BGH kicks-off pediatric vaccination vs COVID-19

By: Nilda T.  Delos Reyes

 

 

ISABELA CITY, Oct 29 (PIA) - The Basilan General Hospital (BGH) headed by Dra. Sitti Nurussamsi Amilasan, Medical Center Chief kicked-off today the pediatric vaccination against COVID-19 in the province.

 

Six children ages 12-17 under A3 priority group initially received their first dose of Pfizer COVID-19 jabs this morning during the ceremonial vaccination for pediatric group. They will receive their second dose after 21 days of their 1st dose.

 

Ms. Jarrha Zilmar, Nurse 1, and member of BGH vaccination team, said they initially conducted pre-listing of children under A3 group or with comorbidities to be vaccinated and required to submit documents prior to their vaccination schedule. 

 

Vaccinees are required to submit copy of their birth certificate or baptismal certificate; valid ID of the vaccinee and their guardian; and if their guardian is not their parent they are also required to submit any valid proof indicating that he/she is the guardian; Medical Certificate of Vaccinee signed by Pediatrician and signed parent consent form.

 

Dr. Rufino Gaudiel, parent of one vaccinee said they really waited for this opportunity to bring his daughter and be able to receive COVID-19 vaccine.

 

"We have been waiting for this day that my daughter  will be vaccinated because this is very important for her protection against COVID-19. I encourage everyone especially those with comorbidities like asthma, heart disease and any other disease under the age of 18 years old and below, please encourage your children to be immunized because this is the only way that we can combat this pandemic," he said.

 

Moreover, Dra. Amilasan said BGH is set to conduct the vaccination roll-out to 50 pre-listed children on November 08.

She added vaccination for children will only be conducted in hospitals to properly monitor adverse reaction of the vaccine. (NBE/RVC/EDT/NDR/PIA9-Basilan)

PIA-9 pushes for IPMRs as info officers in tribes

By: Jayson R. Aucensillo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 29 (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 emphasized the need of the Indigenous People Mandatory Representatives (IPMR) to be designated as Barangay Information Officers in their respective communities in Zamboanga Peninsula region.

As information plays a vital role amidst the pandemic and ensuring its rollout in the indigenous peoples (IP) communities in cities and provinces here, PIA-9 and other government agencies see IPMRs as effective information officers to their tribal members.

“We cannot speak their dialect but IPMRs can, and thru them, we can effectively communicate as well as make their community understand the programs of the government,” PIA-9 Regional Director Noemi Edaga said during the 3rd Quarter Multi-Sectoral Governance Council Meeting today, October 29. 

Director Edaga said this is inclusivity so that IPs will feel they are not left behind from any government services or programs offered.

“IPs need to be informed at all times for them not to miss even a single opportunity that is freely given by government as most of them are living in far-flung areas,” she added.

The designation of IPMRs as expanded members of the Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) can be an advantage since they can easily raise IP concerns directly to the agencies.

PIA-9, as chair of the strategic communication cluster, also hoped to work with IPMRs in encouraging IP communities to get inoculated and share relevant information about COVID-19 vaccines for demand generation.

“The government will share whatever benefits for the IP and the 86 IPMRs here, as gov’t information allies will further share it out to their communities,” Director Edaga said. (NBE/RVC/EDT/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

NCIP: Stop calling IPs 'Lumad' address them according to tribe

By: Nilda T. Delos Reyes

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Oct 28 (PIA) – Engr. George Jocutan, provincial director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Basilan called on the public to stop addressing the indigenous people "Lumad".

“Yong paggamit ng salitang 'Lumad' sa ating mga IPs ay hindi po talaga maganda, talagang dini-discourage namin yan. May resolution na ang NCIP para dito na huwag na natin silang tawaging 'Lumad' call them according to their tribe instead,” he said during the Philippine Information Agency regular radio program at DXNO-FM Radyo Komunidad de Isabela, Basilan.

NCIP has approved a resolution on March 02, 2021 denouncing the use of the term “Lumad” to refer to Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples particularly of Mindanao and enjoining the public to address IPs by their respective affiliation or ethnolinguistic group.

The NCIP Commision En Banc Resolution No. 08-009-2021 states that the term “Lumad” is a Cebuano term meaning native. 

“Lumad referring to indigenous peoples of Mindanao was adopted by members of the Lumad Mindanao Peoples Federation (LMPF) on June 26 1986 during its First Congress/Assembly in Kidapawan, Cotabato. “Lumad” was used as it was to them a common language that can identify the ICCs/IPs of Mindanao. 

An ensuing meeting of the LMPF was conducted at the University of San Carlos in Talamban, Cebu to lay down the framework to use the term “Lumad”. From then on, the term gained popularity and was widely used to refer to ICCs/IPs.

Engr. Jocutan said the term “Lumad” is not proper to refer to the indigenous people and the NCIP as government agency responsible for protecting the rights of the indigenous peoples in the whole country has supported the clamor of leaders and members of ICCs/IPs in Mindanao that the term “Lumad” should not be used to refer to them for the reason that the LMPF who adopted the term is not a recognized representative of the ICCs/IPs of Mindanao.

Under the resolution, the decision adopting the term “Lumad” is not representative of the collective sentiments of the entire ICCs/IPs in Mindanao.

Furthermore, NCIP Resolution No. 08-009-2021 states that “Lumad” is not an indigenous term, saying that its emergence and continued use is marred by its association with CPP-NDF and NPA whose ideology is not consistent with the cultures, practices and beliefs of ICCs/IPs.

“Lumad” is similar to or associated with the national minorities as opposed to IPs, thereby diluting the identity of IPs and the continued use of “Lumad” is a misrepresentation and distortion of the true identities and cultures of ICCs/IPs and is equivalent to the non-recognition of their genuine and respective identities and rights as ICCs/IPs; and that the term has no ancestral domain or indigenous territory to speak of and is condescending and derogatory, among others,” the resolution read.

With this, the NCIP enjoined all government offices to refrain from using “Lumad” in official documents and communications. They also appealed to the general public to stop addressing or calling the indigenous people “Lumad”. (NBE/RVC/EDT/NDR/PIA9-Basilan)

R&D consortium pushes ‘halalization’ of ZamPen native chicken

By: Jayson R. Aucensillo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 28 (PIA) -- The Regional Research and Development (R&D) Consortium here is pushing for the ‘halalization’ of Zamboanga Peninsula native chicken during the Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committee (RRDICom) 3rd Quarter meeting today, October 28.

This, as the whole committee wants native chicken to be accepted by any religious laws and available for all by labelling it as ‘halal’ product.

“There is really great potential to make the supply and demand of the halal native chickens better and more comprehensive,” said Dr. Teresita Narvaez of Western Mindanao State University.

To note, Zampen native chicken is a product of the purification process of ‘Joloano’ chicken and considered as one of the region’s championed and/or major products.

The consortium will also be taking up steps in the propagation and commercialization of the halal native chicken in the region.

“With all the initiatives and support of the sector, we can make the ZamPen native chicken as an industry in the region,” Dr. Narvaez said.

More so, the group emphasized the inclusion of bamboo in the research and development priorities as well as closely working on to meet the criteria in making ‘bamboo’ as regional champion product.

The Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance Inc. has a nursery of different species of bamboo that is currently developing and per report, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been planting bamboo since 2013 establishing the Bamboo plantation through the National Greening Program from year 2013 to 2020.

“The regional championed products aim to provide sustainable livelihood to rural communities in Zamboanga Peninsula,” Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 Regional Director Martin A. Wee disclosed. (NBE/EDT/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

DA-9 holds 2021 World Food Day outreach in Lipay, Zambo Norte

By Rene V. Carbayas

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 26 (PIA) – Households of the remote barangay of Lipay in Jose Dalman town, Zamboanga del Norte were indeed “nalipay” (joyful, Lipay in Cebuano literally means joy) as their barangay became the venue for this year’s World Food Day event in the region.

 

In celebration of the 2021 World Food Day, the Department of Agriculture (DA) IX in coordination with other agencies travelled a 22-kilometer rough road from Jose Dalman national highway to reach barangay Lipay last October 1, 2021.

 

"We feel very fortunate that Barangay Lipay in our municipality was chosen as the beneficiary of these food packs. This will greatly help in this community," Jose Dalman Mayor Rachel Ferrater said.

With the theme, "Our actions are our Future. Better Production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life," 41 households in Lipay, an End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) community received food packages.

 

"In behalf of our Regional Executive Director Rad Donn L. Cedeño, the DA IX is elated to come here and provide you with food assistance as part of our celebration of this World Food Day," Reynaldo Campomanes, DA9 Chief of Operations said.

 

Through its rice program, the DA provided each household a sack of rice (50kgs), the DA High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) gave fresh vegetables and fruits and assorted vegetable seeds and the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) provided Php1,000.00 worth of grocery items.

 

Meanwhile, the families also received other grocery supplies from other agencies. One liter of fresh milk from Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), 2kgs of sugar from Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), 1kg of chicken meat from Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), and 10 cans of sardines from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

 

In response, Lenlen Rebucas expressed her gratitude by saying, "these grocery supplies provided by the DA really helped us because we no longer need to buy them, especially the milk for my children."

Also present during the one-day event are Agricultural Center Chief George Vallente, HVCDP Coordinator Hannibal Bayo-ang, other DA IX staff, BFAR representative Ian Durias Municipal Agriculturist Elizabeth Parcutilo and LGU Personnel. (EDT/RVC/PIA9 with reports from Aimee Lou D. Madjus/DA-RFO IX, RAFIS)

DILG urges LGUs to ensure no mass gathering in cemeteries during Undas

 By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) - It's no 'trick or treat' as the need to avoid mass gatherings and continued enforcement of the COVID-19 protocols remain a priority for local government units especially in the upcoming observance of Undas.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued an advisory recently, enjoining all LGUs to adapt and implement ordinances, executive orders, or resolutions restricting access to cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria for a period of five days, from October 29 to November 2, 2021.

 

The advisory addressed to provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and punong barangays emphasized strict compliance to minimum public health standards.

 

"While cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria may be open on other dates, visitors shall be limited to ten (10) persons per group. The maximum venue capacity of 30% (or 50% if provided by or allowed through an LGU declaration) shall likewise be observed," it reads.

 

Moreover, the conduct of wakes, necrological services, funerals, interment, cremation, and inurnment during the five-day period shall be governed by the applicable protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).

 

LGUs are also encouraged to coordinate with their respective local Philippine National Police (PNP) to implement the restrictions and ensure peace and order during the observance of Undas.

 

Similarly, Punong Barangays were advised to direct their respective Barangay Tanods and Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSO) to assist the police.

 

Some LGUs in Zamboanga Peninsula region, such as Zamboanga City had already issued an Executive Order with guidelines for the safe observance of cemetery visits, both in public and private burial sites. (RVC/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

Rizal, Illustrados see ‘sandugo’ as basis for revolution - historians

By Dominic I. Sanchez 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, October 26 (PIA) – Jose Rizal and other Illustrados, or educated Filipinos during the Spanish colonial period look back to the blood compact in Bohol on March 16, 1565 as an important marker that helped them assess the validity of their clamor for revolution, historians believe. 

During the online Philippine International Quincentennial Conference’s session on Illustrado Historiography: Emancipating the Philippines from Spanish Colonial History, it was clarified that Illustrados including Rizal thought of the blood compact, or locally known as the “Sandugo” between Bohol’s Datu Sikatuna and Spaniard Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as a turning point in Philippine History. 

“The blood compact involved leaders cutting themselves on the arm, mixing drops of their blood in an alcoholic drink which the leaders drank as an oath of friendship or brotherhood,” said historian Dr. Filomeno Aguilar of the Ateneo de Manila University.

Dr. Aguilar explained that Legazpi’s participation to the blood compact was in compliance with the King of Spain’s mandate to forge alliances with local chieftains to prevent bloodshed, as was learned in the Americas. He explained that the Illustrados saw the blood compact as a legal treaty between two countries – the Philippines and Spain, and that Sikatuna was tempted into the agreement by Legazpi who used “sweet words” to solicit participation from the former. 

In time, Rizal became “disillusioned with (Spain’s) assimilation (of the Philippines) since it wasn’t going anywhere. All the lobbying they made was not working and he realized that the Philippines should finally be independent,” said Dr. Aguilar. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Jaime Veneracion, a historian from University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman said the blood compact was supposed to bring in development for the islands, with Spain helping out the natives. But the Illustrados realized that what was happening in their time was not what Spain had promised in the blood compact. Injustices against the natives were committed. 

Dr. Reynaldo Ileto, a professor from the Australian National University said “we really haven’t given the quincentennial the attention it deserves. I don’t think most Filipinos are aware of this event”. Dr. Ileto joins his peers in the academic community in calling for more appreciation of history. 

Nevertheless, Dr. Veneracion said “we need to open our history books, just as the Illustrados did to learn about our present, to be able to chart a course for the future”. 

This year, the country commemorates the 500th anniversary at the Victory at Mactan, the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world and other related events known collectively as the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations of the Philippines. From October to December, a series of online conferences will be done with historians and experts sharing information about the history of the country. (EDT/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZCPO launches week-long Barangayanihan Caravan in Zambo

 By Myra Cel L. Espinosa with reports from ZC PIO

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 26 (PIA) – The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) continues to bring government services to people through the Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery.

ZCPO, in partnership with various government agencies and SM City Mindpro, launched the Barangayanihan Caravan starting October 25-29 at the second floor of SM City Mindpro. 

(Photo Courtesy of SM City Mindpro)

The caravan is a week-long one-stop shop for Zamboangueños who wanted to avail government services such as application of NBI and Police Clearance, TESDA Scholarship Package, health kits and medicines from DOH, DSWD’s Public Assistance Desk, and DTI’s IEC materials and Pangkabuhayan Program. 

According to ZCPO Director PCOL Rexmel Reyes, the caravan is a way to provide convenience to people who wants to avail government services especially in this time of pandemic.

“This activity portrays a whole nation approach in informing the people on the accomplishments of the administration through the partnership with other agencies,” he said.

The week-long Barangayanihan Caravan in the city followed the initial launch last October 8, 2021 and the nationwide simultaneous kick-off held last September 30, 2021.

The caravan is also an initiative of the government to counter misinformation through sharing of accurate information of different government programs and projects.

ZCPO and other government agencies encouraged residents to participate in the Barangayanihan Caravan and make use of the opportunity to avail of the various government programs. (EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

 

Unom ka mga pamublikong tulunghaan sa lalawigan, makaapil sa pilot implementation sa face-to-face classes

 

By Gideon C. Corgue

 

PAGADIAN CITY, October 25 (PIA)—  Unom (6) ka mga pampublikong tulunghaan sa lalawigan ang gitahasan nga mosalmot sa  pilot implementation sa  limitado nga face-to-face classes  nga gikatakdang pagahimoon November 15, 2021.

Sa kasayuran nga nakutlo gikan kang Dr. Danny Cordova, ang City Schools Division Superintendent nagkanayon nga ang mga  pampublikong tulunghaan nga nakapasar sa risk assessment sa Department of Health (DOH) ug Department of Education (DepEd) mao ang mosunod: Lala Elementary School, Manga Elementary School, ug Manga National High School nga nakabase sa dakbayan sa Pagadian lakip na usab ang Guipos National High School, Sominot National High School, ug Tabila Elementary School nga nakabase sa lalawigan.

Matud pa ni Cordova nga ilawom sa guidelines nga gipagula sa DepEd ug  DOH, ang mga  fully vaccinated lamang nga mga kawani sa DepEd ang gitugutan nga mosalmot sa face-to-face classes.

Dugang pa ni Cordova nga  aduna usab nga pirmahan nga consent ang mga ginikanan sa dili pa moapil sa klase ang ilang mga anak.

Human pag-validate ug pag-identify sa mga tulunghaan, ipahigayon dayon sa DepEd ang orientation sa dili pa ikatakda nga petsa sa pagsugod sa face-to-face classes. (NBE/ GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PIQC: Link in 'soft power', people to people exchange, says Casa Asia Director General

 

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 22 (PIA) - The Philippine International Quincentennial Conference (PIQC) is a link in the so called 'soft power' and people to people exchange, according to Javier Parrondo, director general of Casa Asia in Barcelona, Spain who was among the invited panelists at the virtual PIQC held recently.

Parrondo said he is very happy that he was invited to participate in the special virtual session because it is a way to generate a solid network between people and entities that contribute to bring closer Asia and the Pacific and Spain.

He explained the commemoration has given the opportunity to cooperate in the project with other institutions in Spain and abroad.

"We have succeeded to cooperate in this commemoration in Asia and Europe," he said.

Parrondo informed that the Philippines is obviously a country of special attention in Casa Asia since it is the Asian country that Spain shares the biggest historical and cultural ties.

This year, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, the first modern university was recognized by Casa Asia and awarded for “being a historical, academic, and cultural reference, as well as playing a key role in education and training in the Philippines for more than 400 years, which turns it into the oldest modern university in Asia."

Parrondo hopes the PIQC will contribute to the advancement of the countries' mutual relations.

Casia Asia is a public diplomacy institution created in 2001 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain with a view to improving knowledge and relations between Asian, Pacific, and Spanish societies in institutional, economic, cultural, and educational arenas, as well as to bring perspectives closer together and facilitate the exchange and sharing of cultures, ideas, and common projects. (EDT/GCC/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

Zambo Norte SAAD farmers earn while on quarantine

 By Rene V. Carbayas

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 21 (PIA) – Government supported communal garden has helped Zamboanga del Norte farmers earn more while on community quarantine.

 

Buenavista Farmers Association President Chona Palubon revealed they utilized the half-hectare land that the local government unit offered in 2020. They started engaging in vegetable production during the first SAAD project given to the association in 2018.

 

“Our Vegetable Production Project encouraged us to plant different kinds of vegetables in our respective backyards. At first, we noticed that some of the members fail so we decided to establish this communal garden,” Palubon said.

The association harvested about 1,920 pieces of squash and sold it to a private buyer at ₱20.00 (big) and ₱18.00 (small) each.

The Buenavista Farmers Association, a farmer-partner of the Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program harvested one ton of squash, earning them over 30 thousand pesos from their communal garden on September 16, 2021.

 

“We have seen a bigger income compared to when we were having our individual gardens, but we still maintain our individual gardens because through this we have a connection among us farmers,” Palubon added.

 

The group members gather every Wednesday to maintain the communal vegetable garden. Vegetables such as cabbage, ampalaya, tomato, and squash, among others are planted in the garden, from which the SAAD provided the seeds.

 

"The best part about this SAAD Program is it provides packaged interventions. From the main inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, the farming tools such as drums, bolo and knapsack sprayers, including knowledge support by giving us social preparation and trainings. They give us not just these tangible inputs but also the learnings that surely will never be taken away from us,” the association president said.

 

Despite these trying times during the pandemic, the DA-SAAD remains committed to facilitate in improving the farmers' quality of life by providing them their most needed assistance.

 

Zamboanga del Norte is on modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) status in the entire province starting October 16. (EDT/RVC/PIA9 with reports from Aimee Lou Madjus/DA-RFO IX, RAFIS)

Sulu farmers get DA help to protect garden from wild boars

 By Rene V. Carbayas

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 21 (PIA) – Sulu farmers will not have to worry on wild boars invading their products as the Department of Agriculture provided farm inputs to help protect their farm.

 

Eighty (80) rolls of barbwire were given to the Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA–SAAD) farmer-beneficiaries in Omar last September 15, 2021.

 

“Now we don’t have to worry about wild boars eating our plant,” one beneficiary said.  While, another expressed, “we never thought that we will receive support from the government because of the distance of our place, but SAAD made it possible and we are very grateful for that.” 

Christopher Rey U. Sensibalo, a representative from the local government unit said that the project is a reassurance of the continuous support of the SAAD program to the farmers in Omar municipality.

“They received cassava stalks, fencing materials, and vegetables seeds for this project. Our local farmers here in Omar still use the old practices in farming and this has been a tradition in this part of Sulu,” Sensibalo said.

 

SAAD Area Coordinator Farhan K. Abdullah said 40 farmer-beneficiaries benefitted from the said farm support. He said that the barbwires were part of the farm inputs given by SAAD to the farmers and has a total value of Php 173,520.00.

 

“The MLGU and BLGU show their support to the SAAD Intervention, from the materials the farmers now have, especially the barbwires to protect their farms and crops. They are so happy now that they can now maximize their plantation and not worry about guarding their crops from wild animals,” he said.

 

To date, the farmers in Omar are preparing for the installation of the fence and plans to plant the cassava stalks soon as it is timely for the rainy season in Sulu. (EDT/RVC/PIA9 with reports from Shara Malaica Ussam/DA-RFO IX, SAAD)

Southeast Asian countries share views of PH Quincentennial

 By Myra Cel L. Espinosa

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 21 (PIA) – The inaugural session of the Philippine International Quincentennial Conference provides varying views on 'Southeast Asian of the Quincentennial'. 

As the Philippines commemorates the 500^th anniversary of the Filipinos' first contact with the Spanish in 1521 from a Filipino-centric point of view in 2021, the countries of Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Indonesia also shared the stopover of the Magellan–Elcano circumnavigation in their countries. 

The National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) of the Philippines aims to share an informed perspective of history to all Filipinos and highlight the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan, which commemorates the victory of Lapu-Lapu in the Battle of Mactan. 

The NQC recognizes Lapu-Lapu and his contemporaries' ideals, sacrifices, struggles and hold them as source of inspiration from the history.

One of the speaker during the inaugural session, Dato Seri Dr. Md Salleh Yaapar from Universiti Sains Malays, Malaysia, emphasized that the real hero after the unfolding events around Cebu and Mactan was Datu Lapu-Lapu, first to vanquish a European conqueror or colonizer. 

“It is right for the Philippines to retroactively honor Lapu-Lapu as the first Philippine National Hero to resist foreign invasion,” he said.

The inaugural session of International Quincentennial Conference kicked-off on October 20-22, 2021 and will continue to discuss the First Circumnavigation of the World and the commemoration of the Quincentennial views from Latin American countries. (RVC/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

PH Commemorates 500 years circumnavigation of the world

 By:  Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Oct. 21 (PIA) - October 20 marks the opening salvo of what is recognized as the biggest, most attended and longest virtual convention in the history of the Philippines- the Philippine International Quincentennial Conference (PIQC) which runs from Oct. 20 to Dec. 17, 2021.

 

The convention which is expected to gather a total of more than 39 thousand zoom participants for all of its sessions, is the highlight of the country’s commemoration of the 500th  year anniversary of circumnavigation of the world .

 

Spearheaded by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the activity is an official project in line with the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, in solidarity with the Year of Filipino Pre-Colonial Ancestors and the Philippine International Quincentennial Conference.

 

The conference is in collaboration of more than 15 different institutions with the goal of highlighting and expanding the knowledge of the Filipinos about the events of the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world, the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines, and the Victory at the Battle of Mactan. 

 

Around 100 Filipinos and foreign scholars, diplomats, officials, artists, and scientists will deliver their insights and researches in 13 different Conference Sessions encapsulating the theme “Situating the Filipino and the Philippines in 1521.”

 

For the Inaugural Session that runs on Oct. 20 to 22, the core theme is "Viewing the Quincentennial" with primary focus on the diplomatic engagements highlighted by this once-in-a-lifetime event, the contributions of the various commemorating countries to the world-wide commemoration, and the reimagining of the events of 1521 towards a Filipino-centric perspective.

 

“This is the year in which we commemorate the 500 years of the Philippine part in circumnavigation and it was no small part and this is also the year in which we commemorate the 75 years of our diplomatic relations,” said Mr. Emanuel Bernades Joaquim , Portuguese Embassy in Jakarta . (EDT/JPA/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)

 

44 drug offenders complete reformation in Sibugay

By: Jayson R. Aucensillo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 21 (PIA) -- A total of 44 drug offenders received training certificates after successful completion of reformation program during their Graduation Ceremony in Diplahan Balay Silangan Reformation Center, Zamboanga Sibugay Province recently.

"Giving second chance to 44 drug offenders is better than arresting and putting them to jail,” said Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Wilkins M. Villanueva.

The drug reformists underwent several trainings from the different stakeholders including the livelihood skills and/or programs from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that would enable them to get employment after their rehabilitation.

They have recuperated for three months inside the reformation center.

On the same graduation day, the Balay Silangan Center welcomed the 33 drug offenders, as 2nd batch to undergo reformation program.

Moreover, the local government unit of Diplahan town remains dedicated in helping their drug offenders and transforming them into self-sufficient and productive members of society by providing them a second chance in life.

The PDEA Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office personnel together with PDEA RO IX Assistant Regional Director IAV Ralph Rommel D. Torres attended the Opening of Balay Silangan Reformation Center for the 2nd Batch, along with the Diplahan Mayor Hon. Eric Yap Palma, TESDA Provincial Director, PNP Deputy Provincial Director for Administration, DILG Provincial Director, Commanding Officer 44th IB PA and DTI Representative. (NBE/EDT/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City with reports from PDEA-9)

'Galing Pook Awards' recognizes 10 outstanding local governance programs

 By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 20 (PIA) - The search for outstanding and innovative local governance programs is about to be concluded and ten local government units from all over the country gets the prestigious 'Galing Pook Awards'. From 206 entries, only 22 emerged as finalists. These programs provided the most adaptive and innovative responses even to challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic in health and safety, education and learning, livelihood and sustainability, and environmental protection and conservation. This year’s awards process, which is the 22nd cycle of the Galing Pook Awards, is the first purely online search done by the Galing Pook Foundation, and it received a record-breaking number of entries from all over the country.

Galing Pook Chairperson Mel Sarmiento said these LGUs are meant to be celebrated as they continuously and effectively delivered programs even in the most challenging times. “We are certain that all the 22 programs deserve to be recognized, documented and shared nationwide and even globally for replication. Each of them demonstrated the desire of our people for effective and excellent leadership from our local governments especially during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. Mr. Sarmiento is inviting all government leaders to witness the awarding ceremony. “Times are tough but we have a renewed sense of hope and inspiration from our LGUs that have shown us good governance is still a reality in our country. Join us as we celebrate our country’s sources of hope and inspiration,” he said. A virtual awarding ceremony via Zoom will be held on October 20, 2021 at 4PM. It will also be streamed live on Galing Pook Foundation’s Facebook page at https://facebook.com/galingpook. The Galing Pook Awards is co-presented by SM Prime Holdings Inc., the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Local Government Academy. (RVC/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

Isabela City pushes for stricter implementation of Staysafe.PH

By: Nilda T. Delos Reyes

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Oct. 20 (PIA) - The Isabela City COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force headed by Mayor Sitti Djalia T. Hataman pushes for stricter implementation of Staysafe.PH as requirement to pass through different entry and exit points here.

Due to the increasing COVID19 infections, Isabela City has reverted to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) since Oct. 16 to 31. GCQ guidelines were strictly implemented to control the movements of individuals here and lessen the possible spread of COVID-19. Staysafe.Ph QR code was required to be presented in different checkpoints.

However, several complaints were received by DILG Isabela City prompting them to send letter to the LGU which called for an emergency meeting this morning.

Mayor Sitti Djalia T. Hataman presided the meeting and issues relative to the implementation of mandatory presentation of Digital QR code when passing through checkpoints were discussed and clarified.

Mr. Jamju Rivera, assistant CDRRMO and concurrent Local Economic Development, Investment and Promotion Officer (LEDIPO) explained that the use of Staysafe. PH is being implemented in reference to the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-075 which requires the implementation on the use of Staysafe.Ph for cities and municipalities.

He added that Isabela City has also issued Executive Order No. 014 series of 2021 which is "An Order Requiring the Use of Staysafe. PH in Travelling to and from the City of Isabela, Basilan. This was signed by Mayor Sitti Djalia T. Hataman on May 24, 2021.

Executive Order No. 014 states it is necessary to further implement contact tracing measures for travelers coming to and from the city so as to prevent the further spread and transmission of COVID-19. It also states that all persons travelling to and from the City of Isabela, Basilan shall be required to download the Staysafe. Ph app in their respective mobile phones and register an account in the said app using their own mobile phone number. When travelling, their Staysafe.Ph QR code will be presented to the persons in-charge at the point of entry or exit in tge city for scanning everytime they travel to and from the City of Isabela.

Furthermore, the order states that no person shall be allowed to enter or exit the city without complying the forgoing requirements, unless exempted by law, rules and regulations. If a person has no android or smartphone, he/shall be required to fill up the required travel form to be provided at the point of entry or exit.

The local task force decided to strictly implement the StaySafe.Ph as mechanism and strategy in addressing COVID-19 outbreak. The task force also agreed that individuals who are travelling to and from the city will be asked for their vaccination card.

Vaccination card is not a requirement to travel but this is to urge unvaccinated individuals get vaccinated for their protection.

Mayor Sitti Djalia T. Hataman appealed to the public to cooperate and follow health protocols and quarantine guidelines and requirements.

"Ilang araw lang naman po ito kaya sana magtiis-tiis nalang po tayo, kung walang importanteng lakad huwag na pong lalabas,” she said.

As of October 19, Isabela City has 81 active confirmed COVID19 cases bringing the total of 1010 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic. (NBE/EDT/NDR/PIA9-Basilan)

ZDSMC magpahigayon ug breast examination sa mga health workers, pasyente

 By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, October 20 (PIA)— Ang Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZDSMC) magsaulog sa Breast Cancer Awareness Month ning bulan sa Oktubre ning tuiga pinaagi sa pagpahigayon sa breast examination.

Matud ni Dr. Anatalio Cagampang, Jr., ang hepe sa Integrated Provincial Health Office ug kasamtangan nga administrator sa Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZDSMC), ang Out Patient Department sa nasangpit nga balay tambalanan magpahigayon ug medical check up sa mga babaye nga health care workers ug breast examination sa mga babaye nga pasyente karong Oktubre 26 ning tuiga.

Dugang ni Cagampang nga ang breast examination mao ang kabahin sa kalihokan sa pag-obserbar sa Breast Cancer Awareness Month sa Oktubre.

Ang breast examination, usa ka pamaagi aron mahibal-an ang bisan unsang mamatikdan nga pagbag-o sa suso sa usa ka tawo. Ang sayo nga pag-ila sa bisan unsang mga pagbag-o sa suso ug mopailawom dayon sa madalion nga pagkonsulta ang makadugang sa higayon nga malampuson ang pagtambal niini.

Bisan sa nagpadayon nga pagsinati sa COVID-19 pandemic, gi-awhag sa nasangpit nga doktor ang mga kababayen-an nga magpadayon sa pagsusi sa ilang suso ug magpagkonsulta o teleconsultation sa mga nag-una nga doctor aron dili makaangkon sa maong sakit. (NBE/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PCOO calls LGUs to join FOI conference on Nov 5

By Dominic I. Sanchez 

 

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar

ZAMBOANGA CITY, October 20 (PIA) – The national government is calling on local government chief executives and officials to pass their own Freedom of Information (FOI) ordinances “to put into effect the people’s Constitutional Right to Access Information at the local level”, and to attend an FOI online conference on November 5.

 

The FOI is one of the legacies of the Duterte Administration, said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, which aims to promote more transparency in government transactions and services. 

 

In a letter, PCOO Undersecretary Atty. Kristian Ablan said there are currently 58 LGUs who have already passed their local FOI ordinances.

 

The PCOO will be conducting an FOI Conference for Mindanao LGUs on November 5, 2021, 1PM via Zoom. Usec. Ablan said the conference “aims to share the best practices of LGUs implementing their FOI Program and encourage more LGUs to follow suit”.

 

He stresses the need for local officials to attend this conference and learn further about the FOI. 

 

Participants must fill out the registration form via bit.ly/Register_LGUConference2021. The Zoom link details will be sent to those who registered via this link. 

 

LGUs that have queries may coordinate with Valeria Valenzuela via mobile number 09151477717, Usec. Ablan added.  (DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

 

 

 

DSWD endorses 54 returning Sibugaynons eligible for BP2

 By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Zamboanga Sibugay, Oct. 19 (PIA) - A total of Fifty Four (54) returning Sibugaynons were identified and endorsed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 9 as eligible beneficiaries for the Balik Probinsya Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program of the Duterte Administration.

In a virtual BP2 Inter-Agency Coordination Meeting called for by the Provincial Local Government, DSWD9 explained, in the implementation of BP2 program, their target beneficiaries include low-income individuals and families needing assistance to resettle in the provinces and/or receiving communities affected by government projects and activities; eviction and demolition allowed by the law; families living on the streets or unsafe dwelling places; affected by human-induced and/or natural hazards or disasters including health hazards; affected by loss of jobs and/or income opportunities; disadvantaged, vulnerable and/or marginalized ; and other situations acceptable and valid based on the assessment of the Social Worker.

Eligible Individual  beneficiaries will received assistance package of transportation assistance; food assistance and livelihood assistance with maximum amount of P15,000.

Family beneficiaries  will receive assistance packages of: Emergency Financial Assistance which covers food and other basic needs; Transportation and Relocation Assistance (3,000 to maximum of 35,000); Transitory Family Support Package ( food and non-food items maximum of 50,000); Livelihood Settlement Grants which shall not exceed 50,000 and Transitory Shelter Assistance  for the one to two years house rental not exceeding 240,000. 

DSWD clarified, the Transitory Shelter Assistance will be provided to families who will be renting a dwelling place while waiting for the completion of the construction of the house/resettlement under BP2. The beneficiaries however may opt to use the money for renovation of their house in case the returning family/families have their own place to stay. 

Meanwhile, DSWD said,  the Local Government Units (LGUs) with eligible minimum 20 returning/moving families to resettle or relocate in their municipality/ies are qualified of their Community Assistance Packages that includes: Municipal Grant Allocation for Basic Services worth P7.5 million ; Social Preparation Activities of P500,000 per municipality; and Capacity Building Intervention of P300,000 per municipality. (EDT/JPA/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)