

The construction of the coal fired power plants has been delayed by  the delay in the approval of the Power Sharing Agreement (PSA) by the Energy Regulatory Board.

The recent approval of the PSA by the ERB gives no reason for SRPI to delay construction of the project.(ZNS) (101714)

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Deaths rises to 182 in evacuation sites

Deaths rises to 182

in evacuation sites

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) - The number of evacuees or war victims who died  in evacuation centers and transitory sties has reached 182.

City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos said this figure represent the mortality rate from September last year to October 12, this month.

He said that 48 percent of those who died were children with pneumonia tagged as the number one cause of death in the group.

He said this number of those who died in Evacuation centers have not reached what he called is the “emergency threshold.” (ZNS) (101714)

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Despalo says engineer denies P10,000 extort claims/report

Despalo says engineer denies

P10,000 extort claims/report

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) - City Engineer Luis Vicente Despalo of the City Engineer’s Office  (CEO) has relayed the information that  that  Chief Engr. Robustiano Singdiong of the Building Permit Division  has denied all allegations hurled against  him  by  certain Mr. Alex Wee.

Despalo said   Engr . Singdiong has denied on the allegations of   Mr  Wee who wrote a letter to the City Mayor  that Engr. Singdiong  was extorting cash money  amounting to ten thousand pesos only (Php10,000) and angle bars covered by a delivery receipt.

In a radio  interview  at News FM Zamboanga ,  Despalo said that based on the explanation and response in a Memorandum letter issued to  Engr. Singdiong to explain on the alleged complaint of certain Mr.Alex Wee, this was denied by Engr. Singdiong.

The complaint of Mr. Wee in a  letter  address to Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” C. Climaco was forwarded to the City Legal Office for investigation , Despalo said.

  

According to Despalo, the issues sparks over the problem of off side  parking that needs a radius of only about 200 meters under the  National Building Code.

However, the lot supposed to be occupied is more than the 200 square  meters  as required as it is already over by about 36 squares or a total of 236 square meters .

That, Mr. Wee was the broker of the said lot supposed to be bought by the establishment  for parking space but later on did not push through.

Despalo further said that the establishment needs about 400 squares meters for the parking lot or space  wherein a lot adjacent to the establishment is not enough as this contained only about  255 square meters  lacking about 145 square meters  to approve  the establishment to go operational as this is only what is needed to legalize the establishment  to be opened to the public .

Actually, the  establishment made their soft opening  last October 12, 2014 pending complianace with  requirements of National Building Code – the parking areas for the customers.

Despalo said that the establishment in its areas need about   34 parking slots or about 12 square meters per  car  or about  400 square meters in total  .

Despalo also thanked Mr. Wee who came out on the said allegations .

“I’m thanking Alex Wee who come out to the open,” Despalo said .  (Letty M.Militante ) (101714)

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Council wants dialogue on status of 100MW Coal-Fired powered plant in Zamboecozone

Council wants dialogue on status of 100MW

Coal-Fired powered plant in Zamboecozone

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) - The City Council has invited  three  concerned  agencies  for a dialogue over the status  of the Coal-Fired Power Plant in West Coast in this city .

Invited were the General Manager  George Ledesma  of Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco), the San Ramon  Power Incorp. (SRPI ) and the Zamboanga Ecozone and Freeport Authority  .

Councilor Charlie Mariano who authored  the resolution wants to know   when  the SRPI will start work on the Coal Fired Power Plant in the  Ecozone  since the Energy Regulatory Commission or ERC already approved the plan.

“They promised several  times, we need to see the solid accomplishment , not talking on the three years construction ,” Mariano said .

Mariano said that there might be other investors who are interested to venture   to construct a power plant in the city .

“There are other investors  want to get in,” Mariano said .

Mariano said that Ecozone must also present the present status  in converting the areas from Agricultural to industrial  land. (Lletty M. Militante ) (101714)

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200 establishments face “Closure Order”

200 establishments

face “Closure Order”

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) - The city government has warned at least  200 business establishments secure or renew their the 2014 Business Permit in this city or be issued a “Clousure Order.”

The order will take effect ten days after receipt of the order.

The City Permit and Licensing Division  has already   issued  “closure orders “ to some business establishment  who failed to comply  with the requirements as provided for   the 2014 Business Permit particularly on the payment of taxes  .

Most of those without the  2014 Business Permit are those with applications still pending at the office of the City Planning for the Zoning Clearance and  Bureau Of Fire Protection said Division  Chief Benjie  S. Barredo.

According to Barredo,  the 200 establishments include restaurants, mobile cellphone stores, sari-sari stores and others.

ON record, the office already approved about  8,994 2014 Business Permit as of September 2014 as compared to the year 2013 with  about 8,154 or an increased of  840.

Barredo said that ground for the closure fo establishments after the “notice letter” have been issued include: non-payment of taxes,  operating without business permit and recommendation coming from the City Health Office  and on  the aspect of Health and Sanitation or any  other offices .

Those who were recently issued the “closure order “ were for the non-payment of  the quarterly business taxes .  (Letty M. Militante) (101714)

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DOST distributes ceramic water filter to ZamPen IPs

DOST distributes ceramic

water filter to ZamPen IPs

By Alma L. Tingcang

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) -

About 30 units of locally-developed water filter technology were distributed here by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-IX during the first anniversary of the Buug Subanen Workers Association  (BSWA) recently.

DOST said the beneficiaries were families of BSWA, making potable   water accessible to the community, which is one of the major development concerns of the government.

Ms. Melanie T. Temonio, Science Research Specialist of DOST Zamboanga Sibugay said the ceramic water filter makes local technology work for the people and provides practical solution to the current problem.

“The 30 units of water filter turned-over to the BSWA was only the initial delivery. DOST has allocated 200 units of Ceramic Water Filter to poor families in Zamboanga Peninsula region whose target beneficiaries are selected indigenous people of Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay and Siayan, Zamboangadel Norte.

Ms. Temonio said the water purification system (WPS) is a simple technology that consists of a container and filtering medium, which is the ceramic pot filter (CPF).

The ceramic filter is made up of red clay, which is coated with nano-colloidal silver as the anti-microbial agent that replaces the chlorination process in traditional water filter systems.

The ceramic pot typically sits or hangs on the top of a large plastic container, which is fitted with a tap at the bottom. A lid is placed on top of the filter to prevent contamination.

The system is capable to purify tap water, deep well water, and raw water tainted with up to 3 % suspended particles or silt and convert these into safe drinking water.

According to the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) of the DOST, the water filter has passed the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for drinking water in terms of microbiological and chemical analysis.

Meanwhile, DOST-IX Regional Director Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano said that the grant of water filter to the said communities was one of the initiatives of the agency under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST).

Water and sanitation is one component of CEST for the target communities in the region.  It includes livelihood and economic enterprise development, health and nutrition, education and literacy, and disaster risk reduction and mitigation. (PIA) (101714)

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Synchronized barangay Assemblies in Pagadian

Synchronized barangay

Assemblies in Pagadian

By Gideon C. Corgue

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) -PAGADIAN CITY – All barangays here have complied with the order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to conduct a nationwide synchronized barangay assembly on Sunday to report and discuss important issues with their constituents.

The conduct of the synchronized barangay assembly was made in pursuance of Proclamation No. 260 dated Sept. 30, 2014 issued by the DILG mandating all barangays to hold the same on Oct. 12, 2014.

In Barangay Sta. Lucia here, Punong Barangay Nasser Caubaconducted the said activity at 9:00 a.m. with the council members reporting their respective second semester accomplishments.

Cauba also delivered his State of the Barangay Address (SOBA) highlighting his 2014 firs semester accomplishments including the ongoing programs and projects for this year.

In his SOBA, Cauba gave updates onhis programs involving barangay disaster risk reduction management, solid waste management,  peace and order situation, and  preventive measures against illegal drugs.

The 2014 barangay budget, statement of income and expenditures and other barangay financial transactions to include the itemized monthly collections and disbursement summary of income and expenditures were also reported by Barangay Treasurer Cherry Canales.

In Balangasan, the largest barangay in the city, havinga total registered voters of 10,300, the barangay assembly was conducted at 3:00 p.m. at the gym led byPunong Barangay MaphilindoObaob.

Barangay Secretary MetosLibrea reported the first semester accomplishments of all the council members, specifying among others the programs and projects implemented by the council.

Issues and concerns involving peace and order, environmental protection, children’s rights and welfare, solid waste management and infrastructure development were also discussed.

Purok President Nestor Vicente of Capitol Heights proposed to the council that the 27 puroks participate in the implementation of programs and projects.

The conduct of synchronized barangay assembly has been closely monitored by DILG personnel to ensure compliance and maximum participation of all barangays here. (PIA)(101714)

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AFP, PNP push for societal approach for Basilan peace

AFP, PNP push for societal

approach for Basilan peace

by Rene V. Carbayas

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) -ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Basilan were one in saying that winning the peace in Basilan requires societal approach.

At the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC)emergency meeting last Sept. 28, the army and the police strongly encouraged the full engagement of all sectors of the society in building and sustaining peaceful communities in Basilan.

Both leaders of the army and the police have been calling for the support of the community and strong political will from the local government units (LGUs) in addressing the rising crime incidence in Basilan.

104thBde Commander Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista underscored that “a societal approach is needed to win the peace in Basilan.” He equated peace with development and prosperity. He believes that with community engagement, lawless elements will have difficulty in operating in their communities.

He echoed the aspiration of Board Member YusopAlano and Nagdilaab Foundation Executive Director Miriam Suacito on the need for the government to reach out to the youth, who are lured by criminal elements into joining the band in exchange of firearms and money.

“The problem in Basilan is complex, complicated, and generational. And this could not be solved by the military alone but [also] from other aspects. We are talking here about development; teaching the out-of-school youth; engage the Ulamas in teaching the young. It is the whole of society—a societal approach is needed,” Col. Bautista said.

Meanwhile, Basilan police chief PS/Supt. Mario M. Dapilloza stressed that the work of the police usually ended upon capture of the suspects and filing of the case in court. He reiterated the call for a concerted effort, serious efforts from stakeholders.

“But we still have problems with the communities and the need for society’s help in educating the people and supporting their livelihood in order for us to address the peace and order condition of our community,” he said.

PPOC Presiding Officer Vice Governor Keemhar Jay R. Sakkalahul observed that government must begin to rethink about its strategies in dealing with criminalities and terrorists.

“It seems that our strategies are already outdated. The lawless elements are coming up with their own new strategies and tactics to sow terror and atrocities. It is high time to develop new strategies with the new army brigade commander,” Sakkalahul said.

The vice governor hopes to hear results and action rather than mere reports of figures of incidence and criminalities and victims in succeeding PPOC meetings.

The Basilan police reported that there was a rising incidence of criminalities in Basilan, where crime volume reported doubled from January to September 2014 at 269 casescompared to 177 in the same period last year.  The figure does not include that of Isabela City, however. (PIA) (101714)

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Barangays face sanctions for failure to conduct assemblies before end of Oct.

Barangays face sanctions for failure to

conduct assemblies before end of Oct.

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –   Barangay officials will face sanctions , particularly “ dereliction of duty” cases  if they fail to conduct barangay assemblies in their communities on or before the end of this month.

Any barangay residents or entity empowered to do so can file charges against barangay officials if they fail to conduct these yearly assemblies as required by law as provided in the Local Government Code.

Of the 98 barangays, only Tumaga managed to conduct their assembly last week.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) City Director r Mohammad Arakama said officials of  any barangays who will not comply the mandated barangay assembly until end  October 2014 will   be charged for failure to do so .

Most  of the 98 barangays failed to conduct the scheduled barangay assembly last October 12, 2014  for some reasons or the other.

Arakama said that this  2^nd annual  barangay assembly  is very important because this is where  barangays officials particularly the barangay chairmen together with the kagawads have to present to their constituents  the accomplishment report.

They are also required to submit to their constituents , the liquidation for  funds of  completed projects and projects still  to be implemented  to include among other concern of the community .

Pursuant to Proclamation No. 260, dated 30 September 2011, the Barangay Assembly Day for  the first Semester of CY 2014 was  set last March 29, 2014.

Section 397(b) of the Local Government Code enjoins barangay officials to to undertake the following activities during the assemblies:

1.    State of Barangay Address (SOBA)

2.    Compliance to DILG Memorandum Circular regarding the posting of Barangay Budget, Statement of Income and Expenditures and other Barangay Financial Transactions, and Annual Procurement Plan.

3.    Discussion on issues or concerns affecting the barangay, such as but not limited to:

a.     Disaster Preparedness

b.    Solid Waste Management

c.     Peace and Order Situation, particularly on the proliferation of activities pertaining to illegal drugs in the barangay

d.    Monitoring and strict enforcement of the laws against Human trafficking at the barangay level

Complaints against those who failed in this duty can be filed by any resident of the barangay, concerned citizen, governmental or non-governmental entity before the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan concerned pursuant to Section 61 of the Local Government Code or to the Office of the Ombudsman pursuant to Administrative Order No. 07 or the "Rules of Procedures on the Office of the Ombudsman .  ( Letty M. Militante ) (101414)

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Drainage system not the problem in flooded areas

Drainage system not the

problem in flooded areas

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – There is no need for additional technical expertise to resolve the flooding problem in the city.

City Engineer Luis Vicente Despalo said the problem lies in the location of these systems particularly in low lying areas or below sea level communities in Zamboanga.

Today, more than 50 percent of the total 98 barangays  in the city are experiencing floods due to continuous  heavy rainfalls.

Despalo said that  there are several areas in the city that are in low lying areas  while others are located in areas that are below sea level.

In case of rains, water from these areas cannot flow to the sea because of water levels.

According to Despalo, there is no problem on the drainage system aside from these being  polluted or clogged with plastics and other forms of garbage.

Despalo  said that the problem on flooding is not only in Zamboanga  City but as well as in other cities in the country  from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao .

Despalo said that  because of the several low  lying areas  it is natural that flooding will occur or will stay stagnant because water seeks its own level.

Those areas  not elevated  will continue to be flooded since heavy rainfalls due to typhoons coming in and out of  the  country  is now a regular occurrence in the city. (Letty M. Militante ) (101014)

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