ZCMC expands patient care with new fully-equipped Cancer Center

By: Dannilyn B. Enriquez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 SSS engages employees during RACE campaign

By: Kevin Joey P. Canoy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dept. of Transportation continues to drive progress in ZamPen

 By: Rommel B. Ignacio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 By: Nilda T. Delos Reyes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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