BBM Program brings support to 681 barangays in Zamboanga del Sur

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

 

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) - A total of 681 barangays across Zamboanga del Sur’s 26 municipalities and component Pagadian City are set to benefit from additional resources under the national government’s Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) Program, strengthening the capacity of barangays to implement priority community projects and provide educational assistance.

The support was highlighted during the 74th Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur Anniversary Program and Awarding Ceremony held recently  in Dao, Pagadian City, where barangay representatives received assistance under the government’s Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF).

 

Each barangay is provided ₱200,000, with ₱100,000 allocated for priority projects identified by barangay officials and another ₱100,000 intended for one-time educational assistance for qualified graduating college students.

 

The program gives barangays additional resources for projects responsive to their respective community needs while helping ease the financial burden faced by students nearing completion of their college education.

 

The BBM Program forms part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s support to local governments through the SCPF.

 

For Zamboanga del Sur, the assistance complements the continuing efforts of the Provincial Government under Gov. Divina Grace C. Yu to bring government services and development interventions closer to communities.

 

During her State of the Province Address (SOPA), Yu underscored the strong contribution of national government programs to the province’s development, saying that around 80 to 90 percent of the provincial government’s accomplishments are anchored on projects and programs of the national government.

 

The governor’s statement highlights the interconnected roles of national and local governments in addressing development needs, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, health, education, social protection and livelihood.

 

Through programs such as the BBM, national government resources are brought directly to the barangay level, where local officials can identify and implement interventions based on the needs of their communities.

With all 681 barangays covered, the assistance represents a direct infusion of resources to communities across the province, supporting both local development priorities and qualified students pursuing their college education.

 

The BBM initiative is part of the national government’s broader effort to strengthen grassroots service delivery by ensuring that assistance reaches communities through local governments and barangays. 

Salug mayor vows to turn trust into service

 By Clennkei C. Peñalosa

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – Salug Mayor Dr. Ruth M. Brillantes vowed to honor the trust of her constituents through action, service, and results, as she called for their continued participation in building a more progressive municipality.

Brillantes made the commitment during her first State of the Municipality Address (SOMA), delivered at the Salug Municipal Gymnasium during the opening of the town's 67th Founding Anniversary.

“I cannot do this alone. I need the dedic
ation of municipality employees, the leadership of barangay officials, the commitment of teachers and health workers, the strength of farmers and fisherfolks, the support and enterprise of the business community, and the trust and participation of every Salugnon,” she emphasized.

“Your trust is a responsibility,” Brillantes said, stressing her commitment to translate the confidence of her constituents into concrete action.

She said the municipality will focus on bringing more services to communities, creating opportunities for residents, and pursuing projects that will move Salug forward.

Among the accomplishments Brillantes highlights during the SOMA are the infrastructure projects covering key areas of community life, including road access, education, transportation, and public spaces.

The concreting of Marcos Street and P. Garcia Street improved road access within the municipality, while projects at Balakan National High School and Balakan Elementary School, as well as the pathway at Salug National High School, provided improvements to school facilities and access for learners.

Moreover, improvement of the Integrated Bus Terminal Lounge also enhanced the municipality’s transportation facility, while the construction of mini-covered courts in Binoni and at Ramon Magsaysay National High School provided additional spaces for community and school activities.

Other completed projects included improvements to the Salug Gymnasium, the Liguac PAMANA Building and comfort room, and Phase III of the Multi-Purpose Building, adding to the municipality’s public and community facilities. 

Brillantes credited the National Government, Provincial Government, particularly Governor Darel Dexter T. Uy, and the congressional office of 3rd District Representative Michael Adrian Amatong for their support to the municipality's development initiatives.

“Advocacy is the legacy. And I intend to honor it through action, service and results,” Brillantes said.

She said the accomplishments of the municipality serve as a foundation for what comes next, as the local government continues to work toward providing more services, opportunities, and projects for Salugnon.

“Alang sa healthy ug progresibong Salug, kuyog ta,” she said.

Salug is a second class municipality in Zamboanga del Norte. The Philippine Statistics Authority lists Salug with 33,060 residents based on the 2024 Census of Population. (CCP/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

P153-M rice aid set to reach Zambo City’s poorest families

By Myra Cel L. Espinosa

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) — Thousands of low-income families in Zamboanga City are set to receive rice assistance under programs of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with the national government allocating P153 million worth of rice for distribution across the city’s 98 barangays.

The allocation covers 117,692 sacks of 25-kilogram rice. Of these, 80,000 sacks are already available for distribution, while more than 30,000 additional bags are expected to arrive.

The assistance comes as part of the government’s efforts to bring basic support closer to communities and help families manage everyday food expenses. 

In Zamboanga City, Mayor Khymer Olaso directed the City Social Welfare and Development Office to release 21,800 sacks of rice to 15 barangays within a seven-kilometre radius during the Handog ng Pangulo activity on September 14.

The remaining rice allocation will be distributed among the city’s 83 other barangays within the next 10 days. To promote fairness and orderly distribution and determine the sequence of release, the 83 barangays were included in a raffle draw supervised by the  City Mayor’s Office Chief of Staff Celso Lobregat.

The City Mayor’s Office will coordinate with the concerned barangays regarding their respective schedules for the release.

Olaso expressed appreciation for the national government’s support, stressing that the rice assistance is intended to benefit Zamboanga City residents.

“Este arroz no es ordinario, buena clase este. Poreso pidi kita gracias na Presidente. Maraming salamat sa ating mahal na Pangulo at hindi niya nakalimutan ang Zamboanga City.”

(This rice is not ordinary; it is good-quality rice. That is why we are grateful to the President. Thank you so much to our beloved President for not forgetting Zamboanga City)

He also underscored that assistance from the national government ultimately goes to the people who contribute to government through taxes.

The rice distribution forms part of the broader government effort to make assistance more accessible to communities. For Zamboanga City, the continuing distribution means more households across its 98 barangays will have access to rice assistance in the coming days, bringing national government support closer to families who need it most. (MLE/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City)

TAGS: handog ng pangulo, rice, assistance, families, Zamboanga, PBBM

CAPTION: Barangay Guiwan in Zamboanga City starts distributing 25-kilogram rice to their residents starting September 14, 2025. (Photo by: Agnes Sanson Natividad-BION)

CHED’s Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program opens more opportunities for ZamPen students

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) — Outstanding senior high school graduates in Zamboanga Peninsula may gain greater access to higher education through the newly introduced Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

During the recent Kapihan na Zamboanga, CHED-9 Project Technical Staff and BPMSP focal person Rhona Vie Loar described the program as a merit-based initiative that recognizes academic excellence while helping deserving students pursue higher education. 

The main objective of the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance to deserving Filipino senior high school graduates,” Loar said.

Applicants must be Filipino senior high school graduates who obtained at least a 95 percent general weighted average or those who belong to the top five of their graduating class. The combined gross annual income of parents must also not exceed P2 million.

The scholarship provides financial support depending on where a student enrolls. Scholars in private higher education institutions may receive up to P45,000 annually for tuition and other school fees, along with P45,000 yearly for stipend and allowances. Students enrolled in state and local universities and colleges may receive the P45,000 annual stipend and allowance. 

An additional academic excellence incentive of P18,000 per term is also available for top-performing scholars in the region. 

The program also gives additional consideration to members of special equity groups, including persons with disabilities, solo parents or their dependents, Indigenous Peoples, and first-generation college students.

CHED 9 received around 800 applications for the BPMSP for Academic Year 2026–2027, which are currently undergoing evaluation and validation.  

Loar said the scholarship covers priority fields identified based on labor market demands, including agriculture and fisheries, creative industries, digital technology, engineering and technology, healthcare and allied programs, teacher education, and financial services.

Embrace the opportunity and please do not be afraid to ask questions,” Loar said, urging students to monitor the official CHED-9 social media platforms for future scholarship announcements. (JPA/MLE/SGR-GIP/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

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)