|
News articles is brought to you by: PAGADIAN EXPRESS To Advertise Contact: Charnyl Albarracin: Office. (062) 214-2252 Cell No. 0929 787 5852
|
|
For the sake of peace… AFDAL’S MNLF AFFILIATION CONFIRMED BELIEVING THAT HIS affiliation could bring a long lasting peace in his own turf, Mayor Abubakar Afdal of Labangan confirmed over the weekend that he is now an active member of the secessionist group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). In an interview with chosen media personalities, Afdal confirmed to that Chairman Nur Misuari has appointed him as in-charge of the MNLF’s Civil and Military Affairs in region 9. His appointment came out shortly after his meeting with DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno and former PNP Director General Avelino Razon, now head of the Mindanao Peace Process. According to Afdal the fruitful meeting took place at the residence of Misuari in Manila, where he also confided to Puno the real situation in Labangan and his fate after he was being suspected to have linked with drug syndicates. “Na meet jud nako si secretary Puno kay mao ni advise sa ako nga si Puno ra ang makatabang nako sa Labangan ug pinaagi ni Misuari sa MNLF”, Afdal told reporters. Afdal also narrated that during their short casual conversation Puno had told him that he is aware of the situation in Labangan and would do something about his problem. “Hinaot pa nga masulbad na ang among problema sa Labangan kay pait kaayo ug kanunay ang sitwasyun”, Afdal pointed out with high hopes. He even showed to the media his appointment order duly signed by Chairman Misuari and affirmed by other MNLF top brass so as to dispel clouds of doubt as to the legitimacy of his designation. Afdal also said he has long been a member of the MNLF but only recently he became an active member and will always take part to whatever peace initiatives. He also believes that his membership could somehow help bring peace in his own town after authorities placed Labangan under close police watch due to his alleged involvement in illegal drug trade activity which he strongly denied. Afdal stressed that his membership is highly legal since MNLF is an organization being recognized by the Philippine government. As of now, the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police have yet to give their reaction to Afdal’s affiliation with the MNLF.
|
|
Greenwich Now In Pagadian
PIZZA CRAVING city residents need not go to nearby cities just to have a bite of a special pizza because the Greenwich Pizza Corporation has opened a store in Pagadian City over the weekend. Ensuring accessibility, Greenwich Pagadian welcomes it customers right at the main entrance of Gaisano Capital Pagadian, along Rizal Avenue, this city where its outlet is located. Last June 14 was the official day when Greenwich Pagadian opened its doors to local patrons who were eagerly waiting to dine in and satisfy their taste for special pizzas and pastas. Greenwich Pagadian is ran by First Lady Ilang-Ilang Fernandez-Co, the local franchisee, who assures customers with the best service in town. Greenwich started as an over-the-counter pizza store at the Greenhills Commercial Center in Metro Manila in 1971. In 1994, Jollibee Foods Corporation obtained a deal acquiring 80% of Greenwich shareholding. Then in 2006 Jollibee Foods Corp. bought the remaining shares of its partners in Greenwich Pizza Corp., equivalent to 20% stake, for P384-million in cash. The new company was called Greenwich Pizza Corporation, and the franchise experienced rapid expansion. From 50 stores in 1994 it grew to over 240 stores raking an annual revenue of over 54 million US dollar, it was gathered. |
|
PAGADIAN MARKS 40TH YEAR PAGADIAN CITY, known to be a little Hongkong of the South not only because of its geographical setting but due to its development and progress will mark its 40th year founding anniversary on June 21, 2009. Anchoring on this year’s theme: “Pagadian: Kakugi Ipadayon Aron ang Dakbayan Magmalambuon” the steering committee members have already lined up various activities that will highlight the growth and progress Pagadian had achieved over the years. City Tourism Officer Joy Barrios said that at this early the city government has formed different working committees which are very busy in preparing the week-long celebration which will culminate on June 12. In a press conference, Mayor Sammy Co said an Independence Day program will serve as the kick-off activity and it will be followed by a Motorcade, a Medical and Dental Outreach, the Opening of Inter-Office Sportfest and a Concert of Boy Band with ‘Moymoy Palaboy’ at city’s gymnasium. Co added that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes will also take part in the celebration by hosting the opening parade and several activities such as a medical-dental outreach program and gift giving which will then follow. Due to lack of an appropriate venue, the search for Miss Pagadian, which is a much awaited activity was cancelled but the candidates have been busy doing their exposures for the “Pagadian’s Five Prettiest” competition to be held on June 19 at the city’s gymnasium, Co said. He added that on June 18-19, the City Government will sponsor a passport processing at the City Hall Complex. Other activities will include the open dart and chess tournament, boxing at the park, variety shows, GO and NGO night, Business sector night, Barangay Day, Tree planting, Clean-up Day, Blood Letting, Drum & Lyre competition, Motocross competition and drag race. The Radio Mindanao Network-DXPR, the pillar in radio broadcasting in the city will also offer an entertainment show on June 20, featuring drama talent of DYHP Cebu to stage a live drama called ‘BAGWIS’. The famous Teban and Goliat are also coming to entertain the Pagadianons, it was gathered. It was also gathered that the City Government of Pagadian will give lifetime achievement awards to retired living government employees who were instrumental in the making and development of Pagadian City, the new regional center of the Zamboanga peninsula region.
|
|
POOR GETS GOV’T AID POOR HOUSEHOLDS in 10 municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur are now entitled to receive cash assistance for the next five years under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). 4Ps is a poverty reduction approach of the national government that provides cash assistance to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education, particularly children of ages 0-14. The Department of Social Welfare and Development is the lead agency in identifying and selecting beneficiaries based on the 2008 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES). Besides DSWD and the local government units, the Departments of Education and Health are also involved in this program. In Zamboanga del Sur, the number of indigent families from the 10 municipalities benefit the 4Ps would reach 50,000, according to the report of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Conchita A. San Diego to Governor Aurora E. Cerilles, who signed the 4Ps Memorandum of Agreement last May 29 in Dapitan City. These beneficiaries are residents of Dumingag, Midsalip and Sominot (of District I); Dinas, Lakewood, Lapuyan, Tabina, Tigbao, San Pablo and Vincenzo Sagun of District II. Accordingly, all the mayors of these ten towns went to Dapitan City last May 29 to witness the MOA ceremonial signing as President Gloria Arroyo was there to grace the 57th Araw ng Zamboanga del Norte. And yet, the activity did not materialize due to time constraint but Governor Cerilles signed the document in the presence of DSWD Assistant Secretary Parisya Taradji after the mayors of the 10 benefiting municipalities inked their 100 percent support to 4Ps. ASec Taradji told Cerilles that the President had directed them to expedite implementation of the program before her State of the Nation Address this July, it was gathered. Taradji describes the 4Ps as conditional cash grants to beneficiaries to ensure that children of poor families must go to school while pregnant women are required to submit for a prenatal and post natal care at health facilities. They must be attended by skilled/trained health professional when giving birth to eliminate maternal and child deaths. San Diego for her part noted that this program would eventually complement with the Unicef’s Sixth Country Program for Children (CPC-6) which only provides trainings and school facilities minus cash assistance. When enrolled of 4Ps, a household beneficiary can have a total annual subsidy of P15,000 for education, good health and nutrition of children as long as they comply with the conditions set for the program. The household head shall be issued ATM cards so as to withdraw the cash subsidy, San Diego said. But the total cash subsidy a household gets depends on the number of children sent to school, such as three qualified school-aged children can have a total annual cash grant of P9,000 or P3,000 per school year or P300/month in every child’s educational expenses. Nevertheless, poor families can have the P6,000 a year or P500/month for health and nutrition expenses of the children which requires pregnant women to get pre-natal and postnatal care and must be attended by skilled/trained health professional during childbirth. Zamboanga del Sur’s 50,000 poor families from the 10 named municipalities enumerated above are part of the additional 319,671 households to complete the total of 699,016 households targeted as beneficiaries of 4Ps. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program was piloted last year in the 20 poorest of the 81 provinces across the country. Zamboanga del Norte was among the pilot areas as the province ranked No. 2 of the 20 poorest provinces in the country, it was gathered. |
|
LGUs TAKE OVER DISTRICT HOSPITALS THE TOWNS of Dinas and Mahayag have taken full responsibility in the operation of the community district hospitals handed over to them by the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur, which recalled its health personnel with the full-blast operation of the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZSMC) at Brgy. Dao, this city. Over Pakisayud sa Alindahaw, a radio program aired simulcast at DXCA-FM and DXBZ-AM last May 24, Dinas Mayor Wilfredo Asoy, Sr. said that Governor Aurora E. Cerilles had asked them if they were willing to manage the vacated district hospitals as soon as the ZSMC will operate as a tertiary hospital. According to Asoy 4 municipal mayors agreed, referring to Paulino Fanilag, Sr. of Mahayag, Caridad Balaod of Tambulig Domingo Mirrar of Lakewood and himself. The Provincial Government had maintained and operated four district hospitals across the province – Mahayag and Tambulig of District I and Dinas with Lakewood at District II, it was gathered. However, Governor Cerilles upon recommendation of the Health Board and ZSMC management board had to recall health personnel from the four district hospitals to augment the needed number of personnel at the ZSMC, which is now operating as a tertiary hospital. “It was in the latter part of 2008 and I already foresee my capability to operate it. We intensified enrolment of PhilHealth para sa Masa and eventually this coming May 31, our license to operate the hospital will be hand-carried by a DOH official,” Asoy disclosed. Asoy clarified that the Provincial Government only recalled the medical personnel of district hospitals to augment the manpower constraint of the medical center. But the facility itself which includes the structure and medical equipment are all intact for the local government to utilize. “We are proud to operate this hospital with our own resources and I am not expecting any profit from it rather all I want is to provide health services to my constituents,” Asoy remarked. On the other hand, Molave Mayor Flavio Saniel, Jr. among the guests of that radio program could not hide his envy of Asoy, Fanilag and Balaod. And when he learned that Mayor Mirrar allegedly refused to operate the vacated district hospital of the provincial government, he said “kung pwede pa lang ma-transfer ang permit to operate sa ospital kuhaon gyud nako.” Saniel said that he already built a municipal hospital but cannot simply comply with the stiff requirements from the DOH such as the required standard equipment and the health personnel. He said one advantage of having a municipal hospital is that, it would be the biggest fulfillment of a local chief executive to provide health services to his constituents and another is that will provide an economy of service. “Ang kwarta sa lungsod nga itabang sa pasyente mobalik ra usab sa lungsod,” Saniel said. Asoy in agreeing with Saniel said that in operating the hospital he may release funds once but the services it offer can be counted for years. In the same manner, he can also maximize the services of his municipal employees. Mahayag Vice Mayor Lorna Espina emphasized that Mahayag will operate the district hospital. “In fact, we are 200% willing to operate it,” the last termer vice mayor said. However, since Mahayag District hospital was built way back 1975, we have to renovate the entire hospital and they are also busy preparing the requirements for license to operate of the hospital, Espina said. Espina also declared that they are targeting June 30, 2009 to inaugurate the renovated Mahayag hospital as they are also expecting DOH officials to grace the affair. But whether or not, Mayor Balaod of Tambulig will accept responsibility to operate the vacated district hospital is yet to be known, it was gathered.
|
|
PAGADIAN DONATES SITE FOR REGIONAL OFFICES * Even as Malacañang warns recalcitrant regional officials and employees defying presidential directive for their immediate transfer to Pagadian City of administrative sanctions. MAKING GOOD a prior commitment to help regional offices transferring to Pagadian City, Mayor Samuel S. Co formally turned over the pertinent donation documents to all regional directors who have fully transferred their offices in the city. The distribution of the documents was witnessed by Secretary Victor C. Domingo, the newly appointed Presidential Adviser for New Government Centers, who was sent by the office of the President to monitor the transfer of regional executives and employees. Co said he has turned to realty his promises and the city government has poured the needed financial resources to provide decent and comfortable offices for the regional offices. “The city government had done its part to help the regional offices and their staff, and we will continue to help them because it is our mandate as a new government center in western Mindanao”, Mayor Co told some regional directors who were present. It may be recalled that the city government has purchased a 10 hectare lot in Brgy. Balintawak, this city where more than 40 regional offices in region 9 will soon be located. As of date almost 30 regional offices have already transferred in the city, according to the task force led by Engineer Nelly Sisona. They are holding offices temporarily in private buildings and apartments accessible to the transacting public. On the other hand, Secretary Domingo lauded the city government for doing its share in helping the regional offices find new homes in Pagadian City using its limited resources. He also warned other regional directors who have remained in Zamboanga City to face administrative charges for defying the President’s executive order.
|
|
LAWMEN NAB 22 GROs A JOINT RAIDING team composed of the City PNP, City Health and DSWD arrested at least 22 Guest Relations Officer working in various night spots in Pagadian City over the weekend for violating a local ordinance that requires them to undergo a regular cervical smear. Police Chief Inspector Michael Palermo said that there were 12 arrested entertainers coming from different video-k bars in the wharf area and 10 more others employed at Rosa Video-K Bar, Fruitcocktail Bar, Triple-N Bar and Minimum Resto Bar. Palermo added that ages of the arrested entertainers range from 18 to 35 years old even as they verifying reports that minors were included in the arrest and now temporarily detained at the city’s lock up cell. He also said the entertainers failed to present necessary documents to show they have been regularly undergoing cervical smear as mandated by the health department. “City Ordinance Number 14 that requires entertainers to undergo regular medical check-up was also being violated, hence the arrest,” Palermo told reporters. The office of the city mayor represented by city chief security Eddie Arao was also present during the random check inside the different red spots around the city, even as representatives from UNICEF and BFP were also present, it was learned. Arao said the raid stemmed from several reports that some entertainment bars in the city are accepting workers even in the absence of the needed health certificate showing they are free from any sexually transmitted disease. It may be recalled that a certain non-governmental organization in the city advocating on the prevention of the spread of sexually transmitted diseases has reported to media that two cases of AIDS have been discovered in the city. With this report, the City Health officials have warned residents to be careful in making sexual contacts with strangers to avoid getting infected from any type of STDs.
|
|
CERILLES CLOSES H2O BAR OBVIOUSLY IRKED with the arrest of a certain Rodel P. Allioso, 22, a suspected drug pusher at the H2O Restobar inside the Capitol Compound, Pagadian City, Governor Auring Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur ordered its immediate temporary closure. This was gathered over the weekend from Provincial Administrator Pepito Degamo, who also said the governor will also investigate the report that the H2O Restobar has long been the venue of peddlers and buyers of illegal drug. H2O which is a walking distance from the office of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is operated by private concessionaire is owned by the provincial government and a part of its economic enterprise, it was gathered. It was also gathered that it has been a favorite hang out for night life seekers, where beers, beverages and hard liquors are sold even as customers can also enjoy once a week disco night making the joint accessible to customers of various ages. Atty. Moises Tamayo of the NBI when asked why the agency was not able to monitor the activity said that their limited manpower have forced it to concentrate intelligence gathering on drug related activities, which would be passed on to counterpart agencies like the city police, PDEA and PNP Provincial Mobile Group. “Our area covering also Zamboanga Sibugay negates us from actively participating in the sting operation lest other cases will suffer,” Tamayo said in a text message sent to this weekly. It was gathered that some people have been thinking aloud that there should be a transparent full-dress investigation of the provincial capitol drug scandal, and let the Sword of Damocles fall upon those responsible regardless of who they are, otherwise the drug campaign of the governor would end up a mockery and or a crow cry. It may be recalled that Rodel Allioso, a resident of Purok Santol, Tuburan District, Pagadian City. Confiscated items from his possession were 11 sachets of shabu, 10 pcs. of 100 peso bill used as marked money and an XRM Honda motorcycle with plate number JJ 2379.
|
|
ZAMBOSUR BRIDGES CLOSELY GUARDED MAJOR BRIDGES in Zamboanga del Sur linking to other cities and provinces are now closely guarded and secured in the aftermath of the bombing of Agus 5 bridge in Iligan City over the weekend. In a message sent by officers of the 1st Infantry Tabak Division, Philippine Army to Pagadian Express it was learned that even before the said explosion in Iligan City military troops were already deployed in areas where vital bridges are found. Accordingly, a bridge in Zamboanga del Sur which is placed under tight security is the Tapodoc Bridge in Labangan, where troopers from the 53rd Infantry Battalion are manning a detachment right at the bridge’s approach. The bridge links Zamboanga del Sur to Misamis Occidental and the Lanao provinces in the east to Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City in the west, and to the cities of Dipolog, Dapitan and Zamboanga del Norte in the north. Major General Romeo Lustestica, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Tabak Division has assured the people of a tighter internal security plan to avert any terroristic activity, which carried out by the lawless MILF group. He also urged the people to cooperate with the police and to the military and report any unusual movement of armed men around their respective places. It maybe recalled that a similar appeal was aired by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro during a short visit at Pulacan, Labangan, headquarters of the premiere division of Philippine Army. A few days ago, the Agus bridge in Iligan City was not passable after it was bombed at around 1:30 a.m., Monday, April 20, 2009. Since both approaches of the structural support were blown off, the bridge sagged, according to one Mr. Dag-uman, a mango vendor who was stranded. Meanwhile, NBI Zamboanga del Sur Chief Moises Tamayo told RMN Pagadian (DXPR) that the authorities are still investigating the bombing to determine the motive. Initial report said that the MILF group was responsible for the attack but the rebel group denied having a hand in the incident. |
|
CO GIVES CASH AID TO FIRE VICTIMS PAGADIAN CITY Mayor Samuel S. Co personally doled out financial assistance to the 155 homeless families, caused by fire, which broke out months ago at Barangay Santiago, this city. The fire victims received P3,000.00 each the other week during a distribution ceremony held at the Santiago Elementary School. Mayor Co said that the cash assistance comes from the calamity fund, to help the fire victims rebuild their burned houses. “Kining gamay nga kantidad makatabang na kini kaninyo aron subli mo nga makatukod sa inyong panimalay ug makapalit ug mga materyales,” Co said in his short speech just before giving the cash. It may be recalled that Brgy. Santiago was placed under a state of calamity by the city disaster coordinating council due to the extent of damage, amounting to more than P25-million excluding some unaccounted personal belongings and properties razed by fire. Mayor Co clarified to the fire victims that only those living in titled lots can rebuild their houses and those settling in government lots will be relocated at Sitio Nazareth, Brgy. Buenavista, the city’s relocation area even as the fire victims expressed their gratitude to the mayor because at long last they have received the cash assistance. “Dugay na gyud mi nagpaabot ani nga tabang kay nagkinahanglan na kaayo mi ug kwarta,” one of the fire victims said. Even Punong Barangay Toto Navarro has long been waiting for the release of the said amount, the same source said.
|
|
PALERMO NAMED PAGADIAN CHIEF OF POLICE “I FEEL honored and privileged to have been given this great responsibility to lead the Pagadian City Police,” said police chief inspector Michael Palermo in an interview. Palermo was appointed over the weekend as the Pagadian City’s new chief of police following the reassignment of police senior inspector Parson Asadil, the former chief of police. Asadil in his almost 5 months of leading the Pagadian’s finest is now assigned in the provincial command of Zamboanga del Sur and as to why he was sacked as the OIC chief of police, it is still unknown. Palermo was reportedly handpicked by PNP Provincial Director Ramon M. Ochotorena, knowing the capability of this guy as his deputy when the Director was then the chief of police of the city. Palermo was the former chief of police of Dumalinao town who made it a drug free municipality due to his anti-drugs campaign. He was also the former group director of the 905th Police Mobile Group, who busted several drug trading spots and arrested both drug dealers and users. City Mayor Sammy Co also accepted Palermo’s appointment saying that “he knew this guy and aware of some of his accomplishments while serving as the deputy chief of Police of Pagadian during the stint of Colonel Ramon Ochotorena. Provincial officials also considered Palermo’s assignment as a big boost to the provincial and city government’s crusade to curb the illegal drugs problem. Palermo is a native of Iloilo City and a graduate of PNPA Batch 2000, whose first assignment was at the City Police District in the National Capital Region Police Office (NCR-PO) in June 2001 where he stayed for a year. He was later reassigned to the 9th Regional Mobile Group in Zamboanga City in 2003. He was designated chief of the PNP intelligence on December 2003 and once the chief of police in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur in 2004 and also was a part of the Special Operation Group. |
|
Civil Service Exams Set In July THE CIVIL Service Commission’s office of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay has announced the conduct of Career Service Examination (paper-and-pencil test) for both professional and sub-professional levels scheduled on July 26, 2009 in the cities of Pagadian and Zamboanga. In a press statement issued by CSC Director II Abdurahman S. Dalmanis the examination is opened to interested qualified applicants who should be at least 18 years old, regardless of educational attainment. These examinations would result in the conferment of either sub-professional or professional civil service eligibility on successful examinees, who would be eligible for appointment to first and second level positions in the government, respectively, Dalmanis said. Accordingly, application forms for the examination may be secured from the CSC Provincial Office located at the Provincial Capitol Site, Pagadian City and deadline of submission is on June 11, 2009. To facilitate processing of applications, applicants are advised to submit the following requirements: Four (4) pieces of passport size pictures with Name Tag and signature (1.5”x2”), Note: Scanned and computer-generated pictures are not acceptable. Another requirement is a machine copy of any recent I.D, (Office/School/Postal/Passport/License/BIR/SSS) together with an Examination Fee of P350.00.
|
|
PAGADIAN GETS P9.7-M THE CITY GOVERNMENT of Pagadian through City Mayor Samuel S. Co got the second tranche of P9.7 million from the Department of Agriculture to finish the farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in Barangays Datagan, Lourdes, Kawit and Muricay of Pagadian City. DA Regional Executive Director Oscar O. Parawan said that his office released the initial fund of P20-million for said FMR projects to City Mayor Sammy Co last year and with its completion soon, farmers and fishermen will benefit from them. “Our farmers and fishermen will save at least half of their transportation cost, which would be of great help for better income in planting and fishing,” Parawan said. Parawan added that having a better road access to the market would encourage the people to plant and produce more agri-products and this would lend support to government’s efforts to help the agriculture industry though the Fertilizer, Irrigation, Extension, Loans, Dryers and other Postharvest Facilities and Seeds (FIELDS) programs. City Mayor Samuel S. Co thanked to the Department of Agriculture for its continued support to his administration and to Director Parawan for the great effort he has done for his administration, and vowed to do his part. The people of Pagadian especially the benefited barangays have been waiting for so long for this project, Co said adding that having a better road could be of great help not only to the farmers and fishermen but also to the people who would be passing through this road everyday. Co also said that a vast tract of land in some areas in Brgy. Datagan towards the Kendis Cave, a tourism spot of Pagadian City was not planted with anything, hence, with this FMR project, these would become a potential area for coconut or corn. The P9.7 million check was handed-over to City Mayor Sammy Co by DA Regional Director Parawan last March 17, 2009, it was gathered.
|
|
PAGADIAN NEW SHOPPING CAPITAL CITY MAYOR Samuel S. Co turning 43 last March 10, 2009 expressed his determination to transform Pagadian City into an economic hub and shopping capital in Northwestern Mindanao. “This is quite ambitious, yet its realization can already be seen at a near distance since Pagadian City has started a huge leap as far as trade and commerce is concerned,” Mayor Co pointed out as he spoke infront of the many well wishers who took time to attend his birthday bash despite their hectic schedule, at the city gymnasium. The visitors came from various sectors of society, prominently the local and barangay officials, government employees, business community, media practitioners including his family and friends. Co said that with the city’s local revenue code offering attractive tax incentives to the investors, an overflowing investment which will soon be enjoyed by the city would brings several advantages to the people. The existence of Gaisano Capital, the biggest mall of all the Gaisano branches in Mindanao, and some newly opened department stores are key indicators that the city is slowly but surely becoming a shopping capital in Mindanao, Co added. Co also enumerated the countless tangible projects implemented during his 5 years stint as City Mayor of Pagadian. The Pagadian City Fishport, a modern slaughterhouse, an Integrated Bus Terminal, the Agora perimeter building are a few of the income generating facilities in the city, which are instrumental in the increase of local revenue, Co said adding that road openings that connect several far-flung barangays, which are tourist destinations also attest to the city’s rapid growth. He also took pride that almost 60 percent of the regional offices have already transferred to the city, which he thinks has enhanced the city’s economic activity. “I owe this to the people, to my council members and to the provincial officials who gave their part in compelling regional offices to transfer Pagadian City”, Co said. He also announced officially that a multi-million commercial building will soon rise at the old shopping center that will serve as the investors’ haven in the city. “That commercial building will be completed in the next three years, and this means more business in the city, more local revenue, and more jobs for our people,” Co stressed. As a way of addressing the negative impression regarding air transport, Mayor Co said that the airport expansion and renovation will soon be completed and there will be regular flights to Manila and other destinations. No less than DOTC Secretary Guiling Mamundiong assured the city government that before the rainy season comes the construction would be completed, it was gathered.
|
|
Pagadian Airport Completed In July THE P546-million Pagadian City Airport project is about to be finished this coming July.This was gathered over the weekend from Air Transportation Manager Engr. Jesus Bodiongan, who added that said project is one of the seven (7) airports in Mindanao considered as priority infrastructure projects of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which would be completed before her term ends in 2010. Bodiongan added that Phase I which involves the runway extension and Phase II, a 30-45 meters width runway expansion are 100% completed while Phase III the runway rehabilitation is still on-going but already 50% completed. The Project Monitoring Team composed of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Air Transportation Office (ATO), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO), and City Engineer’s Office (CEO) convened last March 19, 2009 at the ATO terminal building to listen to the reports of the contractors from Brostan Construction in Manila and Vicente Lao Construction in Davao City on the updates of the project, it was gathered. It may be recalled that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo launched the super regions in 2007 to accelerate development imperatives in each area. Four super regions were then created: the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines and Mindanao Super Regions. Barely two years after the President created the Super Regions, has much already been accomplished enhancing the economy and uplifting the lives of rural folks, keen observers said. A total of 27 priority projects are being implemented in Mindanao which include roads, airports, ports, irrigation facilities and energy reliability, mainly to enhance Mindanao’s competitive advantage and potentials in agribusiness, especially in high value crops, a reliable source said.
|
|
Co Says Pagadian Soon No. 1 City CITY MAYOR Sammy Co pushes Pagadian City to be the no. 1 city in Western Mindanao and now claims it is no. 2 next to Zamboanga City but by the time full transfer of regional offices is totally implemented with the powerful support of the President and the Governor, he is optimistic his vision and goal will be realized. As he turns 43 on March 10, Mayor Co’s birthday wish is to have one more term to finish his job. The youngest of the six offsprings of the late Co Tek Chun and Sy Suat Kim, the first mayor of Chinese descent is slowly but surely making Pagadian into a commercial district in Regional IX even as it is now the regional administrative center in Western Mindanao. He is serving his term and hopefully a 3rd and last term if he wins his re-election bid in 2010. Right now, he is keen on the expansion of all entry points of the city, like the airport, seaport and integrated bus terminal as well as to improve amenities and facilities of the city government. He is also strengthening economic enterprise so as to employ more people such as agora perimeter building, slaughterhouse, Danlugan processing complex, to name a few. Step by step he gets rid of urban squatters and effect several demolitions to keep the city dainty as he improves the drainage system at the same time installing beautiful streetlights all over downtown area and urban barangays. Notably, despite the demolitions he ordered, no protests have been staged by affected constituents. His secret is to make sure that there would be no demolition without providing relocation site and financial assistance to those affected to have a new start. “Mayor Co has got the political will in developing the city. Siya ray nakapalimpyo ug nakapa-improve sa syudad,” Assistant City Engineer Inday Yorong says. Yorong, a city employee for several years, has witnessed several attempts of past administrations to demolish the temporary structures at the shopping center. “Funds were allocated but it did not materialize as those affected vehemently opposed it. We never thought Mayor Co would ultimately convince them,” she said. Two significant demolitions along the road right-of-way approaching the Iglesia ni Kristo compound to widen the road and the stalls near the Sto. Niño Cathedral were successfully carried out, Yorong also said. Executive Chief of Staff Vic Lingating likewise expressed his great appreciation for Mayor Co’s foresight to develop Pagadian City. “There is a big difference if our mayor is business-minded since he knows where and when to generate funds,” Lingating said. “Since Pagadian’s cityhood 39 years ago, this is the first time that banks are paying their income taxes in the city after Mayor Co pushed for the enforcement of the Tax Incentive Ordinance so as to lure big businessmen to invest here because of tax holiday and now, we already have big malls, hotels, restaurants and many more are coming,” Lingating continued. Part of Mayor Co’s efforts is to establish and develop tourist spots for the people of Pagadian City, visitors and tourists to go to, it was gathered from Mayor Co. Co further said that his administration has acquired these areas and are now titled as city assets, namely: the viewing deck in Palpalan, Hot and Cold Spring in Lourdes, Kendis Cave in Datagan, Poloyagan Beach and lately under a partnership with the Pagadian City Water District, the Serenity Park in Brgy. Manga. “By next year, duna na gyud tay tourist spot nga masuroyan,” Co concluded. |
|
PDEA Collars Army Soldier, Civilian Delivering Shabu THE PHILIPPINE Drug Enforcement Agency-IX seized a P340-thousand worth of suspected shabu in a drug buy-bust operation conducted last February 10, 2009 at around 7:00 a.m. at the Integrated Bus Terminal, Pagadian City that resulted to the arrest of an army officer and a civilian. The PDEA team led by SPO1 Faigdar Jaafar identified the arrested suspects as one PFC Musal Ingoh y Musa, 31, a resident of Barangay New Labangan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, assigned at the 18th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, and a certain Amir Ausad y Hipolani, 22, a resident of Barangay Upper Sang-an, Labangan town. According to the PDEA, the two arrested suspects conspired in facilitating the delivery of an approximated 50 grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or shabu to Intelligent Officer Benjamin Recites III in exchange of P340,000.00. The PDEA confiscated also a red Honda Wave 100cc motorcycle with plate number JS 6058 used in the delivery of the shabu and a caliber .45 Remington pistol with Serial Number 2018170 and a magazine containing 6 live ammunitions owned by PFC Ingoh, as well as 2 cellular phones owned by the 2 suspects. The PDEA said the suspects were identified as couriers of a notorious drug group in Pagadian City, who has buyers from neighboring cities and provinces. It may be recalled that Governor Aurora E. Cerilles, chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council declared war against illegal drug lords and ordered all government agencies to act on the matter accordingly, especially here in Zamboanga del Sur. |
|
.Pagadian City Hosts Region Wide Tourism Summit THE LOCAL Government of Pagadian City and the City Tourism Council jointly hosted last February 5-6, 2009 a region wide tourism summit aimed to formulate plans to promote the tourism industry in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula Region. The summit was presided by the newly appointed Department of Tourism Regional Director James Eldrige Adraincem and participated in by different provincial and city tourism officers and members of different tourism councils in region 9. Regional Director Adraincem, in his message said that he has come up with a certain action plan to boost the tourism industry in the region and make it globally competitive. He added that he has crafted the so-called tripartite tourism braches that will actively participate in all promotion efforts do the marketing and to make different tourist destinations known to potential tourists. This tripartite braches include the Department of Tourism, the Local Government Units and the Local Tourism Council, Adraincem added. “If this three vital institution will work hand in hand, siguro ang region 9 mao ang pinakasikat sa Pilipinas in terms of tourism industry”, he added referring to the different tourist spots in region 9 that until now have remained undeveloped. Adraincem called on media to cooperate with local government units in selling different tourist spots because of its vital role in the community. He added that his office is planning to sponsor a media summit to remind media of its role in promoting tourism and how to be discreet in their reporting which might affect the tourism industry. “There are some media personalities who are very irresponsible in their reports that really adversely affect the tourism activity and put a certain place in a bad light,” Adraincem stressed. Dr. Priscilla “Dicky” Fernandez, chair of the city tourism council of Pagadian City told the visiting tourism officers during the summit that Pagadian is trying its best to improve its tourism potentials
|
|
Pamaran Scion Missing A SCION of the wealthy Pamaran family in the city of Pagadian has been reportedly missing for several days, prompting the police authorities to dig deeper into the angle he was kidnapped. Rico N. Pamaran, 35, a businessman was reported missing by his wife Vivian since January 10, 2009, according to a report from local authorities. Accordingly, Rico was seen in the city last Saturday (January 10) driving his sister Daisy Ann’s Grand Vitara vehicle going to Tukuran town along with his friend named Bernon Cabuenas. But on the following days, Rico’s driven vehicle was found at Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte abandoned. The Pamaran family and their friends are continuously searching for the duo but of no avail while the local police and the NBI are also working hand in hand to locate Rico’s whereabouts. A lot of speculations have been rumored around the city about their sudden disappearance but not even a single police official would like to confirm them. It may be recalled that P/Sr. Insp. Oscar Buenaobra had arrested Rico for allegedly possessing illegal drugs. He was arrested along with a lady companion but later on posted bail for his temporary liberty
|
|
Trike Drivers And Operators Observe Transport Day ALMOST 3,000 tricycle drivers and operators joined hands in celebrating the Tricycle Drivers and Operators Day last Thursday (January 8). Dodong Duterte, President of the Tricycle Drivers and Operators Confederation (PITDOCON) said that they started the activity with a mass held at the Sto. Niño Cathedral. Drivers and operators participated in the sports festival held at the city oval. The purpose of the sports activity was to strengthen the bonding and camaraderie among the members of the transport sector. On the eve of January 8, a fellowship night was held at the city gymnasium, where not only tricycle drivers attended but also their families. This activity is a yearly celebration, according to City Councilor Arnold “Glavys” Gavenia who authored the resolution declaring January 8 as “Tricycle Drivers and Operators Day.” “Ang tumong sa maong kalihukan mao ang panaghiusa sa mga driver ug operator diin kung aduna sila’y problema aduna sila’y hiniusang tingog”, Gavenia said in an interview. In his message, Gavenia called on the sector to love their job, maintain the professionalism as driver and respect the passengers and avoid any over charging the riding public.
|