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.

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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)