Zamboanga del Norte News May 2016

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Zamboanga del Norte - Archived News
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Seal of Zamboanga del Norte
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines
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Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Norte

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Saint James Cathedral in Dapitan City
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City Hall of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
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Situbo Falls, Zamboanga del Norte

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
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Statue of Christ, Pangalalan, Sindangan
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Our lady of the most Holy Rosary, Estaka
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Manukan Mini Museum Landmark

RTWPB-9 holds wage consultation in Dipolog

By Alfonso T. Ruda (ALT/ATR/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CIY (PIA)---The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board 9 held the third leg of its region-wide wage consultation here, Wednesday, May 25.

Employers and employees of various private establishments in the province, mostly from the city of Dipolog attended the consultation. However, it was also noted that not a single Kasambahay was present.

Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, in her opening statement commended the RTWPB 9 for initiating the said wage consultation to come up with a unified labor force in the region and effect a just compensation to the labor sector which would be beneficial to both the working sector and employers.

As inputs to the consultation, Consumer Protection Division Chief Julius Salaveria of the Department of Trade and Industry presented the comparative data on the prices of basic commodities it monitored since the issuance of wage order no. 18 in 2013 until the present while Philippine Statistics Authority 9 Senior Statistical Specialist Mark Anthony Belderol showed the consumer price index, considered as an indicator of the prevailing poverty threshold level in the region.

Both inputs are considered vital in determining the minimum wage to be given to the labor force in the region.

Wage consultations were earlier held in Isabela City, Basilan; Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Province and in Pagadian City, while the last leg will be in Zamboanga City on May 31.

RTWPB 9 Board Member Jose L. Suan proposed for a P500.00 increase on the compensation for kasambahay, saying same was already implemented in Cordillera Administrative Region and region 6.

Since the creation of RTWPB, it has already issued 288 wage orders. Of these numbers, 186 were issued by provision of the Board and only 121 were issued due to petitions filed by the labor sector.

Under the law, RTWPB is empowered to review the compensation given to kasambahay. Presently, the rate for kasambahay in the National Capital Region is P2,500.00, P2,000.00 for cities and first class municipalities and P1,500 for other municipalities.

DOLE 9 Regional Director and RTWPB 9 Chairman and DOLE 9 Regional Director Sisinio Cano assured that all inputs generated during the consultation will be deliberated by the Board to come up with a just compensation to the labor force.

DOST to deploy Telehealth Devices in Zamboanga

By Bong Garcia

AN OFFICIAL of the Department of Science and Technology said the agency, in coordination with UP Manila–National Telehealth Center, will deploy 58 units of Telehealth Devices in selected Rural Health Units (RHUs) in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

DOST Regional Information Officer Thelma Diego said the target date of deployment of the Telehealth Devices, popularly known as “RXBox” is on July this year.

Diego said the project is one of the initiatives of DOST under the “Smarter Philippines” program, as well as the agency’s contribution to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) on improving maternal and neonatal health services.

Diego said that a total of 143 units of RxBox were deployed since 2014 in the entire country.

Diego said three units of the 143 were deployed in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, specifically at RHUs of Leon Postigo, Polanco and Tampilisan municipalities.

The DOST regional office envisions to improve the health care services in the region with the deployment of the additional 58 units, according to Diego.

She said the project beneficiaries were assessed and validated according to the following criteria: Presence of Medical Officer, Training of RHUs staff in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEMONC), Availability of Philhealth Package, Power Supply, With Computers, and Mobile Communication Provider.

She said the RXBox is a multi-component device designed to provide better access to life-saving health care service in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (Gida) in the country.

The multi-component device includes the following: blood pressure monitor, pulse oxymeter, electrocardiogram, fetal heart rate monitor, maternal tocometer, and temperature sensor.

DA-9 reminds farmers, millers to observe good agricultural practice

By Mary May A. Abellon (FPG/MAA/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA)-9 on Wednesday, May 25, has reminded the farmers and millers to follow good agricultural practices in all their undertaking particularly in corn production to avoid aflatoxin contamination.

“They should harvest only mature corns, should use clean equipment and the storage must be clean in order to prevent corns from contaminating with aflatoxin,” DA-9 Aflatoxin Analyst Mercy Herbano stressed during the press conference held at Mibang Hotel here.

Aflatoxins are poisonous and cancer-causing chemicals that are produced by certain fungi like Aspergillus flavis which grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains.

Accordingly, aflatoxins are commonly found in corn, copra, cassava, peanuts and other crops that are stored with high moisture content, making these prone to molds and/or fungi. Rodents and wood borers also contribute aflatoxin contamination.

“When a person has eaten contaminated food with aflatoxins, these toxins will no longer be taken out from the body. The tolerable amount of aflatoxin in the body is 20 parts-per-billion,” Ms. Herbano said.

With the advent of ASEAN integration, she said, “our farmers would be in tough luck if their agricultural products are low quality. Thus, it is really important for them to follow good agricultural practices.”

Meanwhile, DA-9 Regional Information Officer Maria Melba B. Wee asked the members of the media to disseminate information on the farming technologies the government has extended to the farmers like the Trichogramma evanescens which can be used against corn borer pests instead of using pesticides.

Philippine Science High School to rise in Dipolog City

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -– The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is set to start the construction of the Philippines Science High School (PSHS) for this region.

Brenda Nazareth-Manzano, DOST regional director, on Friday said the groundbreaking for the project will be held on June 2 with no less than DOST Secretary Mario Montejo leading the event.

The PSHS for this region will be constructed in Barangay Cogon, Dipolog City, the capital of the province of Zamboanga del Norte.

Each region is allotted with one PSHS operated by the DOST.

Manzano said the construction of the PSHS, which will cost the government PhP50 million, will be done by phases.

She said the students will be holding classes at the Zamboanga del Norte Sports Complex while the school is being constructed.

She said the curriculum of the PSHS is geared more on science and mathematics.

She said they are in need of teachers for science to include computer science and technology subjects.

Dapitan City celebrates Tuloy Festival

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 27 (PNA) -– The City of Dapitan, after its feisty holding of the national and local elections, have resumed holding of its lined up annual activities.

Apple Marie Agolong, Dapitan City tourism officer, on Friday, said that it has been a very busy week for the Dapitanons as they celebrated Tuloy Festival in Barangay Sicayab Bucana, the fish capital of the city and at the same time hosting the 36th National Folkdance Workshop with more than 1,200 participants from all over the country.

Agolong said that Fluvial Parade, Invitational Hiphop Dancing Competition, Tuloy Catching Contest and Tuloy Cookfest were just among the many activities aside from the nightly presentations during of the festival.

She said that Dapitan City Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos with Barangay Captain Danilo Sardane of Sicayab Bucana was hopeful the barangay, being the fish capital of the city, can sustain its title by strongly implementing fishing laws that may protect marine resources from illegal fishing and harvest.

Meanwhile, she said the National Folkdance Workshop is on its final day with a presentation tonight to properly showcase everything the participants learned from the five-day activity.

She said participants enjoyed their historical and city tour in Dapitan which is dubbed as the Shrine City of the Philippines.

Along with every group's tour is the visit to Dakak Park and Beach Resort, Gloria de Dapitan which housed the Fantasyland and a group picture with the world's smallest man, Junrey Balawing at the second floor of the City Tourism Office.

18th P’gsalabuk Festival showcases unity amidst diversity

By Mary May A. Abellon (ALT/MAA/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

To promote unity amidst diversity, the city of Dipolog is holding each year the P’gsalabuk Festival showcasing the myriad interplay of cultures among the peoples of Mindanao – Christians, Moro and Lumads.

Derived from a Subanen word, P’gsalabuk means “togetherness” or simply “unity” amongst peoples regardless of tribe, religion and political persuasions.

This year’s P’gsalabuk festival, which is on its 18th year, features a number of activities and competitions that run for a month starting April 29 to May 29.

“Dipolognons return to their native land during this time to gather together and celebrate the feast. At the Dipolog Rotunda, the bowl raised by the tri-people to the heavens is a gesture of thanksgiving and offering to God Almighty for the generous outpouring of grace and blessings, bountiful harvests and sustained peace and prosperity in the city,” Mayor Evelyn T. Uy said.

The festivity does not only encourage tourism in the city but it also seeks to promote mutual respect, peace and harmony in the place through appreciation of the tri-people’s rich ethno-history, culture, arts, crafts, traditions, practices, customs, music, rituals and many others.

The main highlights in this celebration were the competitions on Street Dance and Showdown and the P’gsalabuk King and Queen 2016 held on May 20, 2016 at Dipolog Boulevard.

Baile Filipina Dance Guild Inc. (BFDGI) bagged the championship in the Street Dance and Showdown competition with Php 100, 000 cash prize and a trophy.

Other winners were the Aloran Cultural Dance Troupe from Misamis Occidental as the second placer receiving Php 80, 000 cash prize and a trophy while Roxas contingent got the third spot with Php 50, 000 cash prize and a trophy. The groups of Tribu ni Tatay Manny and Dimasalang Talent Guild won Php 30, 000 as consolation prize.

The night will not end without the gala of P’gsalabuk King and Queen participated by talented and dazzling individuals from the barangays of Barra, Estaka, Sta. Isabel, Minaog, Sta. Filomena, Olingan, Galas and Turno.

Mr. Joseph Ian Rocamora of Barangay Barra and Ms. Jenny Mae Rocamora of Barangay Estaka were crowned as the P’gsalabuk King and Queen 2016.

Meanwhile, the city government of Dipolog also hosted for the fourth time since 2013, the National Triathlon Competition at Dipolog Boulevard on May 14-15, 2016.

Other activities were the Annual Summer Football League 2016 held on April 16 to May 14; 1st P’gsalabuk Pigeon Racing held on May 14; and the P’gsalabuk Dance Sports Competition held on May 19.

During the town fiesta celebrating the feast of St. Vicente Ferrer, the Dipolog Holy Rosary Cathedral hosted a “Tod-To-Rod-Tod Dance,” where religious devotees danced to the beat of the drums to ask something or give thanks for the blessings, protection and good health, in front of their patron saint.

Come May 27, 2016 @ 7:00 p.m, there will be a BFDGI Night-feat Spanish and Latin Dances at the Dipolog Boulevard Commercial Complex Stage.

The month-long celebration will not end there, as the Music for the Youth and the Azul Dance Recital will be held on May 28 and May 29, respectively showcasing the talents of the youth in the art of music and dance.

Dapitan City now becoming a destination for Asian divers

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, May 25 (PNA) –- This city has now become one of the destinations for Asian divers looking for pristine and equally breathtaking underwater sanctuaries with the aggressive marketing and promotion strategies of the city government under the stewardship of Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos.

Apple Marie Agolong, city tourism officer, on Wednesday told the Philippines News Agency that this is evidenced by the influx of local and foreign tourists visiting this city to explore the exquisiteness of its sub-aquatic resources.

Agolong said that more than 100 diving enthusiasts and underwater photographers from China and Hongkong have come to this city on the first quarter of this year to discover for themselves the unexploited underwater beauty and reserves of the place.

Agolong disclosed this significantly advances this city’s opportunity in terms of promoting its tourism industry that consequently benefits its people.

Moreover, Agolong said this scenario puts forward the interest of the city government in improving and making active its economic activities which locals can eventually take advantage of for increased income and improved living condition.

“Yet, the question of sustainability remains a challenge which by supplanting various strategic endeavors has gradually been responded appropriately. This brings into view the concept of public-private partnership that the city forged with the private sectors with the underlying principle of having to deliver a service without having to actually undertake the investment,” Agolong said.

She said it is on the aspect of marketing capability that this city has engaged the alliance with the private sectors in the institution of initiatives that makes operational the City Tourism Office’s proposal of bringing its marketing and promotions program in the international circle.

She added that with the select members of the city tourism in collaboration with Dakak Park and Beach Resort’s Aqua Sports Center, a representation to the Dive, Resort and Travel (DRT) expositions in Manila in September 2015 and in Hongkong in December 2015 was realized.

She said the participation to the said event opened the doors of this city to the international market inviting international tourists and guests to experience its wonderful dive sites and make exciting discoveries beneath its waters.

At the same time, the activity has provided information about the unique Dapitanon culture and allowed foreign group organizers and various travel agencies to make this city one of the destination bookings of their clients.

Agolong said they are confident that with the possession of numerous beautiful dive sites and rich aquatic resources and Dakak Park and Beach Resort as its partner that serves as one tourist destination offering exciting and fun activities for local and international tourists and guests, both the city’s public and private sectors will achieve its long term vision to ensure the sustainable development of the tourism industry and its benefit.

Ian Chiong, an Asian diver from Hongkong, expressed his amazing experience of diving, seeing beautiful and fantastic corals after his stay in Dakak Park and Beach Resort for almost a week together with other visiting Asian divers.

DTI turns over PHP2.759-M projects in Zambo Norte

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 24 (PNA) -– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has turned over 11 projects worth PHP2.759 million under the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program to various cooperators in the province of Zamboanga del Norte.

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, on Tuesday said the projects were turned over to the beneficiaries on two separate ceremonies held last week in Dipolog City, and Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Jain said they turned over 29 sewing machines, and Dried Fish Production equipment to four women’s associations; Vegetable Pickle Production equipment to the local government of Dipolog City; one unit of spindle machine to Katipunan Abaca Farmers Association; 12 decorating machines to MARTAN CBFM Beneficiaries Marketing Cooperative, Subanen Ancestral Domain in Manukan, Alvenda Women’s Association, and abaca farmers associations of Katipunan, Seroan ISF, Virginia-Linay, Denoman, Pangasi ASF, Bergado, Singaran, Calilic, and Dampalan.

Jain said they also handed over three units of hand-stripping device to Virginia-Linay Farmers Association, Seroan ISF Farmers Association, and Katipunan Abaca Farmers Association; food processing facilities to Roxas Women’s Association, and dehydrator for dried fruit processing to Jose Rizal Memorial State University-Katipunan and San Antonio Rural Improvement Club; Dried Fish Production facility to the Overseas Filipino Workers Association (OFWA), and Sebaca Resource Users for Sustainable and integrated Development Association; and 50 rubber coagulating tanks to Lapu-Lapu Farmers Association, Lower Gumay Rubber Farmers Association and Villarico Farmers Association.

Jain reminded all the cooperators to use the facilities where it is intended.

“You have to use the facilities where it is intended. If these facilities are not used within six months, DTI has the right to pull it out and give it to other deserving cooperators who need it. We cannot put to waste the government’s resources by not using the facility properly,” she said.

Mayor Evelyn Uy of Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte, said DTI has been her partner in the development and growth of the MSMEs in that city.

“We have been recipients of assistance from DTI in developing our industry. DTI gave us retort machine for our bottled sardines manufacturer improving the quality of our products and for the industry to continue. This time DTI has again given us facilities, this time for our women’s group. We should really value these by taking good care of what is given us,” Uy said.

She also thanked the agency for the continuous help given to her constituents.

Jain said the 11 projects they turned over last week were part of the 24 projects the DTI approved for the province of Zamboanga del Norte.

“For Zamboanga del Norte alone, a total of 24 projects worth over PHP14 million were approved, 18 of which were already delivered to our cooperators. We are waiting for the delivery of the remaining six projects,” Jain said.

“These projects will benefit more than 1,600 beneficiaries whom we hope will become successful micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs),” she added.

She said the SSF program is intended to improve production and operations efficiency, production capacity, increase volume of production, improve the quality of products, and ultimately increase the income of the beneficiaries, thereby contributing to the poverty alleviation program of the government.

Zambo Norte gov enjoins elected officials to serve the people well

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR/DENNIS C. BAGUIO

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, May 23 (PNA) -– Gov. Roberto Uy has urged all newly-elected and re-elected officials to continue to serve and deliver social services for the benefit of the constituents of this province.

“We shall strive to carry out the best practices of good governance,” Uy said while expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support he received in his reelection bid during the Liberal Party (LP) thanksgiving.

The LP thanksgiving was held on Saturday at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Exhibition Center in this city.

Uy got a resounding victory in his reelection bid as he won by 78,628 vote margin garnering 241,690 votes against former Gov. Rolando Yebes (NPC), who got 163,062 votes.

Uy pledged to continue the livelihood programs and projects he started for the well-being of the constituents of this province.

Uy has dedicated his second mandate to God as he thanked his constituents for the support as well as trust and confidence on him.

“This fresh mandate is an affirmation of your desire for a better province,” he said as he committed to be of service to bring progress to this province.

He reiterated the promise that his office is open to the public.

“Let me know all your needs so I can find ways to address them,” he added.

He enjoined the people to join him in bringing sustainable development to this province by being united.

Zamboanga del Norte, which comprises of 25 municipalities and two cities, is the largest province in the region with a population of 1,011,393, according to the 2015 Census on Population.

Man Wanted for Malversation of Public Property Held in Sindangan

By PSUPT ROGELIO C ALABATA (Chief RPIO9) with report from PO3 Bernard Tan (RPIO9)

Zamboanga del Norte - Elements of Sindangan Municipal Police Station conducted a manhunt operation that resulted in the arrest of James Kenneth Alao Daing, resident of Sindangan town on April 26, 2016 at about 12:30 PM.

Suspect is arrested by virtue of warrant for Malversation punishable under Article 217 docketed under criminal case number 20370 issued by Presiding Judge Victoriano DL Lacaya Jr. of RTC Branch 9, Dipolog City dated March 11, 2016 with a recommended bail-bond amounting to Php 20,000.00. Suspect is temporarily detained at Sindangan MPS for proper disposition.

Armed Suspects Netted in Siocon

By PSUPT ROGELIO C ALABATA (Chief RPIO9) With report from SPO4 Ma. Rozena V Jalilula (RPCRD)

Siocon MPS received an information from a concerned citizen on May 6, 2016 at about 3:00 PM which stated that a group of unidentified suspects were transporting unknown firearms heading towards Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte onboard a red Honda TMX 155CC with green cab tricycle bearing plate number 1054JN driven by Roel Paler.

The personnel of said municipal police station and the 4th Maneuver Platoon under Zamboanga del Norte PPSC, RIU 9 and 13th Philippine Army SF Company conducted a dragnet operation that led to the arrest of the group at the checkpoint in Barangay New Lituban, of said town. The suspects were identified as Burha Sacampong Salaysay, 22, Basser Kolambog Alibbo, 36, Bulak Tiking Salaysay, 29, Alpine Caril Paniorotan, 25, Mokarabin Mustapatahil, 27, Alhari Hussin Osama, 28, Lordi Baid Cadil, 25, and Oyong Manamat Diga, 32.

Confiscated from them were an Elisco M16 rifle with serial no. P066645, five magazine assemblies, 82 rounds of M16 A1 ammo, one hand grenade, and one Colt MK IV caliber .45 pistol with serial no. 826175 loaded with eight rounds of ammo. The arrested persons are detained at Siocon MPS for proper disposition.

DSWD urges LCEs to prioritize poor households in programs and services

(PNA), PGL/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 20 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has urged newly-elected local chief executives (LCEs) to utilize the national household targeting system in determining potential beneficiaries of their projects, programs and services.

Atty. Araceli Solamillio, DSWD regional director, said Friday that this is to ensure that identified poor families are prioritized in the provision of social protection services.

Solamillio said LCEs would be able to cluster their beneficiaries according to its specific target sector, age, location, and others through the Listahanan project, which is an information management system under the DSWD.

The Listahanan, previously known as the National Housing Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), is an information management system that makes available to national government agencies, local government units, and other social protection stakeholders a comprehensive list of poor families in need of assistance.

“This means interventions will be more responsive and effective to the disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors who are in need the most,” Solamillo said.

In Region 9, she said that 1.9 million individuals were identified as poor by the Listahanan out of the 704,872 households that were assessed.

She said that Zamboanga del Sur was noted with the highest number peaking at 881,189 which includes the poor individuals in this city.

It is followed by Zamboanga del Norte with 620,678 poor individuals and Zamboanga Sibugay having 364,491.

Meanwhile, Solamillio said that Isabela City has 58,478 poor individuals as shown in the Listahanan database.

Solamillio encouraged the LCEs to enter into memorandum of agreement with the DSWD-Listahanan for data-sharing.

The database of poor families/individuals makes available to stakeholders such as the Local Government Units as reference in developing social protection programs and identifying its beneficiaries.

Solamillio said the regional profile of the poor households will be launched officially next month in this city.

Zambo Norte winning candidates proclaimed; Uy appeals for unity

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA)---The Provincial Board of Canvassers has finally proclaimed the winning candidates from Zamboanga del Norte in the recently concluded national and local election on May 9, 2016.

The proclaimed winning candidates were re-electionists Governor Roberto Y. Uy and Vice Governor Senen O. Angeles; newly-elected Congresswoman GlonaLabad-labad of the Second Congressional District and re-electionist Congressman Atty. Isagani S. Amatong of the third Congressional District.

Prior to the proclamation, Gov. Uy issued a statement urging everyone to be united for the development of the province as he thanked the people for renewing their trust in him.

Other local winners proclaimed were Board Members Atty. CrisologoDecierdo, Atty. Julius Napigquit, Ronilo Lee and Romulo Soliva of the second district and Venus Uy, Ruth Brillantes, Luzviminda Torino and Angel Carloto of the third district.

Board members Jing Chan and BebingJalosjos of the first were earlier proclaimed in the morning. However, Congressman Seth Frederick Jalosjos was not able to attend the said proclamation for he was in Manila.

Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Election Supervisor and concurrent PBOC Chairman Atty. Efraim Q. Bag-id said the canvassing and proclamation was delayed due to the late arrival of the election results from the municipalities of President Roxas, Manukan, Leon Postigo, Sibuco and Dapitan City.

On May 10, the City Board of Canvassers has also proclaimed the winning candidates in Dipolog City after having canvassed the election returns from 120 precincts.

The winning candidates, all belonging to Liberal Party were Darel Dexter Uy, the son of current City Mayor Evelyn Uy as mayor; Horacio Velasco as vice–mayor and Atty.Jasmin Pinsoy; Atty. JonaldNapigquit; Atty. Roger Asprer; Atty.Peter Co; Atty. Raul Barbaso; Atty. James Cyril Ruiz; Eduardo Baron; Maynard Baes; Atty. ReubencioLegorio andMarilouCaliboas members of the SangguniangPanlungsod.

Dipolog marks 18th P’gsalabuk Festival

  • Source:news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1431463539533/dipolog-marks-18th-p-gsalabuk-festival
  • Wednesday, May 18, 2016
By Franklin P. Gumapon (FPG/PIA9)

DIPOLOG CITY, May 18 (PIA) – It’s more fun here in this city nowadays!

Both locals and guests are regaled with an array of cultural and sports activities lined up for the 18th P’gsalabuk Festival starting April 29 until May 29.

Three days ago the 103rd National Triathlon, one of the highlights of the P’gsalabuk Festival, was held here with 339 participants aged 13 years old and above from the cities of Cebu, Dumaguete, Iligan, Malaybalay and Davao.

To be featured on May 19-20 are P’gsalabuk Dancesport competition, 2016 P’gsalabuk Football Festival, P’gsalabuk Street Dancing competition and P’gsalabuk King and Queen 2016.

Other events include Concert at the Boulevard on May 21, 1st P’gsalabuk Novice Swimming Competition on May 22, BFDGI Night and Banda sa Boulevard on May 27, 3rd Gov. Riberto Y. Uy Badminton Cup on May 27-29, Music for the Youth on May 28, and Azul Dance Recital on May 29.

P’gsalabuk Festival is a month-long celebration held yearly by the city government, showcasing the myriad interplay of culture among the Muslims and the “Lumads” as well as the varied and diverse culture of the settlers from all over the country.

P’gsalabuk is a Subanen word for “get together” or “togetherness.” Subanens are the natives of Zamboanga Peninsula.

Dipolog holds national triathlon competition

By Mary May A. Abellon (ALT/MAA/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, May 17 (PIA) – The city government of Dipolog hosted for the fourth time since 2013, the national triathlon competition at the Dipolog Sunset Boulevard on May 14-15, 2016 in celebration of the 18th P’gsalabuk Festival.

The event, dubbed as Dipolog Triathlon 103 was participated by triathletes from the different parts of the country.

This sports competition is multiple-staged involving the completion of three continuous and sequential endurance disciplines of swimming, cycling, and running in immediate succession over various distances.

On Saturday, May 14, the Super Tri Kid competition was conducted comprising the three categories for children aged eight and below, nine to 10 and 11 to 12.

The categories for long distance, sprint distance, fun distance and super tri kids aged 13-15 were held on Sunday.

Winners for long distance received cash prizes and trophies while for other categories, winners received medals, trophies and tokens.

The said activity is in collaboration with the Transition Tri Sports Club Inc. (TTSCI), Sugbo Triathlon and the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP).

Meanwhile, the P’gsalabuk Street Dancing and Mr. and Ms. P’gsalabuk will be held on May 20, 2016.

Rider Omega Pro Tri Team shines in Dipolog

By Glendale G. Rosal

THE RIDER Omega Pro Tri Team stamped its class in the recently concluded Dipolog Triathlon 103 held in Dipolog City last Sunday.

The vaunted triathlon team emerged as the overall champion in the race and two of its bets also finished 1-2 in the men’s elite division courtesy of Cebuano Kristiane Lim and Banjo Norte of Cagayan de Oro City.

Lim clocked three hours and four seconds to finish first while Norte came in at 3:02.08.

Other winners for the team were Boholano Paul Jumamil, who dominated the 24-below age group with the time of 3:06.53 and Cianyl Gonzales, who placed second in the female elite division with a time of 3:48.22.

Teammates Welmar Saavedra (3:11.14) and Alton Amor (3:46.11.) ruled the 30-34 years old division and 45-49 years old division, respectively. Lorna Amor ( 4:37.17) also topped the 40-above female division.

Other members of Rider Omega Pro Tri Team that managed podium finishes were Feelin Torres (second 29-under) and Jeffrey Codino (third 35-39).

Prior to this race, the Cebu-based triathlon team that was formed in 2013 also emerged as the overall champion in the Tri United Series first leg held in Subic Bay, Zambales last February.

7 more aviation workers fail test

By Eric B. Apolonio

Stressing that the use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated among employees of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Director General William K. Hotchkiss III has ordered the immediate removal of seven contractual workers at the Zamboanga International Airport.

The seven CAAP employees tested positive for the use of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) in random drug testing conducted on May 10 by the agency’s Office of the Flight Surgeon and Aviation Medicine.

Hotchkiss directed the termination of their contracts and ordered an investigation by CAAP’s Hearing and Adjudication Board on the regular employee who was also found to be using illegal drugs.

Hotchkiss previously ordered disciplinary action on 12 agency workers who tested positive for the use of shabu and of marijuana in random drug testing conducted by the OFSAM from January to April in all 19 of the 41 commercial airports managed by the CAAP.

He added that a memorandum he issued on March 7, 2013 encapsulates the provisions of the two laws pertaining to the campaign against illegal drugs.

Hotchkiss cited the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulation on Psychoactive Testing and Reporting to ensure that all CAAP employees do not use narcotics.

“These random drug tests are conducted by the OFSAM monthly on 5,900 employees in the CAAP-managed airports, specifically on those with commercial operations because we do not want the few misfits in our organization interacting freely with the public,” Hotchkiss said.

He emphasized that the abuse of illegal drugs causes erratic and sometimes violent behavior in a person who could be driven to harm other people or even steal to appease the narcotics addiction.

Hotchkiss ordered the setup of programs to increase employee awareness on the adverse effects of illegal drugs and for the area center managers of the CAAP-run airports to motivate their staff to lead healthy lives and encourage them to volunteer information on co-workers who might need help in breaking the habit of using drugs.

Based on data from the CAAP-OFSAM, for January 2016, 315 employees in the Mamburao, San Jose, Tacloban, Masbate, Dipolog and Laoag Airports were randomly tested for the use of illegal drugs. The test resulted in two employees at the San Jose Airport and one from Masbate Airport testing positive for shabu use and another for marijuana.

In February, out of 321 employees tested by the CAAP-OFSAM in the Daet, Legaspi, Bacolod, Ozamiz, Pagadian Airports, one (1) each from the Bacolod and the Ozamiz Airports were positive for the use of shabu.

In March, of the 211 CAAP workers from the General Santos, Iloilo Airports and the Mactan airside facility nobody was found to be using narcotics.

In April, out of 350 CAAP employees from Butuan, Tagbilaran, Surigao and Kalibo Airports who were tested for narcotics use, three (3) from Butuan and two (2) from Kalibo were found positive for shabu.

Last year, out of 1,551 employees who underwent screening for narcotics, 18 tested positive for the use of illegal drugs.

RTWPB 9 continues wage consultations

(DOLE) 11:53

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board–IX is set to conduct a series of wage consultations to determine if an adjustment of the prevailing wage rates is warranted for workers in the private sector and domestic workers. The areas where the consultations will be held and the schedule or dates thereof are as follows: May 23, at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; May 24 at Pagadian City; May 25 at Dipolog City; and May 31 at Zamboanga City.

The consultative activity was set after the Board decided “motu proprio” or on its own initiative, to review the minimum wage rates of all workers in the private sector and agreed to synchronize it with the review of the domestic workers’ wage rates.

Under existing rules, the Board may conduct public consultations in a manner that shall ensure that all sectors and parties who stand to be directly affected by the action of the Board are given the widest opportunity to be heard prior to its determination.

All employers, workers, “kasambahays” and other interested parties are enjoined to attend and present their views and comments for or against the wage issue, for the Board’s consideration.

The Board is expected to deliberate on the inputs gathered during the consultations and come up with a decision as to whether or not to adjust the wages of minimum wage earners and “kasambahays” sometime in June this year.

The first leg of consultation was conducted last April 22, at Isabela City, Basilan Province.

Dipolog to hire studes under summer work program

By Franklin P. Gumapon (FPG/PIA9 with reports from Emma B. Prima)

DIPOLOG CITY, May 13 (PIA) – The city government here is going to hire more than 300 students this summer vacation under the government’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager Ernie Rojo disclosed that these SPES beneficiaries come from the different schools/learning institutions in the city.

Prior to their deployment, the student-beneficiaries attended an orientation and contract signing held at the 4th floor of City Hall annex recently.

“The 20-day "summer job" for students has been implemented through the PESO in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE),” Rojo said.

The SPES, which caters to poor but deserving students, is a program created under Republic Act 7323, series of 1999, as amended by Republic Act 9547 aimed at encouraging employment among students during summer and Christmas vacations.

The city government will provide 60 percent of the SPES salary with DOLE paying the remaining 40 percent.

Zambo tops 4-H Reg’l Youth Camp

By Sheila Covarrubias

The Zamboanga delegation to the 5th Regional 4-H Youth Camp held in Irosan, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte from May 4-5 bagged the overall championship title after it topped in most of the competitions.

The 25-member delegation from Zamboanga was first place in at least 4 compettitions: A La Chef Contest- Princess Bautista of Recodo; Sweet Potato Processing and Pasalubong Package Contest – Reymart Marcos of Culianan; Innovation on Climate Change – Liza Earl Beverly Angeles of Mampang and Photography and Feature Writing contest – Hubert Benito.

The winners received plaques and cash prizes and will be the region’s representatives in the National 4-H Youth Camp set end of May in Baguio City.

Zamboanga City also garnered second place in 3 other competitions- the Indigenous Plaque-Making, Extemporaneous Speaking Contest and Quiz Bee and third place in still other contest categories.

The Zamboanga delegation was headed by Lorna Bautista, City 4-H Coordinator of the City Agriculturist Office.

The Regional 4-H Youth Camp was participated by 4-H Club officers and members, focal persons and Farm Youth Development Program Coordinators from the different cities and provinces in Zamboanga Peninsula.

The 4-H Club is a nationwide association of sons and daughters of farmers and fisher folk.

2016 elections generally peaceful in Zamboanga del Norte

By Alfonso T. Ruda (ALT/ATR/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, May 11 (PIA)--- “Except for some minor incidents, the 2016 national and local election is generally peaceful.”

Thus said Zamboanga del Norte PNP OIC Provincial Director, PSSupt. Edwin C. Wagan and 101st Infantry Brigade Commanding Officer, Col. Jesus A. Manangquil Jr. on this year’s political exercise.

Wagan said the local police did their best to ensure that election would be peaceful, orderly, and credible. Since the start of the election period, municipal police stations conducted regular checkpoints in their respective area of jurisdiction.

Manangquil on the other hand, said the military and police are one in their quest to have a peaceful election as evidenced by the creation of a joint PNP-AFP Task Group.

He said that aside from the regular COMELEC-initiated checkpoints along the national highway of the province, the 101st IB also conducted checkpoints in the interior barangays. The battalion covers some municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental.

PNP-9 Assistant Regional Director, Chief Supt. Randolph Delfin commended SSupt. Wagan for the peaceful conduct of the recent national and local election as well as the military units based in the province for their collaborative effort towards the conduct of a peaceful, orderly and credible elections, reflective of the voice of the people of Zamboanga del Norte . “Our police did their best in performing their mandated task,” Delfin said.

Police nab 8 liquor ban violators

By Dan Toribio

Eight persons were held for violating the Comelec liquor ban few hours after it took effect at dawn Sunday.

A police report disclosed that around 1:25 a.m. men of the Police Station 11 conducted Kap-Kap Bakal operation on the different night spots more than an hour after the liquor ban took place.

During the operation, policemen held eight persons caught drinking inside some massage parlors along Ledesma Street.

Police identified the eight persons as Mayo Aldain Banghulot, 32, married of Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur, Quirico Rebotazo Malapangi, Jr., 36, married of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, Jermaine Pamalison Sioko, 31, married of Canelar, Erwilliam Loquenario Seruela, 41, married of Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte, Jessie Cris Natividad Fonollera of Tumaga, Fedie Del Rosario Dela Cruz, 44, of Sangali, JC Eijansantos of Sta. Maria and Dasti Pamalison.

They were brought to the police station for proper disposition. –

Complete lineup of fights for PP36 bared

By Glendale G. Rosal

WITH LESS than a month before fight night, ALA Promotions International revealed the complete fight card of the Pinoy Pride 36: Legend In the Making that will be held at the Saint La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City on May 28.

In the fight card that will be spearheaded by the world title showdown between the reigning and defending WBO Light-flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and former WBO minimumweight world champion Raul “Rayito” Gonzales of Mexico, there will also be seven exciting undercard bouts.

The newly added bouts include the Philippine Super-flyweight championship showdown between Jonas Sultan (10-3, 6KOs) of Zamboanga del Norte and Rommel Oliveros of Parañaque City.

Sultan’s stablemate Raul Yu (7-1-2, 6KOs) will be fighting Robert Ates (3-2, 2KOs) of Bacolod City in the 115-pound division while Tagbilaran City’s undefeated Kenneth Gentallan (3-0, 2KOs )will go up against Team Joeric Boxing’s Jeffrey Stella (3-1-1, 3KOs) in the 112-pound division.

Mandaue City boxers Gerard Suico and Reymund Rama will also slug it out in the curtain raiser.

In the main attraction, Kevin Jake Cataraja (3-0, 2KOs) of ALA Boxing Gym is set to fight Thai Chatchai Or Benjamas (5-7, 4KOs ) for eight rounds along with the much awaited rematch between former world title challenger Milan “El Metodico” Melindo (33-2, 12KOs) and Javier “Cobra” Mendoza (24-3-1, 19KOs) for a world title eliminator and Ilonggo “King” Arthur Villanueva (28-1, 14KOs) going up against Juan “El Peñita” Jimenez (22-9, 15KOs) for a 10-rounder non-title bout.

Ticket prices range from P100 to P3,000. For further inquiries, one may call 0925-499-8493, 0917-872-5297,(034) 435-0553 and (032) 505-9513 .

Climate change expenditure tagging conducted in Dipolog City

By Mary May A. Abellon (ALT/MAA/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) –The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in partnership with the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte recently conducted Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Exhibition Center (ZNCEC), this city.

CCET is the process of identifying, reporting, and tracking Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs) that are responsive to climate change adaptation and/or climate change mitigation.

DILG-9 Local Government Operations Officer Alvin Rex Lucero said that CCET is mandated by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Climate Change Commission and DILG pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 2015-01.

It is required that all climate change related strategies and investments of the government shall be identified as adaptation and mitigation.

Departments, agencies, bureaus, offices, commissions, state universities and colleges, other concerned agencies shall identify and tag climate change expenditures based on climate change typologies.

Among the participants in the said activity were department heads of the provincial government, planning and development coordinators and budget officers of the cities and municipalities of the province.

Troops intercept, arrest 8 armed men in Zambo Norte

(PNA), ZST/TPGJR/DENNIS C. BAGUIO

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, May 7 (PNA) – Police and military forces have intercepted and arrested eight armed men in the nearby town of Siocon, this province.

Senior Supt. Edwin Buenaventura Wagan, provincial police director, said the gunmen were arrested around 3 p.m. Friday in Barangay New Lituban, Siocon municipality.

Wagan identified the arrested suspects as the following: Burha Salaysay, 22; Basser Alibbon, 36; Bulak Salaysay, 29; Alpine Paniorotan, 25; Mokarabin Mustapatahil, 27; Alhari Osama, 28; Lordi Cadil, 25; and, Oyong Diga, 32.

Wagan said the suspects were arrested in a checkpoint for violation of the election gun ban.

He added the joint police and military forces have set up the checkpoint following reports that a group of people bringing with them firearms have boarded a tricycle heading towards Siocon coming from the town of Sirawai.

He said the troops confiscated from the suspects’ possession an M-16 Armalite rifle with several rounds of ammunition, a caliber .45 pistol with eight live ammunition and a hand grenade.

He said the suspects were detained at Siocon police headquarters while appropriate charges are set to be filed against them.

Both the police and military have tightened security to ensure the peaceful conduct of the local and national elections on Monday in this province.

Comelec ready for May 9 polls in Dapitan City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR/HDC

DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, May 6 (PNA) -– Its all systems go for the holding of the local and national elections on Monday, May 9, in this city.

Synthia Cabrera, acting city election officer, told the Philippines News Agency that they have not encountered any glitches during the final testing and sealing of the Vote Counting Machine (VCM) on Thursday.

There are 87 clustered precincts covering this city’s 50 barangays.

Cabrera said all the VCMs are already in place and being watched by security forces and watchers from the different political parties.

Cabrera urged the voters to cast their vote as early as possible on Monday. Polling precincts will open at 6 a.m. and will be closed at 5 p.m.

She said there are 49,177 registered voters in this city. They will elect a mayor, vice mayor and 10 councilors.

Zambo Norte police officer die in poll-related incident; mayoralty bet, 2 others arrested

(PNA), LAM/TPGJR/DENNIS C. BAGUIO

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, May 5 (PNA) – Three people, including a candidate for mayor, were arrested after a police officer was killed and another wounded in an election-related incident in the nearby town of Tampilisan.

Insp. Ronald Allan Tingas, Tampilisan police chief, identified the arrested suspect as mayoralty candidate Alson Chan of the Alliance of Parties for Progress (APP).

The other two arrested suspects were identified as Alfredo Marso and Lito Jumawan, both supporters of Chan.

Killed was Senior Insp. Mirdan Usama, the team leader of the First Maneuvering Platoon of the Regional Public Safety Battalion-9 (RPSB-9) detailed in Tampilisan town.

Tingas said Usama’s subordinate identified as PO1 Melvin Padela was slightly wounded during the incident.

Tingas told the Philippines News Agency that the incident took place around 10 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Camul, Tampilisan, this province.

Tingas said Usama and two other policemen went to Barangay Camul to check on the reported gun fires at a lodging house owned by Chan.

He said they were denied access into the lodging house upon arrival. Moments later shots were heard coming from the garage hitting Usama.

He said Usama, before the falling unconscious, managed to call for back up. The wounded officer was rushed to Sibud County Hospital in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay but expired before arrival.

He said Chan and his two followers were arrested in a pursuit operation launched by combined police and Army forces.

The pursuing team has recovered seven firearms, including a rifle, envelopes containing money, and sample ballots stapled with money from Chan’s lodging house, according to Tingas.

He said appropriate cases will be filed against Chan and his two supporters.

Dapitan City youth volunteers to help monitor May 9 polls

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR/HDC

DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, May 4 (PNA) -– A total of 100 youth volunteers who would assist in monitoring the conduct of the 2016 local and national elections have finished a two-day photo journalism seminar in this city.

The seminar was held at the Dakak Park and Beach Resort from Monday until Tuesday and was facilitated by the Junior Chamber International-Philippines (JCI-Ph).

Karl Obordo of JCI local chapter told the Philippines News Agency that those who finished the two-day seminar are youth volunteers from this city’s 50 barangays.

Obordo said they will join the Civil Society Organization (CSO) in monitoring the conduct of the May 9 local and national polls aimed to ensure an orderly, clean honest and credible election through photo journalism.

He said the photographs taken by the youth volunteers can be used as documentary evidence in filing legal actions against anyone committing election offense on May 9.

The Photo Journalism Workshop was successfully conducted in partnership between the JCI local chapter and freelance photo journalist Richel Umel.

Zambo. Norte police vow to stay nonpartisan

By Franklin P. Gumapon (FPG/PIA9)

DIPOLOG CITY, May 2 (PIA) – As the May 9, 2016 national and local elections are drawing near, the members of the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office (ZNPPO) have vowed to stay apolitical and to help make the balloting honest, peaceful and credible.

P/SSupt. Edwin Buenaventura Wagan, ZNPPO acting provincial director, led the police officers in signing the Oath of Non-Partisanship this morning after the flag raising ceremony at Camp Hamac, Sicayab this city.

Members of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and the Special Action Force (SAF) also joined the said event.

In an interview with the local press, Wagan emphasized that all PNP members should not engage in any partisan political activity. Instead, they must render a 24/7 duty in their respective areas to ensure the success of the May 9, 2016 political exercises.

In a related development, the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Zamboanga del Nortte has disclosed that its preparations for the national and local elections are going on and that the final testing and sealing of vote-counting machines (VCM) will be held on May 5 in all polling centers.

The registered voters of Zamboanga del Norte including those of the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan account for 605,151.

1,000 Zambo. Norte studes to benefit SPES

By Alfonso T. Ruda (FPG/ATR/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, May 2 (PIA) - A total of 1,000 students in Zamboanga del Norte are set to benefit this year’s Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Ms.Megajane S. Ligutom said 684 of the SPES beneficiaries are coming from the municipalities of the first and second congressional districts and the twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, while the other 316 are coming from the third congressional district.

The first and second batches of SPES beneficiaries underwent an orientation at Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center here in the city last April 28 and in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte on April 29, respectively.

The SPES beneficiaries will start reporting for work today, May 2.

SPES is a joint undertaking of the DOLE, Department of Education (DepEd) Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of Finance (DOF).

The program aims to help poor but deserving students pursue their studies by providing employment during summer, Christmas vacation and/or year-round.

Under the program, the concerned establishment or LGU shoulders 60 percent of student’s salary while the DOLE will take charge of the remaining 40 percent.

This year, Zamboanga Peninsula region’s SPES allocation is P45,661,000, with Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte getting P12,785,080 each; Zamboanga City P10,958,620; Zamboanga Sibugay, P7,762, 370, and Isabela City P1,639,830.

Sibuco ranks as the poorest town in Zamboanga Peninsula region

By Bong Garcia

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) revealed that the town of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte has been recently ranked as the poorest town among the 67 municipalities in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region after it posted a whopping 80 percent poverty incidence.

The province of Zamboanga del Norte has 25 municipalities while Zamboanga del Sur has 26 and Zamboanga Sibugay 16.

The DSWD data showed 6,391 of the 7,981 households assessed by the Listahanan in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte were identified as poor.

Listahanan was formerly known as the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), an administrative tool for targeting poor families. It establishes a centralized database of targeted poor families to serve as basis for identifying beneficiaries of social protection programs and services, minimizing wastage of resources to unintended recipients.

In 2009, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte was reported as the poorest among all municipalities in the region with 90 percent poverty incidence.

DSWD Regional Director Araceli Solamillo said Siayan’s poverty incidence significantly dropped to 77 percent as of the latest assessment putting the municipality second to Sibuco town.

Solamillo said Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur is the third poorest municipality with 71 percent poverty incidence.

“After we have identified the poor households during the 2009 assessment, several social protection stakeholders have requested to utilize the Listahanan database to serve as their basis in identifying their potential beneficiaries. This really helped in our efforts in poverty alleviation,” Solamillo said.

A total of 364,723 households were identified as poor by the Listahanan in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region. The assessment used the Proxy Means Test (PMT) models to estimate the per capita income of the households.

She said they found that 52 percent of the 704,872 households in the region have annual per capita income less than the poverty threshold reported by the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) for 2015.

Significantly, she said there is also a decrease in the poverty incidence of the entire region from 61.54 percent in 2009 versus 51.74 percent in 2015.

The DSWD will officially launch the regional Listahanan database in June 2016.

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