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)

DOLE assists canning workers affected by fishing ban

By: Clennkei C. Peñalosa

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 1 (PIA) – Department of Labor and Employment 9 (DOLE 9) prepares the assistance for approximately 35,000 to 60,000 canning factory workers, who will be affected by the closed fishing ban season in Zamboanga Peninsula on December.

DOLE-9 and its stakeholders came up with Project Hope under Tulong Pangkabuhayan Program (TUPAD) to help disadvantaged and displaced workers during fishing bans or during the closed fishing season for three months every year.

Photo Credits: Bong Serondo 

DOLE-9 Regional Director Roy Buenafe said the budget of TUPAD increases for the implementation this year.

He stressed to help the workers during the fishing ban, under Project Hope, workers in the canning and fishing factories and companies cultivate the Project Hope Farm that produces raw materials needed in the canning factories.

Project Hope Cooperative supplies chili products which are one of the main ingredients taken from the farm, and others like tomatoes, lettuce, and carrots. During the season, the farm supplies squash, sayote, and other vegetables as necessary provisions for the fishing vessels.

In December, if the cooperative is able to issue dividends, this will go to the workers and they will use it to cover at least one month without a salary after the fishing ban.

Factory workers continue to request that funds will be increased for the program through an ITC resolution institutionalizing the TUPAD every closed fishing season.

“We have to give value to the industry because many people depend on it”, Dir. Buenafe added.

The closed fishing season which will start on December 1 to February 28, is one way of conserving and improving fish stocks and other marine resources. Commercial fishing is banned during the closed season in the conservation areas such as the Sibugay Bay, East Sulu Sea, and Basilan Straight. (MLE/CCP/PIA9-ZamboangaCity)

TESDA-9 reaches remote areas to increase employment in ZamPen

By Gemerick E. Zapanta

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 15 (PIA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – 9 (TESDA-9) prioritizes the remote and rural areas in Zamboanga Peninsula to conduct various training and livelihood programs.

The Deputy Director General of TESDA Aniceto Bertiz III, who recently visited the region to seek development in training centers emphasized that TESDA will fulfill its mantra which is “Abot Lahat”, or to reach and provide opportunity to everyone who is willing to be trained.

“TESDA provides quality trainings because the goal is for the trainees and students to be employed after the program,” Dir. Bertiz added.

The authority is happy with the outcome of the enrollees who are interested with the programs they offer. TESDA recorded approximately 10 million graduates of their different programs during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte. Dir. Bertiz affirms that with the new administration they continue to aim more graduates as the demand for skilled workers is also increasing, “our skills is our future,” he said.

In the City of Zamboanga, TESDA was able to reach far flung barangays such as Limpapa and Baluno as part of their strategy to help remote areas and to get more scholars and enrollees for their programs. TESDA also highlighted that financial concern is the main reason why some of the qualified individuals refuse to enroll in techvoc courses, however TESDA was able to find solution in this problem by giving daily allowance, uniform allowance, and free tuition.

Furthermore, as part of their development, TESDA is now on the process of reactivating their mobile training vehicles program to cater more individuals especially from remote areas.

Dir. Bertiz visit in Zamboanga City last Tuesday (July 12) is also an opportunity to meet their partner training centers and stakeholders to further focus on the mission of TESDA which is the “enrollment to employment” program. He also facilitated the opening of the Zamboanga Sibugay provincial office that will cater more leaners and implement modern skills development trainings for the enrollees. (NBE/MLE/GEZ/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Former MILF member finishes senior high school

By: Nilda Delos Reyes

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, July 04 (PIA) – A former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) member in Isabela City finished his senior high school studies this year in one of the city’s most remote barangays.

Amuda H. Maulana, a 52-year old former member of a political organization MNLF graduated through the Technical-Vocational Livelihood Track (TVL) at Caro National High School in Barangay Kapayawan, which was formerly known as one among the conflict affected areas.

During his graduation, he was accompanied by his 89-year old father, Hji. Maulana A. Daranggala, who is proud of his son's accomplishments despite his age. He said that his son believes that education is essential in one's life and determined to pursue his studies even at his age.

This is also the very first commencement exercise in this school.

School Head Mr. Ekmar J. Sakib in his message, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the students and invited guests for being a part of this memorable events in their school.

"This event is historic because it is the first ever graduation ceremony of the school, which was established in 2017 with the assistance of its former Barangay Chairperson who donated the lot for the school's construction," he said.

Meanwhile, Hon. Nasser Salain, Basilan District 1 Provincial Board Member who served as one of the speakers, announced the free college tuition fees at soon-to-be Basilan State University and encouraged everyone to complete their college degree.

Mendry Ann Lim, City Information Officer, emphasized the local government unit's support for the education sector through DepEd-Isabela City's implementation of various programs and services such as the Teledukasyon program, Mobile Library and student scholarships and assistance under Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman's leadership.

“There is no reason for you, graduates, not to pursue your dreams through education because our government is working to provide access and support to quality education for all,” she said.

The Caro National High School currently has 202 students in Grades 7 to 12 with 9 regular faculty members and 6 volunteer teachers. (RVC/NDR/PIA-Basilan with reports from City Information Office)

DOT-9 invites tourists as ZamPen opens more destinations

By Omar O. Jaljalis

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 27 (PIA) – The Department of Tourism 9 (DOT-9) gradually opens new tourism activities to promote Zamboanga Peninsula in the ‘new normal’ tourism experience. 

More resorts, beaches and hotels in ZamPen are opening its doors again for domestic and foreign tourists.

“We have more than 200 destinations across the region that is now serving both our domestic and foreign tourist, hopefully we will pick up, with the alert level classifications downgraded and with the eradication of the virus,” Giselle Machutes, DOT-9 Supervising Tourism Operations Officer said.

DOT-9 reported that the rate of the number of tourists recorded first quarter of this year have increased to about 30 percent compared last year. DOT also said that within 2 to 3 years the tourism will have a complete recovery after the pandemic since the tourism in ZamPen is gradually picking up and things are getting back to normal.

Moreover, with the opening up again of the tourism industry in the region, DOT-9 is now looking at developing more activities, tourism products and services; collaborating with ZamBaSulta region to create more tourism products for Mindanao.

Aside from that, they will be starting with the enhancement of the five-year Regional Tourism Development Plan and the conduct of more training programs for stakeholders and tourism establishments.

DOT-9 still reminds the tourist to strictly follow the minimum public health standards and safety protocols. However, DOT assured that accredited establishments are compliant with the minimum health and safety protocols, and are also compliant with the guidelines issued by Department of Health and the National Inter-Agency Task Force.

“We would like to invite everyone to come and visit ZamPen, we assure safety to tourists and experience the diverse culture of ZamPen,” Matchutes added. (RVC/EDT/MLE/OOJ/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Zambo OCVET extends assistance to ASF-affected hog raisers

By Gemerick E. Zapanta

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jun 28 (PIA) – Zamboanga Office of City Veterinarian (OCVET) visited Barangay Mangusu, one of the barangays with most numbers of reported African Swine Fever (ASF) infections to explain the assistance to be given to all
hog raisers.

During the Demand Generation Information session together with City Public Information Office, Philippine Information Agency, City Health Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the team shared information to the barangay leaders and hog-raisers that may help them address the needs of the barangay.

One of the pressing issues identified by the barangay is the effect of ASF to hog raisers, which are their main source of income and livelihood.

Some 23 hog-raisers already reported and submitted their pigs to OCVET for testing, while the barangay reported that some hog raisers also reported deaths.

Dr. Reynald Miculob Jr. from Zamboanga OCVET emphasized during the information session with the hog-raisers present, that up until now there were no vaccines available to mitigate the transmission of ASF in the City and advised the residents that it is not yet safe and convenient for them to raise pigs.

Although OCVET confirmed that pigs are the only animals that can be infected by the virus and it does not bring any negative effect to human being and to other living animals, the residents are still advised to avoid swill feeding and maintain cleanliness in their area.

Moreover, OCVET clarified that hog raisers will get 2,500 cash incentive from the government for each surrendered pig and 5,000 cash incentive per house hold for hog-raisers who refused to surrender their pigs and later got infected by ASF.  They also encourage hog-raisers to initiate an alternative livelihood for the meantime and introduces rabbit meat production and poultry products for the residents. (RVC/EDT/MLE/GEZ/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

DOH-9 still recommends continuous use of face mask

By Omar O. Jaljalis

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH)-9 continuously reminds the public to still use face mask and practice the minimum public health standards.

As other cities and local government units are practicing the voluntary used of face mask, DOH 9 still encourages the residents to maintain using the face mask as this is proven to protect us from COVID-19.

“We are still waiting for the official guidelines from the central and Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) if we will be implementing this in the region. As of now, we will still continue to implement the use of face mask both for outdoor and enclosed areas,” Dr. Punzalan added. 

DOH-9 reported that active COVID-19 cases now at forty-eight (48), as per the regional case bulletin dated June 24.

“We are seeing minimal cases in past few weeks, Zamboanga Del Norte and Zamboanga City now has low cases while in Zamboanga Del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Isabela are classified as minimal new normal. Our Average Daily attack Rate (ADAR) is 0.12 and is lesser compared last year,” DOH 9 Medical Officer Dr. Mary Germeyn D. Punzalan said.

More recoveries were also recorded with 57,780, mortality rate maintained at 2,546 and DOH emphasized that this will not be possible without the support of the general public, in terms of following the public health protocols in order to contain the spread of coronavirus disease.

“We are continuously in collaboration with other government agencies especially in the implementation of the new BIDA solution,” Dr. Punzalan said.

DOH would like to emphasize following the BIDA campaign in monitoring establishments and institutions; use best fitted mask,  isolate if you have symptoms, double-up our protection with primary and booster doses and maintain airflow in work and schools. (RVC/EDT/MLE/OOJ/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

70% of individuals in ZamPen fully vaccinated

By Gemerick E. Zapanta

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jun 22 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH)-9 reported that Zamboanga Peninsula region has achieved its goal of 70% COVID-19 fully vaccinated individuals.

During the PIA Kapihan na Zamboanga COVID-19 update on June 21, Dr. Mary Germeyn Punzalan said the country was able to hit the 70 million mark of fully vaccinated individuals in the entire Philippines.

“It was a huge milestone for us,’’ she said.

ZamPen is already at 2.2 million fully vaccinated individuals or 71.43% of the population. However, the region still has low coverage in the first booster dose vaccination counting only 355,000 individuals or 21% recorded out of the 1.7 million eligible population. 

DOH-9 continuously urged parents to get their children vaccinated. As of this report, only 25% out of the total target pediatric population is recorded in the region. 

Aside from the pediatric vaccination and first booster dose, ZamPen also started the vaccination for the second booster dose for the frontline health workers, senior citizens and immunocompromised priority groups.

Eligible individuals can get the second booster shot within the four months interval from the first booster dose.

DOH-9 is still waiting for the guidelines and target date of second booster dose vaccination for the general population.

Dr. Punzalan emphasized the importance of the booster dose to address the low coverage on booster vaccination where it can provide additional protection to the people and the community against COVID-19.

“One thing we can really do now is to make them understand the need for booster and to intensify our social mobilization activity, and we talk to people,” she added. (RVC/EDT/MLE/GEZ/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Zambo City mandates sign language interpreter in media platforms

 By Myra Cel Espinosa

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jun 20 (PIA) – Zamboanga City approved Ordinance No. 574 that institutionalizes inclusivity in news and public affairs programs of television and other media platforms operating in Zamboanga City, thereby requiring simultaneous sign language insets and descriptive programming or subtitles.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod enacted the ordinance on May 24, 2022 and approved by Mayor Beng Climaco on May 30, 2022 and will take effect 15 days after the approval of the ordinance in accordance with the Local Government Code of 1991. 

Councilor Rogelio 'Gerky' Valesco, the principal author of the ordinance, emphasized the obligation of the State to have an inclusive governance and programs for Persons with Disability (PWD) who is deemed to be the most deprived and neglected sector that should have a voice in decision making and community efforts program.

“By having this Filipino sign language ordinance in place, we are giving importance to the voice of the PWDs,” Councilor Valesco added.

Under Section 3 of the ordinance provides that news and public affairs programs, including others as may be deemed feasible, produced by the multimedia platforms operating in Zamboanga City shall have simultaneous sign language inset or captioning, or both, administered by trained professional sign language interpreters.

Councilor Valesco together with Department of Education, City Social Welfare and Development Office and Non-Government Organizations supported the ordinance. In the ordinance, there is a proposed 3-million pesos budget to encourage those interested to attend and learn sign language at Colegio de Zamboanga.

Further, the sign language interpreters must be accredited by a duly recognized national sign language organizations as may be accredited by any government agency. The ordinance also mandates as a requirement for application and renewal of pertinent business permits the document reflecting an action plan on the implementation of sign language inset or captioning as well as descriptive program dissemination, particularly news and public affairs programs of multimedia platforms operating in Zamboanga City. (RVC/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

DOST turns-over 3D-printed replica of Dr. Jose Rizal in Dapitan

 By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, June 19 (PIA) - A nine-inch replica of the three-dimension printed monument of Dr. Jose P. Rizal “The Filipino Scientist”, was turned-over by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 to the Rizal Shrine in Dapitan as part of the commemoration of the 161st birth anniversary of the National Hero.

Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña led the turn-over ceremony which was attended by the Head Curator of the Rizal Shrine, Ms. Sofia Eguia-Bagolboc of the National Historial Commission of the Philippines.

Other DOST officials from the different provinces in the Zamboanga Peninsula region, as well as a representative from the local government unit of Dapitan also participated in the event.

In his message, Sec. Dela Peña stressed the contributions of Dr. Jose Rizal as a medical scientist, engineer/surveyor, agriculturist and naturalist-environmentalist.

“Mahalaga ang aktibidad na ito bilang pagkilala kay Dr. Jose Rizal sa kanyang kontribusyon sa teknolohiya at siyensiya. Walang ibang Asian na mayroong rebulto sa iba’t-ibang panig ng mundo kundi ang ating pambansang bayani lamang,” he said.

Ms. Bagolboc has also expressed her gratitude to DOST for choosing Museo ni Jose Rizal, Rizal Shrine, in Dapitan City as the recepient of the 3D-printed monument.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal the Filipino Scientist is the first and largest 3D printed monument of the National Hero built in the Philippines. 

It was executed by Professor Jose Manuel Sicat, 3D-scanned and 3D-printed at the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) of Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC). It is made of Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) material. (EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

Basilan HR Monitors undergo training to promote, protect human rights

By: Nilda Delos Reyes

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, June 14 (PIA) – A total of 40 Human Rights Monitors in Basilan were trained to effectively promote and protect human rights in the province.

The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission-Basilan Provincial Office conducted a one-day training dubbed "Basilan Human Rights Monitors Conference" in Isabela City on June 9, 2022 as part of its efforts to promote and protect human rights in the region and more specifically in the island province of Basilan. This event is anchored on the participatory approach to deterring the prevalence of human rights violations (HRVs) which has haunted the province ever since the decades-long conflict in the islands.

The activity was attended by volunteers’ human rights monitors from different municipalities including the island municipalities of Tabuan-Lasa and Hadji Muhtamad. This activity helps them to build their skills and learn about human rights laws, the BHRC and its roles and responsibilities and the state of human rights in the province.

In his message, Atty. Alman-Najar L. Namla, BHRC Provincial Director expressed gratitude to the participants as he inspired them to efficiently perform their roles and responsibilities.

"We see so much potential in working with the grass-roots monitors, community leaders because you are the ones who are actually witnessing the HRVs in your vicinities. Our collaboration and coordination can strengthen not just the protection mandate of the Commission, but also its promotion mandate," Atty. Alman expressed.

He also added that the activity is just the first step of the Commission in establishing a network that will be composed of members of the community, such as civil society organizations (CSOs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and international non-government organizations (INGOs) including the Local Government Units (LGUs). He said that the network will then be a place to protect and promote human rights and a safe place to talk about problems with human rights in the province.

Furthermore, Investigator Umma Omar R. Edding presented the salient features of the BHRC as provided in the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 4 or the Bangsamoro Human Rights Act of 2019. He reiterated that the BHRC as the human rights institution of the region has the main mandate to protect and promote human rights in the Bangsamoro.

The participants also engaged in a fruitful discussion on Basic Human Rights, which tackled the reporting mechanism for human rights cases.

Moreover, Ms. Jocelyn Zabala who is a prominent municipal leader and an active CSO member in the province served as main resource speaker focusing on Human Rights Monitoring and Reporting for community members.

Ms. Zabala who has a shared commitment to human rights in the province believes that grass-roots monitoring play a huge role in protecting the human rights of the people. She also gave a short history of what Basilan used to be in terms of peace and order and the consequent human rights violations it caused. She also emphasized that documentation (of human rights cases) is about collecting stories, establishing truths and sounding alarms.

"The success of any investigation into human rights cases can depend on one’s ability to access those stories and give meaning to them, for example through showing patterns of abuse. Since human rights violations are often traumatic experiences and often happen to people who are severely marginalized and oppressed, a significant degree of empathy and understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident is required as much as understanding the incident itself," she opined.

Ms. Zabala added that several years of experience in human rights practice in the province have shown that collaboration and coordination with community members at the grass-roots level strengthens information-dissemination on the existence of human rights violations and their subsequent investigation.

Meanwhile, most of the participants shared their unique experience during the reflection workshop of Atty. Namla, in relation to human rights that includes discrimination, brutality by state and non-state actors, martial law, and the Abu Sayyaf, all surfaced.

Atty. Namla reiterated at the end of the activity that the work of Human Rights Monitors as grass-roots informers is crucial in human rights protection considering that they are in areas where they can hear and see things that are not within the immediate attention of the BHRC. (RVC/NDR/PIA9-Basilan with reports from Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission-Basilan)

Zambo City women cut ties to GABRIELA

By: Jayson R. Aucensillo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 31 (PIA) -- Around 100 members of Association of Tulungatung Innovative Women’s Agriprenuer (ATIWA) resolved to disaffiliate themselves to Gabriela in a ceremony held recently, here.

This, as Gabriela –The National Alliance of Women, was identified as one of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)–affiliated organizations by the government.

“Namulat yung kanilang mga mata at narealize nila na yung Gabriela ay ka-alyansa ng komunistang grupo. Sila na mismo ang nadesisyong tumiwalag sa grupong ito,” National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-9 Deputy Regional Director Alben Venturanza said.

[Their eyes have opened and they realized that Gabriela is an ally of the Communist Terrorist Group. They themselves decided to leave this group]

ATIWA formally severed their affiliation with Gabriela through a resolution expressing the decision to disaffiliate with Gabriela immediately, and then send it to its national leadership.

A parent leader and the current business manager of ATIWA, Ms. Almalyn Iraji also confirmed that they no longer have communications to the group and representatives from Gabriela never came back to the community after laying down several promises to the organization.

Naging member po kami ng Gabriela noong 2017, nangako silang tutulungan ang aming mga anak sa pag-aaral ngunit ang kanilang mga pangako ay hindi naman naging totoo,” Iraji said.

[We became members of Gabriela in 2017, they promised to help our children with their studies but their promises did not come true]

She also wanted to have their names cleared from the list after ending their correlation with Gabriela.

More so, it is never true that the government left behind women.

“Hindi na natin kailangang maging miyembro ng GABRIELA dahil ang daming programa ng gobyerno para sa atin at hindi totoo na tayo ay naiwanan. Ito ay isang leksyon sa amin (kababaihan) na huwag agad maniwala at sumali sa mga grupo na layunin ay kontrahin ang gobyerno,” Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and ATIWA President Gemma Bahani Casipe said.

[We no longer need to be a member of Gabriela because there are so many government programs for us and it is not true that we have been left behind. This is a lesson to us (women) not to immediately join groups whose purpose is to oppose the government]

Moreover, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-9, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-9, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9, and Philippine National Police (PNP)-9 were present in the disaffiliation ceremony and have shared their respective programs and services that ATIWA members can avail of.

The women here expect their lives to become more comfortable with the help of the government agencies. (RVC/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Isabela Mayor Hataman tells public to remain calm, vigilant

By Nilda Delos Reyes

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, May 30 (PIA) – In a statement posted in her personal facebook account, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman tells residents here to remain calm after two explosions rocked the city, Monday afternoon.

“Habang ginagawa ng ating mga otoridad ang imbestigasyon, tayo po ay nananawagan sa lahat na manatiling mapagmatyag ngunit kalmado. Iwasan po muna natin ang mga spekulasyon at lalong huwag magpalaganap ng takot,” she said.

She stressed that Basilan has been peaceful for a long time and it can be seen in the fast growing economy of the area. She even called on people's cooperation to let everyone know that there is no threat that will hinder the development in the city and the entire province.

“Matagal na pong tahimik ang ating syudad at ang buong probinsiya ng Basilan. Patuloy pong umaarangkada ang ating ekonomiya at gumaganda ang ating kabuhayan. Pagtulungan po nating mapanatili ito at ipaalam sa lahat na walang pananakot ang makakapigil sa ating pagbangon,” she emphasized.

The two explosions in Isabela City have caused panic and fear among the residents. At around 5:33pm, the first explosion took place behind Jollibee building. The second occurred within the  premises of D’ Biel Transportation Company which caused damages within the area where two individuals were reportedly incurred minor injuries.

The combined forces of the Philippine National Police and Bomb Squad immediately responded and are still investigating the causes of the incidents.(RVC/EDT/NDR/PIA9-Basilan)

Isabela City launches mobile library for IEC programs

 by Nilda Delos Reyes

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, May 24 (PIA) – The local government of Isabela City de Basilan recently launched its mobile library in support to education of children and to strengthen its efforts on information dissemination, especially to the community.

The Isabela City Mobile Library is a project of the Local Government Unit implemented through the City Information Office. Equipped with flat screen television and generator set, books and magazines and other IEC materials, the mobile library will visit schools and communities in the city to provide access to quality reading books which hope to inspire children and appreciate the beauty of reading as a critical skill for lifelong learners in the 21st Century.

The Isabela City Mobile Library is a project of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman under her administration as part of her 9-Point Priority Agenda.

Mendry Ann Lim, City Information Officer and Gender and Development Focal said that this program was supported through the Gender and Development Program of the city government.

“Supported by our Gender and Development Program, this project also aims to support maternal literacy by empowering mothers in the community with GAD reading collections such as those from the City Population Office,” Lim said.

She added that through this project, the City Information Office can directly bring information pertaining to the local government unit’s thrusts and government services closer to the grassroots level, fulfilling one of the CIO’s mandates.

For its first step, the Mobile Library visited Malique Barangay and conducted information education to children and women through playing of advocacy videos, assisting the children in reading books and distribution of flyers. The Mobile Library is also set to visit the other 37 mainland barangays. (RVC/NDR/PIA9-Basilan with report from City Information Office)

FEATURE NEWS: Hypertension as silent killer, awareness pursued in Zambo

By: Jayson R. Aucensillo

High blood pressure (hypertension) is on the spotlight this month of May as the Department of Health (DOH)-9 aims to heighten awareness and understanding of this serious medical condition among the general public specifically in Zamboanga Peninsula region.

Hypertension or elevated blood pressure is the number one cause of premature death in the Philippines and despite the use of multiple platforms in amplifying the awareness on hypertension in the region; many still lack information.

Lack of knowledge and the apathy to hypertension are the gaps needed to be addressed. Thus, DOH-9 convened and invited media practitioners in the forum of “Ka-Heartner campaign” in celebration of the hypertension awareness month.

The Ka-Heartner campaign aims to increase the public’s awareness of this type of health condition, capacitate the decision-making skills of the high-risk population, and champion timely health-seeking behavior of the community.

“We aim to expand the consciousness and knowledge of the people about the considerable risks and prevention protocols of hypertension,” said Dr. Augusto Manolo Alpichi, medical officer of DOH-9 during the forum.

Based on the Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) statistics in 2019, there were 32,861 individuals diagnosed as hypertensive and 372 mortalities recorded due to hypertension in the region.

"With the help of the media here, we could easily spread this awareness, as hypertension does not choose time and day to trigger," Dr. Alpichi added.

Hypertension is preventable

This serious medical condition increases the risks to stroke, heart failure, kidney, brain, and does not display exact symptoms. This can affect anyone at anytime but this is preventable!

The DOH-9 advised the public to go for a health screening and if found hypertensive, start the prevention immediately because even if blood pressure is controlled, it can still be triggered.

“Prevention should always start in ourselves and this disease should pay enough attention and not be disregarded,” DOH-9 Medical Officer IV Dr. Roland I. Bucoy affirmed.

Hypertension is a problem in the region. As per the FHSIS record in 2019, the number of hypertensive individuals is high among women but mortality rate due to hypertension is high among men.

Data showed that there were 18,258 females diagnosed as hypertensive over 14,603 males. On the other hand, there were 198 males and 174 females who died respectively due to hypertension.

As part of the preventive measures, the DOH-9 provides hypertension medicines to all the health centers in the region every quarter as well as the central office augments the provision of medicines.

“Hypertension is a highly preventable illness, we can spare our lifetime without getting the disease,” Medical Officer V of DOH-Central Office Dr. Rosalind G. Vianzon said in the forum.

For more precautionary measures on hypertension and for a healthy Pilipinas, the public is welcome to access the link bit.ly/HyperAM2022.

Hypertension is multifactorial

Medical experts say that having diagnosed with elevated blood pressure is multifactorial – it could be hereditary and our current lifestyle.

Individuals whose both parents are hypertensive have greater risks of developing this condition and the lousy lifestyle would contribute to have an above normal blood pressure.

Dr. Lowe L. Chiong, Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) Cardiologist advised the public to really avoid having a lousy routine such as lack of exercise, improper food diet, extreme drink of liquors, and smoking, among others because hypertension does not exhibit signs.

“Hypertension is a silent killer! Once our blood pressures reach to 120, they are considered to be symptomatic,” ZCMC Cardiologist Chiong said.

The doctor also advised before taking blood pressures, patients should be well rested and did not smoke.

"With this, management strategy is also multifactorial, as we need enough exercise, healthy diet and to take prescribed medicines consistently (if diagnosed as hypertensive)."

More so, people should be aware of how many calories they eat and drink each day that may help lower blood pressure.

“Diet plays an important role in preventing hypertension and we always encourage individuals to eat healthy food,” ZCMC Nutrionist Dietician V, Ma. Dolores Paredes said.

People should be reminded with the three principles to attain healthy diet; balance, variety, and moderation.

Media as influencers

In pursuit to have an intensified information drive against hypertension in the region, media practitioners are involved to help the dissemination of rightful information to the public.

“Media has the influence and expertise to share right information on hypertension. Wrong information will not help in preventing this illness and eventually our lives would be at risk,” Dr. Rosalind G. Vianzon stressed.

One of the goals is to really inform the younger generations and to empower them to have a healthy lifestyle, as they are also vulnerable to be afflicted by the illness.

“We need you (media) to fight wrong information about hypertension and we are so thankful for the support in pursuit to Healthy Pilipinas,” Dr. Vianzon said. (RVC/EDT/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Gov’t enforces cigarettes’ graphic health warnings

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 20 (PIA) – Manufacturers and stores in Region 9 are compliant with the implementation of graphic health warnings in all tobacco products based on the reports of the inspection conducted by the government agencies, particularly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The Inter-Agency efforts of the government strictly emphasized the importance of enforcing graphic health warnings in all tobacco products. DTI-9 together with other government agencies, conducts regular inspection in supermarkets, malls and stores in the region.

DTI checks the compliance of products with graphic health warnings but also the selling of tobacco products to minors and not allowing the vending machines for cigarettes.

The passing of Republic Act 10643 or An Act To Effectively Instill Health Consciousness Through Graphic Health Warnings On Tobacco Products is the most recent milestone in the country in controlling the health effects of tobacco according to Gyver Amazon, Information Officer of DTI Zamboanga City.

Amazon emphasized the purpose of the graphic health warnings, which are to effectively warn the consuming public of the devastating effects of tobacco, to remove deceptive number of descriptors, and further promote the right information to the public.

Penalties for the manufacturers can reach up to 2 million pesos and imprisonment and for the retailers with continuing violation will also be penalized. The penalties collected by the government will be used for the promotional campaigns in instilling health consciousness.

“This is not only the responsibility of the government and the retailers but also by the people, especially the parents, to inculcate to their children and minors regarding the effects of tobacco,” Amazon said. (RVC/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)