ZCMC expands patient care with new fully-equipped Cancer Center

By: Dannilyn B. Enriquez

Zamboanga City (PIA) - The Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) has significantly enhanced its healthcare services with the addition of a fully equipped cancer center, capable of accommodating chemotherapy sessions for various types of cancer patients. Moreover, the center offers financial assistance to those who are economically disadvantaged.

According to recent reports from ZCMC, breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women in the region, with 20 confirmed cases in the first quarter of this year alone.

"We want the public to be aware of our services and updates, as well as to address any concerns," said Dr. Shadrina Q. Tahil-Sarapuddin, Medical Specialist IV of ZCMC, during a recent Kapihan na Zamboanga event.

The ZCMC is committed to ensuring high-quality healthcare for everyone, including marginalized sectors of the community. Dr. Sarapuddin emphasized that financially incapable patients could receive assistance if they meet the necessary requirements. 

The center leverages the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), which allows cancer patients to access government funds for medical or financial assistance. The Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) and the Cancer Supportive Palliative Medicine Access Program (CSPMAP) are key programs available for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

In addition to the cancer center, the Department of Physical Rehabilitation Medicine at ZCMC offers comprehensive services for occupational and pediatric therapy. These facilities are accessible to patients from various socio-economic backgrounds.

"We focus on not just improving our services through innovations but also on ensuring client satisfaction," Dr. Sarapuddin added, highlighting the center's commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare services. One such innovation is the ZCMC Barangay Network for Health, which empowers communities to manage primary healthcare.

Dr. Sarapuddin also stressed the importance of early detection and treatment, urging individuals to seek medical help if they notice any unusual symptoms in their bodies.

With its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to inclusive healthcare, ZCMC continues to be a beacon of hope for cancer patients in Zamboanga City and beyond. (NBE/MLE/DBE/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City)

 SSS engages employees during RACE campaign

By: Kevin Joey P. Canoy

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) - The Social Security System (SSS) - Pagadian branch engaged employees through the conduct of their monthly Run After Contribution Evaders(RACE) campaign, this city.

The SSS-RACE team identified nine delinquent employers, issuing show cause orders to eight and noting that one employer had already achieved initial compliance prior to the campaign.

Restaurant employee Ryan Caberti expressed appreciation for the campaign saying, “Mas maayo gayud nga mianhi mo aron makamata sila [employer] nga naa diay memo ang SSS nga ginahatag.”

(It is better that you came so that they [employer] will be aware that there is a notice that SSS is giving.)

Caberti is pleased that the SSS had this campaign to remind the employers about their responsibilities. Similarly, cafe employee Virgin Sayago stated “Okay rapod ko ani nga RACE campaign kay ang SSS active gayud kaayo”.

(I am okay with this RACE campaign because SSS is very active)

Executive Officer Remy N. Kisio emphasized that employers should be diligent in remitting their employees’ contributions to ensure that employees can avail themselves of the programs and services that SSS offers.

“Dili ta maka-avail sa mga benepisyo nga andam ihatag ni SSS sa iyahang mga miyembro kung wala kita’y active contribution gumikan ang atong mga benepisyo ug prebelihiyo maga-base gayud sa atong latest contribution,” she said.

(We will not be able to avail the benefits and privileges that SSS is willing to give to its members if we do not have an active contribution because our benefits will be based on our latest contribution)

During the campaign, the team informs employers that SSS will offer various interventions to help them comply with regulations. If employers still fail to comply, they will face legal action in the prosecutor’s office for any of the following violations: non-registration, non-reporting of employees, or non-remittance of SSS contributions.

This campaign aims to create awareness within its jurisdiction. To support this effort, SSS also held a press conference to broaden public information dissemination about the campaign. (EDT/HTB/KPC-GIP/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

Dept. of Transportation continues to drive progress in ZamPen

 By: Rommel B. Ignacio

Zamboanga Peninsula (PIA) — The Department of Transportation (DOTr)-9's significant milestones over the past years were highlighted in the second episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas by the Philippine Information Agency Region (PIA)-9.

Present at the program were the regional directors of DOTr’s attached agencies, including the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Tommy Macadindang, regional director of LTFRB, emphasized in his message the key factors driving the ongoing enhancements aimed at prioritizing the welfare and convenience of commuters.

“Investing in infrastructure development, enhancing public transport, adopting technology, improving accessibility, engaging communities, spurring economic developments, prioritizing safety and security, fostering partnership are crucial aspects to consider when planning and implementing transport projects for sustainable and inclusive mobility and connectivity.” 

LTFRB reported on its successful rollout of the Public Transport Modernization Program, which included providing technical assistance to stakeholders and implementing fleet modernization initiatives. As part of this effort, various transport groups introduced additional units of modern jeepneys to enhance the quality and efficiency of public transportation services.

CAAP highlighted the repair of Pagadian and Dipolog airports to improve safety and functionality, rehabilitation of concrete pavement and passenger terminal building of Zamboanga airport and construction of perimeter fence of Ipil airport. These endeavors aim to improve the travel experience and security across the region's air transport hubs. 

Philippine Coast Guard underscored its heightened patrol, rescue operations, and law enforcement activities, enhancing safety and safeguarding marine resources in Zamboanga Peninsula. Additionally, their initiatives prioritize both maritime safety and environmental conservation, ensuring sustainable practices for future generations.

The Maritime Industry Authority detailed its progress to advance the region’s shipping industry by facilitating vessel registration and implementing comprehensive training programs. These initiatives are designed to cultivate a proficient workforce, ensuring safety and efficiency in maritime operations while fostering growth and development within the industry.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) discussed the improvements in port facilities such as their social responsibility project Tindahan sa Pantalan providing access to services and income opportunities to vendors at the port. The agency also showed port developments such as the construction of an operational area and Roro terminal in the Port of Zamboanga.

The Land Transportation Office showcased its accomplishments including the deployment of two mobile units to provide services in remote areas of the region. Additionally, they established a new district office in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur, catering to the needs of constituents in the province's second district.

Nasser Ibrahim, regional director of LTO, emphasized the importance of recent achievements and reaffirmed the commitment to consistently deliver excellent service to meet the public’s transportation needs. 

"Our recent accomplishments underscore our commitment to excellence and our proactive approach to addressing the transportation needs of the Zamboanga Peninsula. We acknowledge the current issues and are actively working on solutions to enhance our service delivery and meet the expectations of the public,” Ibrahim said.

These milestones reflect DOTr-9's commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure and services, thereby contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the Zamboanga Peninsula. (NBE/RBI/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)

LTO-9 eyes zero backlogs on license cards by July this year

 By: Nilda T. Delos Reyes

ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Region 9 is set to intensify its efforts to clear its backlog of license cards by July this year, aiming to achieve zero backlogs in its service delivery.

According to LTO Region 9 Director, Nasser B. Ibrahim, during the Bagong Pilipinas Kapihan with the Philippine Information Agency, their office has been working tirelessly to reduce the backlog, which has been a major concern for motorists in the region. 

The Regional Director expressed optimism that their office will be able to clear its backlog of license cards by July this year, citing the significant progress made so far.

According to the LTO-9 data, as of May 2024, their office has cleared a total of 118,863 license cards leaving only 110,724 cards yet to be processed.

"We aimed to become zero backlogs by July,” Director Ibrahim said.

Land Transportation Office-9 hopes that the clearance of backlogs on license cards will bring major relief for motorists in the region, who have been facing delays in processing their license cards. 

When asked about the assurance on the zero backlogs, RD Ibrahim said that drivers who go to their office for their driver’s license will surely get their cards, however he also expressed that some drivers are contented with their temporary driver’s license and they are no longer interested in claiming their cards.

“Meron na tayong mga license cards dito sa R9 kaso ang ibang owner ng license cards tinatamad kung paano kunin yong mga license cards nila. Ayaw na nilang pumunta sa opisina,” Dir. Ibrahim said.

[We already have that here in Region 9, however some owners of license cards are lazy on how they are going to get their license cards. They don’t like to go to our office.]

The Land Transportation Office plays a crucial role in managing and regulating land transportation across the country, ensuring safety, security and compliance with transportation regulations. (NBE/NDR-PIA Basilan)

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝟱 𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗠 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗧-𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P5 billion for the Special Development Fund (SDF) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The release of the fund is in accordance with Section 2, Article XIV of Republic Act 11054, that the National Government shall provide the SDF with P5 billion annually, for a period of 10 years, to the BARMM Government “for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of its conflict-affected communities.”

"Tulad po ng ipinangako ko, at alinsunod po sa tagubilin ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, patuloy po ang DBM na aalalay sa BARMM sa abot ng aming makakaya. We will ensure that we will help in its smooth transition process and strengthening its communities," Secretary Pangandaman said.

“Umaasa po kami na magagamit ng wasto ang pondong ito para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga komunidad sa BARMM. We hope that BARMM takes advantage of this funding by fully utilizing it to help those in need, and to improve areas that needs further development,” Pangandaman added.

The most recent conflict to have erupted in BARMM was the five-month siege, from 23 May to 23 October 2017, of Marawi City — capital of Lanao del Sur, one of six provinces in the region.

The clash resulted in P17 billion in property damage and lost opportunities, according to Task Force Bangon Marawi, the government inter-agency body in charge of rehabilitation efforts in the conflict zone.

In 2018, Task Force Bangon Marawi said in an initial estimate that at least P49.8 billion is needed to restore affected parts of Marawi.

The allocations shall be directly released by the Bureau of Treasury to the BARMM Government through an authorized government servicing bank (AGSB), subject to cash programming by the National Government.

The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has allotted P64.76 billion for BARMM’s Annual Block Grant; P5.0 billion as Special Development Fund (SDF) for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of conflict-affected communities; and P4.59 billion for its share in taxes, fees, and charges collected in the region.

###

Dos mil ka mga seedlings natanum sa 500 ka mga partisipante

Dos mil ka mga similya sa klase-klasing kahoy ug kawayan,  ang natanum sa halos kinyentos ka mga partisipante sa nagmalampusong gipahigayon nga nasudnong Bamboo and Tree Planting Activity didto sa Mt. Lab, barangay Sto. Niño dakbayan sa Dapitan kagahapon sa buntag, Setyembre 13. 

Si Sto. Niño Brgy. Kapitan Crisologo Jumuad nagpasalamat sa kagamhanang probinsyal sa pagpangulo ni Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” Jalosjos uban sa mga kadagkoan niini lakip ang 50ka mga barangay sa dakbayan sa Dapitan.

 

Dako ang pasalamat ni Jumuad kay ang ilang barangay maoy nahimong gitamnan sa maong 2mil ka mga seedlings, bisan paman sa kabungtod  sa ilang lugar.

 

Asoy ni Kapitan Jumuad nga mismo ang mga barangay opisyales ang moatiman sa maong gipangtanum tungod kay daku kinig ikatabang ilabinag mudagko na ang mga kahoy.

 

Gibutyag sa Kapitan nga ang ilang barangay matag ting-init makabsan sila sa tubig sa ilang mga tubod ug nagtuo sila nga kon managko na ang mga kahoy nga gipangtanum, makatabang kini nga moabunda kon mokusog ang ilang mga tubod nga maoy ilang gisaligan.

 

Sa samang bahin ang Assistant Regional Director sa Department of Interior and Local Government  (DILG)  nga si Engr. Carmilo Enrique Libut, mipadayag usab sa iyang pagdayeg ug pasalamat sa kagamhanang probinsyal pinaagi ni Nanay Nene sa dakung suporta niini nga nahimong nagmalampuson ang maong nationwide bamboo and tree planting activity.

 

Gidayeg sa DILG nga ang kooperasyon ug panaghiusa  sa LGU nga nagmabulukon ang nasangpit nga kalihukan.

 

Nanghinaut kini nga mapadayun ang pagpananum sa mga kahoy bisan sa mga bakanteng luna aron masalbar ang kinaiyahan ilabina kay adunay climate change nga ang tanan naapektuhan.

 

Gikahibaloan nga si Governor Jalosjos ang padayon kining mosuporta sa tanang kalihukan ug programa alang sa kalambuan ug kaayuhan sa katawhan ning lalawigan sa Zamboanga del Norte. (PIC-Joeue Sacol Ramirez-Writer, Rosie Jane Villorejo-News Gatherer, Raymond Garrovillo-Cameraman)

Hemodialysis patients get more free sessions from PhilHealth benefit

By Clennkei C. Peñalosa

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 5 (PIA) – In response to the ongoing challenge to our country's health system, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) sets maximum hemodialysis benefit package up to 144 sessions for the year 2022 through PhilHealth Board Resolution No. 2718 s. 2022.

 

Philhealth-9 Benefit Administration Section Head, Dr. Jacob Maria D.V. Mendoza said the purpose of this Circular is to present the recommendations for outpatient hemodialysis that sets the maximum limit of hemodialysis up to 144 sessions for the year 2022.

Before the resolution, only 90 sessions are covered in the hemodialysis benefit package but due to COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, PhilHealth increased its yearly hemodialysis coverage to 144 sessions which costs Php2,600 per session.

He stressed this policy covers all PhilHealth members and their usual dependents with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) who are currently enrolled in the PhilHealth Dialysis Database (PDD). This policy states the payment of more than 90 to 144 hemodialysis sessions until December 31, 2022.

Dr. Mendoza clarified if a patient with CKD5 is hospitalized and needs dialysis, they cannot use this benefit because this policy is exclusively set for outpatient hemodialysis sessions only. 

Moreover, if the patient with CKD5 does not use the 91st - 144th hemodialysis sessions, it cannot be used or added to the year 2023 because the scope of this policy is only until December 31, 2022.

This year’s policy on increased coverage for hemodialysis outpatients was release in the month of August, however, if a member or patient already paid the 91st – 144th hemodialysis sessions, they can directly file it to the nearest PhilHealth Regional or Branch Office or Local Health Insurance Office and follow the existing criteria based on PhilHealth Circular No. 20 s. 2014 (ACR Policy No. 4 - Directly Filed Claims for All Case Rates and Return to Sender). (EDT/MLE/CCP/PIA9-Zamboanga City)