BBM Program brings support to 681 barangays in Zamboanga del Sur

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

Salug mayor vows to turn trust into service

 By Clennkei C. Peñalosa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Myra Cel L. Espinosa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ZCMC expands patient care with new fully-equipped Cancer Center

By: Dannilyn B. Enriquez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 SSS engages employees during RACE campaign

By: Kevin Joey P. Canoy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dept. of Transportation continues to drive progress in ZamPen

 By: Rommel B. Ignacio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 By: Nilda T. Delos Reyes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

Dos mil ka mga seedlings natanum sa 500 ka mga partisipante

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Hemodialysis patients get more free sessions from PhilHealth benefit

By Clennkei C. Peñalosa

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)