Zamboanga City hosts Philippine Councilors League Regional Assembly

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 30 (PNA) -– Close to 200 city and municipal councilors are gathered in this city for the three-day regional assembly of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL).

The three-day assembly, which is being held at a hotel in this city, reeled off Thursday and ends Saturday.

City Councilor Myra Paz Abubakar said Friday that those attending the assembly are City and Municipal Councilors from the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Abubakar is the elected the PCL-Zamboanga Peninsula chairperson.

The three provinces comprises a total of three cities and 67 municipalities.

Abubakar said they will tackle important issues and concerns and other important matters about the duties and responsibilities of the local legislators.

30 more Badjao families transferred to transitory site in Zambo City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 31 (PNA) -- The city government has transferred another 30 Badjao families from the R.T. Lim Boulevard known as the “Cawa-Cawa” Boulevard to the transitory site in Sitio Masepla, Barangay Mampang, east of this city.

They were among the thousands of families displaced during the siege in September of last year in this city.

Assistant City Administrator Elmeir Apolinario, who is the head of the temporary shelter cluster, said the transfer on Wednesday of the 30 families brought the population at the Masepla transitory site to 137 families since it was opened May 14.

Apolinario said that a total of 30 bunkhouses will be constructed in Sitio Masepla, which is a former salt bed with an area of 17 hectares, to accommodate a total of 702 families. It is located near the shoreline.

However, Apolinario said the transfer of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have to be gradually done as the construction of the bunkhouses and other facilities such as latrines, kitchens as well as installation of light and water are also done by phases by humanitarian partners of the city government.

He said the bunkhouses are being constructed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

He said the IDPs from Cawa-Cawa Boulevard as well as some from the sports complex are the identified families to occupy the Masepla transitory site given their cultural preferences.

He emphasized that the transfer takes place after the conduct of social preparation and after ensuring that the facilities are in place.

He added that the transfer of the remaining IDPs at the Cawa-Cawa Boulevard will be done gradually, but surely and in accordance with existing laws and guidelines.(PNA)
JBP/TPGJR/PJN

DepEd-Pagadian City ready for school year 2014-2015 opening

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, May 30 (PNA) -– The Department of Education (DepEd) announced that all is set for the opening of classes on June 2 for the school year 2014-2015 in this city.

City Schools Division officer-in-charge Superintendent Felix Romy Triambulo said Friday they have hired new teachers to solve the problem on the shortage of teaching staffs in the different schools.

Triambulo said they have hired additional 78 new teachers to be assigned in the different schools both in the elementary and secondary levels.

Triambulo said that 39 of the 78 newly-hired teachers will be assigned in the pre-school and elementary levels while the remaining 39 for the secondary.

Triambulo has an existing teaching staff comprising of 750 in the elementary and 400 in the secondary levels.

The local schools division has a total of 60 public elementary and 19 secondary schools located in this city’s 54 barangays.

6 DENR survey inspectors abducted in Compostela Valley

DAVAO CITY, May 31 (PNA) -– Six survey inspectors of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were abducted by unidentified armed men on Friday (May 30) afternoon in Barangay (village) New Leyte, Maco town, Compostela Valley Province.

Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) information officer Capt. Alberto Caber said they received the report last night from the 10th Infantry Division (ID) in Mawab town, Compostela Valley based from the information gathered by the 1001st troops in Maco.

Caber said the six survey inspectors identified as Kendrik Wong, Nico Lasaca, Chris Favila, Matthew Cua, Jonas Loredo and Tim Sabina were in the area undertaking a validation and survey on the National Greening Program of the government.

As of 1 p.m. today, three of the six survey inspectors were reportedly released by the abductors. Those released are all employees from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Maco. Their names have been withheld upon the request of their families.

Those still held captive DENR employees from Manila office.

However, in a phone interview, Caber will not confirm if there were three survey inspectors released until he will receive a report from the troops on the ground.

Caber disclosed that a crisis committee was already created by Maco Mayor Alvera Rimando, who has directed the local officials of New Leyte to investigate the incident.

No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction of the survey inspectors.

EASTMINCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III has already directed military unit commanders in the area to help the local officials, the Philippine National Police and DENR in their efforts to locate, rescue these survey inspectors.

The DENR 11 has earlier announced that it has started to fly drones over Compostela Valley province to survey the area and check the survival rate of the tree seedlings planted since last year under the government’s PHP1-billion National Greening Program (NGP).

DENR 11 Regional Director Joselin Marcus Fragada said DENR spends PHP492,000 per service basis to operate the drones sanctioned by the Ateneo de Manila.(PNA)
JBP/LILIAN C. MELLEJOR/LDP

ARMM hires 389 new teachers for Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi

COTABATO CITY, May 30 (PNA) -- Two days before classes in public schools in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) officially start Monday, 389 newly hired teachers took their oath of office Friday.

Lawyer Jamar Kulayan, ARMM education regional secretary, said the newly hired teachers will form part of 1,400 new mentors hired by the ARMM to welcome public school students on June 2.

There are now about 18,000 teachers and non-teaching personnel in the region who will be ready by Monday, according to Kulayan.

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman welcomed the new teachers and challenged them to perform beyond what is expected of them as the pupils' second parents in school.

Kulayan admitted the region still lacks teachers for the number of pupils continuously increase due to the prevailing peace and order situation in the region.

The new teachers will serve in the island provinces of Basilan,Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Last week, about 1,000 newly hired teachers also took their oath before education officials in Cotabato City. (PNA)
JBP/NYP

Minor hacks another minor

ZAMBOABGA Del Norte—A 13-year-old minor of Polanco town hacked another 15-year-old victim Tuesday, May 27 in Barangay Lingsad, this town.

Police identified the suspect and the victim as Jophil M. Sanchez and Robert C. Renido.

The report of the Polanco Police Station disclosed that early morning of Tuesday while the suspect was playing with his younger brother outside their house the victim arrived in the place and told off the former on his allegation. Sanchez has accused Renido of stealing rice.

While confronting, Renido boxed Sanchez which prompted the later to go up their house to pick up a bolo and hacked the former that hit his nape.

The victim was taken to nearby hospital for hacked wound treatment.

The report disclosed the minor was turned over to the DSWD.

Killers shot fisherman in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA, City—A fisherman of Mabuhay town of Zamboanga Sibugay was shot by killers in Barangay Canelar, this city last May 16.

Authority identified the victim as Adjan J. Gadjali, a fisherman.

Investigations showed while Gadjali was eating with a lady at an eatery when suspects surfaced and shot the victim once at closed range. Gadjali died at a hospital.

The suspects fled the scene after the crime onboard a Toyota car. However, the vehicle was abandoned along Governor Camins Avenue, this city bedsides a bar, investigators said.

Police are investigating the case for the identities of the suspects.

The city police station is coordinating with Land Transportation Office to determine the identity of the owner of the vehicle. 

DENR to reactivate climate change task force for Zamboanga Peninsula

PAGADIAN CITY, May 29 (PNA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to reactivate the Regional Task Force on Climate Change for the Zamboanga Peninsula.

This was announced by DENR Regional Executive Director (RED) Arleigh Adorable citing the need to reactivate the task force as some of its members coming from the different government agencies have already retired from the government service.

Adorable said the reactivation is also in preparation for the launching of information and education campaign (IEC) on climate change scheduled to be held in June 10 this year.

Adorable said the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Regional Secretariat will meet next week to discuss about the reactivation of the Regional Task Force on Climate Change.

Adorable, being the DENR RED, chairs the climate change task force with members coming from the different government agencies.

On Wednesday, 30 information officers coming from the different Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officers (PENROs) as well as the Information Center Managers of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) from the region have attended an orientation on climate change advocacy in this city.

DENR Regional Public Affairs Officer Rosevirico Tan said the orientation was a collaborative effort of the agency and that of the PIA.

Tan discussed during the orientation about the Climate Change Advocacy (Perspective Change) while Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) chief Cidur Julsadjiri and PIA Regional Director Noemi Edaga presented the Regional Communication Plan and Regional IEC Plan on Climate Change, respectively.

A one-hour documentary entitled “Chasing Ice” was shown during the orientation to provide the participants a glimpse on the impact of global warming. (PNA)
LAM/TPGJR/HDCADION/UTB

ZDS to Qualify the Seal of Good Local Governance

Zeny V. Bermudo

Provincial Press Bureau

With the aim of the Department of Interior and Local Government to sustain local government units (LGUs) the practice of accountability and transparency, to prepare for the challenges created by disasters and to address the needs of the marginalized sectors, the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) was initiated.

SGLG was introduced to provide greater challenge to our local government units to continue good governance practices while providing better services.

To become an SGLG recipient, the LGU needs to pass the three core assessment areas namely: Good Financial Housekeeping, Social Protection and Disaster Preparedness. Part and parcel of it are Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order, and Environmental Management to LGUs.

The LGU that complied with the criteria laid down by the DILG will not be only conferred with the SGLG but is also entitled to an incentive such as the Performance Challenge Fund or PCF. The PCF program provides a subsidy of P1 million for municipalities, P3 million for cities, and P7 million for provinces. Provided however, that projects to be funded by the PCF must contribute to the attainment of the local economic development, disaster risk reduction management, solid waste management, and tourism as well.

The implementation of SGLG commenced early of this year and covers all provinces, cities and municipalities. The DILG in coordination with other organization will be the one who will select for the qualified LGUs starting this month and the awarding will be this coming October 2014.

The monitoring runs from May 20 to June 20, however, orientation to municipal and local officials is still ongoing to ensure that documentation is ready for the scheduled assessment.

Moreover, SGLG is a third party assessment to ensure that every LGU has complied with the provisions of the Local Government Code or Republic Act 7160 specifically on the “General Welfare Clause”.

As of now, Zamboanga del Sur from the provincial level down to the barangay level with the earnest effort not only by  local government officials but with the strong support of all Zambosurians as well, is now ready for the schedeuled assessment of the SGLG evaluating team in order  to receive for the Seal of Good Local Governance.

It can be recalled that among the 26 municipalities and 1 city comprising the province of Zamboanga del Sur, only Labangan is non compliant of the full disclosure policy of the department of Interior and Local Government.

In an interview, DILG Provincial Director Verner Virgilio Jayme pointed out that Zambusur is one of the big contributor in raising up the percentage of full disclosure policy in the whole region 9 because of its complaint to the policy set by the DILG.

Gov’t. Forces Capture 8 Chinese National for Illegal Mining Activity in Lower Sibatang Pagadian City.

Marive Jongco

Provincial Info. Officer

        Two units CAT Back hoe, 13 doormats used for filtering was recovered by the joint forces of LENRO, CENRO and PNP in a raid against illegal mining conducted last May 20,2013 at the boundary of Lower Sibatang and Noburan Labangan Zamboanga del Sur.

Local Environment and Natural Resources Officer (LENRO) Richard Ligan gave details on the implementation of the ocular inspection last May 20, 2014 based on the report received from reliable sources that there is a certain operation of illegal mining activities at the boundary of Lower Sibatang and Brgy Noburan of this City.

In response with the call of the government against illegal Mining not only to protect the environment, but also the residents in the area that the illegal miners have taken advantaged of in course of their operations, the combined forces of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Offices of PENRO and CENRO, the City ENRO, LENRO and the Office of the Provincial Public Safety Company headed by Police Supt. Michael P. Palermo searched the area and findings shows positively that brought  environmental effects of illegal mining which as a disastrous consequence may destruct the environment, so the team has recommended on ceasing all illegal mining activities since they are not registered and have no permit issued by both local and national governments.

Caught in the act in doing the illegal mining activity were Eight (8) Chinese Nationals named Xiaomin (39), Dongdong (39), Tangzihan (25), Liu Gi Yi (29), Chung Yong De (27), Zhung Shu Kei (24), Duan Guang Zong (55), Lui Chang Yin (50) and one Filipina named Jennilyn Ramirez were arrested. Both have found out to have no working visa but only tourist visa.

Mean while, the fact that no excise taxes paid to the Government by the illegal miners.

Findings shows that as a consequence of the illegal use of chemicals like mercury by these Chinese nationals in the mining site it had already affected not only the springs of the rivers in the area leading to Labangan River.

Lenro Ligan further stressed out that possible cases to be filed are RA 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) which is an Act Instituting a New System of Mineral Resources Exploration, Development, Utilization and Conservation in relation with RA 7076 (People Small-Scale Mining Act) which the main purpose of the law is to effect an orderly and systematic disposition of small-scale mining areas in the country; to regulate the small-scale mining industry with the view to encourage their growth and productivity; and to provide technical, financial  and marketing assistance and efficient collection of government revenues. Also violated acts are Executive Order No. 79 by the President of the Philippines that (Institutionalizing and implementing reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector providing policies and guidelines to ensure environmental protection and responsible mining in the utilization of mineral resources) and RA 9275 which is the (Water Clean Act of 2004) which affects the water from Langapod going to Labangan river; and Theft of Minerals since they failed to produce legal documents of mining operations.

Provincial Governor Tony Cerilles calls for all Zambosurians to give their full support on the campaign of the Responsible Mining Program, most especially the constituents and indigenous residents that were affected. It is high time for both the national and local governments to both look for the small scale miners who are now millionaires and billionaires and make them responsible for the rehabilitation of our environment. And with this kind of approach, it would discourage future violators of our environment because the government will look for the people who are responsible for its destruction. People should know that responsible mining means prior consent, an Environmental Compliance Certificate and payment of taxes. 

Only responsible mining should be allowed to operate and with that, we protect the environment. It is high time for the people to know what responsible mining is all about since they are all illegal being not registered in the local government and DENR; obviously, they have not set aside any money for rehabilitation.

The Provincial Government is grateful for the successful ocular inspection of the illegal mining activity in Lower Sibatang in line with the 7- Point Agenda of the present administration on Program for environment which answer to the problem against environmental abuse in order to give justice not only to the damages incurred to our nature, but also to the affected residents in the said area.

Hosting World Economic Forum 'vote of confidence' for Philippines - Yudhoyono

Saturday 24th of May 2014

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MANILA, May 24 -- Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono hailed on Thursday the selection of the Philippines as this year’s host for the World Economic Forum on East Asia (WEF-EA), referring to it as “a solid vote of confidence” for its remarkable economic achievements in recent years.

In his speech at the WEF-EA’s plenary session held at the Shangri-La hotel in Makati, Yudhoyono cited the good economic performance of the Philippines and Indonesia, which had Britain-based newspaper The Economist naming both countries as Asia’s "economic stars" last year.

Evidently, Yudhoyono shared President Benigno S. Aquino III’s agenda of inclusive growth with his demand for social and economic mobility to address the issue of inequity that has been challenging Asia’s complete economic development.

“In my view, at the heart of the inequity is the question of social and economic mobility. I suppose we have to be realistic that there will always be people who are more well-off than others. But this becomes particularly problematic if mobility applies only for the few.

The key challenge in addressing inequity is how to ensure that those at the bottom and middle also enjoy the same, if not more, socioeconomic mobility as those at the top; hence, mobility for all. And in this way, it doesn’t matter how many billionaires and millionaires emerge, so long as those at the economic bottom also get a ladder of a better life opportunity and progress, ” Yudhoyono said.

Yudhoyono said this particular thrust can be achieved through education—the “best weapon” against poverty—financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship, especially in the micro, small, and medium enterprises.

He noted, however, that “economic growth and equitable progress are not necessarily the same thing;" hence, there is a need for governments and institutions to come up with “true pro-poor” programs, which, he said, “have always been at the heart of Indonesia’s economic transformation.”

“Whatever the global ups and downs, I do believe that the intense pro-poor programs and social safety nets that they have instilled in the last decade will help make the Indonesian economy much more resilient in the face of uncertainty, and that Allah will lift us not just towards equality for all, not just towards equal opportunity for all, but towards mobility for all,” Yudhoyono said.

Apart from his participation at this year’s WEF-EA (his last as Indonesia’s President), Yudhoyono is also in the country for a state visit on President Aquino’s invitation. The two leaders are expected to discuss matters of mutual concern, including political, defense and border, maritime, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation at the Palace on Friday (May 23). 

Palace condemns killing of journalist in Mindanao

By Leslie D. Venzon

MANILA, May 23 (PNA) -- Malacañang on Friday condemned the killing of a broadcast journalist based in Mindanao and ordered police authorities to immediately apprehend the perpetrators of the crime.

”We condemn the killing of radio broadcaster Sammy Oliverio in Digos City, Davao del Sur this morning, 23 May,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

Oliverio, a blocktimer of UM Broadcasting Network’s Radio Ukay, was shot to death by still unidentified assailant along Del Pilar Street.

”The PNP (Philippine National Police) has been directed to exert maximum efforts to track the assailants and bring them before the bar of justice,” Coloma said.

Oliverio was the third mediaman killed in Davao del Sur. (PNA)
LAM/LDV

Army troops assist police in manhunt of prosecutor’s killers in Marawi City

By Hirohito D. Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, May 20 (PNA) – Military forces have augmented the police in tracking down the suspects behind Monday’s ambush slay of a prosecutor in Marawi city.

Army’s 1st Infantry Brigade Public Affairs officer-in-charge Captain Franco Suelto said that the 103rd Infantry Brigade has provided augmentation forces as the police continue its manhunt operation against the suspects.

The 103rd Infantry Brigade headed by Col. Glenn Macasero is based in Marawi City.

However, both the police and military authorities based in Marawi City did not release any identities of the suspects as the manhunt operations continue.

Assistant City Prosecutor Zaipal Alawi, Sr., 64, was killed in an ambush around 11:45 a.m. Monday at the intersection of Sarimanok in Barangay Marawi, Marawi City.

His driver, Saiben Baiza, 46, was wounded.

The victims were aboard a car on their way home when ambushed by two gunmen. (PNA)
CTB/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION/JSD

U.S., EU betraying democratic ideals by refusing to release TTIP negotiations texts

WASHINGTON, May 21 (PNA/RIA Novosti) -- The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations are secretive and undemocratic, Debbie Barker, International Director at the Washington-based Center for Food Safety told RIA Novosti Wednesday.

“We find it a little ironic that the U.S. and EU, who often pride themselves at being the most democratic, transparent nations, but in this case of the TTIP negotiations, will not release the negotiating texts after each round,” Barker said.

“We’re calling on the EU and U.S. negotiating bodies to release the texts after each round of talks to ensure that we have public transparency and an informed public discourse,” said Barker. “That is the minimum if they want to claim any kind of credibility of being democratic.”

Barker’s primary concern is the possible effects of the agreement on food producers.

European and American negotiators are currently meeting in Arlington, VA for the fifth round of TTIP talks. The free trade agreement, if implemented, would establish trade policy across economic sectors for countries that comprise almost 40 percent of the world’s GDP.

Drafts of agreements that alter national laws have traditionally been made available to the public and elected officials in democratic countries.

According to Barker, “there are approximately 550-600 corporate advisers who are now advising on TTIP negotiations and they have access to the negotiating texts. Yet elected officials have stringent and limited access to the texts.” She has recently presented the findings of the Center for Food 

Safety to members of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.

Advocates of TTIP say the agreement will expand trade and investment between the United States and the EU, increase economic growth, jobs, and improve the ability to address geo-economic and geopolitical challenges.

However, Barker is skeptical of the data used to calculate those advantages. “Because the negotiating texts are secret, we don’t have data, and they don’t provide the data on which they’re basing these claims,” she said. (PNA/RIA Novosti)
JBP/RSM

LTO set to implement Anti-Drunk, Drugged Driving Act of 2013 in Zambo

By R.G. Antonet A. Go

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 17 (PNA) -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is making the necessary preparations for the implementation of Republic 10586, otherwise known as the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 in this city.

This was announced by LTO regional director Aminola Abaton who said they are just waiting for some equipment from the central office to start the implementation of R.A. 10586 here.

Abaton said that among the equipment they need are breath analyzer, and drug testing kits. LTO personnel will also be trained to handle the equipment.

Abaton said that there will be massive information campaign before the law will be fully implemented.

“We are trying to cope up with the schedule as far as the implementation of the anti drunk and drugged law. There are aspects that we need to do before we can implement it,” he said.

He said that the R.A. 10586 will be implemented towards the end of the year.

He said R.A. 10586 will be implemented by a composite team of personnel from LTO, police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

R.A. 10586 was signed into law on May 27, 2013. (PNA)
CTB/TPGJR/RGAAG/RSM

Government forces capture NPA rebel in Zamboanga del Sur

By Hirohito D. Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, May 16 (PNA) -– The combined police and military forces have captured one of the six New People’s Army (NPA) rebels responsible in the ambush slay attempt of a policeman in this province, a top police official announced Friday.

Captured was Efren Binigay, 25, a resident of Sitio Gatian, Barangay Timolan in Tigbao, Zamboanga Del Sur, according to provincial police director, Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre.

Ecaldre said that Binigay was captured Thursday by the combined police and Army’s 53rd Infantry 

Battalion forces in a pursuit operation in the hinterlands of Tigbao town.

The pursuit operations was launched after six NPA rebels ambushed Senior Police Officer 4 (SPO4) Eleazar C. Carcallas on Wednesday in Barangay Tigbao, Tigabao town.

Although wounded, Carcallas was able to put up a fight until reinforcement arrived, forcing the rebels to fled.

Carcallas was on the way home from duty at the time he was ambushed.

Ecaldre said that Binigay is now detained at the provincial headquarters while appropriate charges are set to be filed against him.

The pursuing forces have seized high-powered firearms when they captured Binigay, Ecaldre said. (PNA)
LAM/TPGJR/HDCADION/UTB

PNP deploys 6,000 cops for 23rd World Economic Forum

MANILA, May 17 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deploying 6,000 police officers to secure delegates of the 23rd World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia which will be held this coming May 21 to 23 at the Makati Central Business District.

The event, hosted by the Philippines, coincides with the Young Leaders’ Meeting on May 19 to 20, and the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers Investors Seminar (AFMIS) on May 21 at the Shangri-la Hotel and Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City.

Some 1,000 delegates from 40 countries, including 10 heads of economies are expected to attend.

PNP chief, Director General Alan LM Purisima has designated the Deputy Chief for Operations, Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina to head the PNP National Task Force (NTF) “WEF”.

Espina will be assisted by Police Director Ricardo Marquez, PNP Director for Operations as Deputy Task Force Commander, and supported by the Deputy Directors of concerned National 

Headquarters Directorial Staff Offices.

NTF “WEF” enters its Operational Phase effective May 17-23, 2014 with the activation and full implementation of all plans, monitoring, and continuous evaluation and assessment of the performance of security forces throughdaily debriefing and review.

It will exercise operational supervision and control of Task Group “Manila” and Task Group “Tourism”.

TG Manila will be supported by several sub task groups that will perform various functions.

These sub task groups will be composed of contingentsfrom the National Capital Region Police Office, Police Security and Protection Group, Special Action Force, Intelligence Group, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Aviation Security Group, Highway Patrol Group, Health Service, and Communication and Electronics Service.

TG Tourism, meanwhile, will be supported by Police Regional Office 3 and 4A in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog where some delegates are expected to visit.

NTF “WEF” has instructed all PNP units that are not directly involved in the WEF 2014 security to maintain vigilance and to undertake proactive as well as precautionary measures against possible hostile actions of domestic threat groups and criminal elements that may take advantage of the situation.

“We are putting our best foot forward in this international event as the country welcomes the prospect of sharing the strides we have made in restoring integrity in our institutions and building a society that isdynamic, inclusive, and equitably progressive,” Espina said.

NTF “WEF” will coordinate directly with other national government agencies that are likewise involved in security and organizational functions for WEF 2014.

These are: Department of Finance, Department of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Security Group, Bureau of Immigration, Manila International Airport Authority, Metro Manila Development Authority, and concerned localgovernment units. (PNA)
JBP/PFN

DENR envisions community-based ecotourism program in Zamboanga del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, May 16 (PNA) -– Government and community leaders have signed a pledge of commitment to support the ecotourism program the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has envisioned for the Mount Timolan Protected Landscape (MTPL) in the nearby town of Tigbao.

The signing of a pledge of commitment was held at the end of the one-day Information and Education Campaign (IEC) on Community-Based Ecotourism Program on Wednesday in Barangay Limas, Tigbao town.

DENR Regional Public Affairs Officer Rosevirico Tan said Friday the whole day event was aimed to instill awareness of the different stakeholders on the management of the MTPL as an ecotourism site; their respective roles in the proposed community-based ecotourism program; and, the importance of a protected area for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and as possible investment site that could provide alternative livelihood to the host communities.

Tan said the IEC was spearheaded by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Adelaida Borja, Protected Area Superintendent Mario Ronulo and personnel from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD).

Tan said that the IEC was attended by municipal and barangay officials as well as some residents of Tigbao, a fifth class municipality comprising of 18 barangays.

He said the MTPL, which was formerly known as the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Park, is one of the natural monuments of this province being the second highest peak with a crater lake known as Lake Maragang.

The MTPL was declared as a protected area pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 354 dated August 14, 2000.

Tan said the MTPL has an area of 2,691,189 hectares covering six barangays in Tigbao town and one each in Guipos and San Miguel towns.

Ronulo said that the IEC is part of the initial preparation for the opening of MTPL for ecotourism destination.

Meanwhile, Tigbao Mayor Danilo Dalid has urged those who attended the IEC to find ways to generate income through ecotourism and practice organic agricultural farming to preserve the biodiversity of MTPL towards a progressive life.

“The promotion of MTPL as an ecotourism site is a visible indicator of my dream comes true,” Dalid said. (PNA)
FPV/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION/UTB

JCI SENATE PHILS. ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR CHAPTER HOLDS 16TH INDUCTION AND TURN OVER CEREMONY

ANOTHER year to look forward to in the world of Jayceeism as the local organization recently conducted its 16^th Induction and Turnover of Gavel and Medallion at Hotel Alindahaw last May 3, 2014.

JCI Senate Zamboanga del Sur Chapter President Frederick Anthony Padayhag relinquished his post to incoming president JCI senator Adriano B. Durano III. The event was attended by JCI SEN. President Jorge G. Lim, National Executive Vice-President JCI SEN. AL FERNANDEZ, members of the National Board namely JCI SEN. VICTOR YU, JCI SEN. ACE WILLIAM CERILLES, JCI SEN. MANUEL SILLA, JCI SEN. FREDERICK ANTHONY PADAYHAG, JCI SEN. TROY ASUGAS and JCI SEN. RAMON BLANCIA, together with the JCI GREATER PAGADIAN, JCI YLLANA, as well as Local JCI Senators from Zamboanga del Sur, Molave, Margos, Tukuran, Dumingag, Aurora, Tabina, Pitogo and Mahayag Capters and Regular Jaycees from Zamboanga City, Lamitan, Bacolod, Davao, Jolo, Iligan, and Basilan Chapters.

Former JCI Senator President Antonio H. Cerilles stressed out the relevance of the JCI Senate towards the Philippine economy. According to him, the JCI Senators play a significant role, through their strong commitment towards development and strengthening of democracy and economy of our country to help solve the conflicts in Mindanao. Furthermore, he expressed his support in the statement of JCI Sen. President Anthony Padayhag that they can change the Philippines if all Jaycee members will put into mind and heart the Jaycee Creed and that “Government should be of laws rather than of men which means that the JCI organization will help strengthen Philippine democracy as it focus on the leadership training for the future leaders who will run the government and its people. He cited countries which have a strong foundation towards good governance like America, Canada, Japan, Singapore, England, France and Germany. These countries are examples of good leadership where they develop the potential capabilities of the youth because “a Great treasure is human personality”. Through the partnership and leadership of each JCI member we can do the things that should be done without waiting for other people to do the action. Furthermore, he also said that they should not wait for the Government to do what should be done.

In addition, he also took the opportunity to thank his fellow JCI Senators for giving him the opportunity to govern the JCI Senate Philippines for the year 2012. According to him this duty needs the understanding of his family and all the people of the Provincial Government. Aside from that, he also said that this duty also calls for the understanding of all Jaycees in the province for he wants them to be a part of his leadership. With this he asked all the Jaycees to unite and not wait for others to serve our fellowmen.

Furthermore, he emphasized that this “re-engineering of the Philippine Jaycees” will help Filipino people, including President Benigno Aquino III in achieving a bright future, not needing any foreign assistance. According to him that will come during the time when they will start a big change through the partnership of the JCI Senate Philippines and the Philippine Jaycees.

Lastly, the governor was thankful for the unanimous decision of the JCI Zamboanga del Sur Chapter members for choosing JCI SEN. ADRIANO B. DURANO III to be the new president as he is known to be a good public servant of Barangay San Francisco, to be specific a Barangay Captain at present.

SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN CONFIRMED THE APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW PROVINCIAL LEGAL OFFICER

Sangguniang Panlalawingan confirmed the appointment of Atty. Felix Escalante Jr., as the new Provincial Legal Officer of Zamboanga del Sur during its regular session last May 8, 2014.

It was Gov. Tony Cerilles who requested the Provincial Board through a letter to confirm the appointment of Atty. Felix Escalante Jr. While Board Member Miguelito Ocapan, is the one who endorse a resolution to the board for the confirmation of Atty. Felix Escalante as the new Provincial Legal Officer (PLO).

According to 1^st District Board Member Pepito Degamo, the appointment of Atty. Escalante as the new PLO was the right choice for the said position.  With this, the Provincial Board unanimously confirmed the appointment of the new Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Felix Escalante Jr.

On the other hand, Atty. Felix Escalante extended his deepest gratitude to the members of the provincial board for the confirmation of his appointment. He said that through the continuous guidance and support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan he will be effective in fulfilling his duties and functions as the new PLO. He also promised to support the provincial board with regard to legal matters so that they will become more responsive to their respective duties.

Atty. Felix Escalante was appointed to the said position to replace the former Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Mark Anthony Padayhag who opted to resume his private practice as a lawyer.

Furthermore, Vice Governor John Regala announced the appointment of Atty. Felix Escalante Jr. as the new Provincial Legal Officer of the province during the flag raising ceremony last Monday May 12, 2013.

Fish carrier bumps passenger van

DUNALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur—A fish carrier allegedly bumped a passenger van accidentally last May 13 along the national highway in Barangay Sebucao, this town.

Police said the Hyundai passenger van driven by certain Elmer G. Medalla slow down at the right road shoulder to fetch passenger.

Investigations showed behind the van is a fish carrier Nissan driven by certain Felipe M. Guzon which hit the former without extra care.

The van was damaged at the left rear portion.

The two vehicles were held at the police station here.