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PAGADIAN CITY - At least P30-million worth of market structures and an estimated P40-million stocks were burned down during the Saturday evening (April 26) fire that hit the city’s public market, hurting 600 stall owners more or less, enforcing the City Government to allocate P16.5-million from its calamity fund to reconstruct and give aid to the victims.

The City Disaster Coordinating Council in an emergency meeting presided by its chair, City Mayor Sammy Co has declared the devastated Agora “in a state of calamity” as the loss of the property has affected majority of its populace not only in Pagadian City but the province as well, being the main public market in the capital city.

The catastrophic fire totally ruined the vegetable and dried fish sections and partly engulfed the fish and meat sections and as estimated by the CDCC based on the costs of each building the destruction totals P30-million.

The extent of the disaster and its impact to the whole populace which need immediate recovery prompted the CDCC to appropriate P16.5-million out of the P19.5-million calamity fund or the 5% of internal revenue allotment of the city. The P15-million is for the construction of new buildings, P1-million for financial assistance of the affected vendors and another P500-thousand for the temporary relocation of the vendors.

Mayor Co said that even with the huge cut from his calamity fund he won’t mind having only P3-million left (though it’s still on the second quarter of the year), if only to hasten the resumption of normal business at Agora.

However, the CDCC passed three separate resolutions seeking financial assistance from the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur through Governor Auring E. Cerilles, First District Congressman Victor J. Yu and National Disaster Coordinating Council for the construction of the dried fish section and repair of the fish and meat sections.

A security guard Rito Alconera reported to Market Superintendent Enrique Alawi that the fire started at the middle portion of the vegetable section where flammable substance like cooking oil and others are sold while several bakeries and cafés were also inside.

The fire started at about 9:23 in the evening of April 26 and was declared under control by Fireground commander Supt. Gerson S. Sisona, the provincial fire marshall two hours later. The fire alarm No. 3 was raised for Molave and Dinas fire trucks to control the fire. Tankers of the Pagadian City Water District also augmented.

Shortly after the CDCC meeting, Co met the affected vendors at his office where he assured to resume the normal market activities within a week.

Ric delos Reyes, president of Sari-saring Gulay Vendor Multipurpose Cooperative aired his grief over the incident and according to him during the day he procured ample stocks to lost for several weeks. Consequently, he lost sacks of mongo seeds, and plenty of onions in anticipation that the price will go up.

Mayor Co did not escape from public speculation accusing his administration to have caused the disaster as a ploy to effect the transfer of the ukay-ukay section (then settled at the dried fish section); carenderias, bakeries, cafés and videoke stores to the new agora perimeter.

Co, in a press conference, said he expected it already but vehemently denied it. “Why should we damage our own property to spend more for relocation of the victims and reconstruction of the structures?” he remarked.

He cited to have successfully implemented several projects with obvious resistance from the businessmen but ultimately able to convince them diplomatically, such as the rehabilitation of drainage canals, installation of street lights and the latest is the relocation of the shopping center occupants in favor of the soon-to-rise 5-storey regional and business complex.

NFA PROVINCIAL Manager Harold Ybañez clarified earlier reports that the province of Zamboanga del Sur is experiencing rice shortage after the price of commercial rice in the market has climbed up to a record high of P37.00 per kilo.

In an interview, Ybañez said the province has ample supply of rice even if we are on the so-called lean months. The expensive farm input and the high price of oil are the main contributing factors why we suffered price crisis.

The rice consumption per day in the entire province of Zamboanga del Sur is lesser than the average rice production that is the reason why surplus rice will be transported by wholesalers to other provinces in Mindanao.

Ybañez also said that the price crisis is temporary and after the month of May or early part of June the sky-rocketing price of commercial rice will go down to its normal price in the market.

He called on the people not to panic and to stay calm since NFA has the stocks if ever worse comes to worse or the scarcity of rice will reach to its peak.

On the other hand, striker rice buyers (kumpradors) coming from other provinces also contribute to the price crisis in Zamboanga del Sur, according to the evaluation and assessment of Charles Arbas, agricultural technician in the City of Pagadian.

He said that striker rice buyers offer an enticing price forcing the rice suppliers to sell it to them instead of selling to local rice wholesalers.

Arbas appealed to the NFA to increase their buying price so that the farmers will not patronize outside wholesalers.

The Department of Agriculture has called on the farmers to use organic fertilizers so as to cut their expenses on farm inputs.

Provincial Agriculturist Marilyn Bersales said that the province has long been introducing bio-organic fertilizers to minimize expenses but it seems most farmers have ignored the idea.

As a result the local farmers have been tied to debts and they themselves have suffered the crisis.

A 22 YEAR-OLD Gilberto Ocampo was arrested by the City PNP after a hold-up victim identified him as the robber at around 9:00 p.m. last April 6.

Police record shows that while the victim a certain Edniel Magamay, 18, and a resident of Bersales Subdivision in Barangay Bulatok, Pagadian City was walking along Purok Mahigalaon of the said barangay at around 7:00 p.m. of the same date, he was suddenly robbed at gunpoint by the suspect who used a caliber .38 revolver and who took his cellular phone.

Magamay was able to identify the robber through his face and immediately reported to the city police for assistance.

Immediately, the City PNP responded to the incident and conducted a hot pursuit operation against the robber and at about 9:00 p.m., they were able to spot the said robber at Purok Chico Hills of the same barangay.

Ocampo is now detained at the Pagadian City lock up cell for proper disposition while awaiting proper charges to be filed in court. - (Leah Agonoy)

A LADY shabu dealer was arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) led by Police Chief Inspector Maldan Mukaram and the Pagadian City PNP under Police Chief Inspector Reynaldo Maclang last April 6 at around 6:00 p.m. along the vicinity of Peoples Plaza, Pagadian City.

Halina Liwas aka “Mang”, a resident of Barangay Bulanit, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur was caught in the act selling shabu to an undercover agent sent by the operating team and who acted as a buyer.

Recovered from her possession was a sachet of shabu and the marked money used in the operation.

As of press time, Halina is temporarily detained at the Pagadian City lock up cell for proper disposition while awaiting proper charges to be filed in court in violation of Republic Act 9165 known as the Dangerous Drug Act of 2002. - (Leah Agonoy)

AN AGRICULTURAL AREA, it is now being considered as the number 8 province in the Philippines in terms of rice production, according to a high ranking agriculture official.

Department of Agriculture Regional Director for Region 9 Oscar Parawan revealed this record high in a recent forum in Pagadian City along with the local farmers in the province.

Parawan said that the province of Zamboanga del Sur is a great contributor of rice supplies in Mindanao and even in the Visayas region.

He encouraged farmers to work doubly hard to improve their rice production because there is a looming rice shortage in the months to come.

Parawan believes that the rice shortage problem can be averted with the help of the towns of Labangan, Tukuran, Molave, Tambulig, Dumingag and the rest of the areas in Salug Valley the province’s rice bag. Kumalarang and some other municipalities in the 2^{nd District also contribute the rice production.}

The regional office of the Department of Agriculture has also fielded several technicians to help farmers to improve rice farming in their respective areas.

The local officials of Zamboanga del Sur were also elated with that development. Agriculture is one of the priorities in the governor’s 7-point agenda.

Governor Auring Cerilles in her incumbency has embarked on several measures to help the farmers in their production.

PAGADIAN CITY - A 48 year-old Karem Mindo, a resident of Purok Gumamela, Tawagan Sur, this city was shot several times by a certain Abdul Dacula, a tanod of Barangay Muricay at around 9:00 a.m. last March 13.

Police record shows that while Mindo was planting seaweeds (agar-agar) in the coastal waters of Brgy. Tawagan he was suddenly shot several times by the suspect, using a firearm of undetermined caliber.

Further investigation has revealed that the suspect immediately paddled his boat away from the crime scene after the incident.

The incident was witnessed by another seaweeds farmer, who immediately approached and loaded Mindo in his boat to the hospital for treatment but on the way to the hospital, Mindo expired.

As of press time, a hot pursuit operation is being conducted by the elements of the local police even as the motive of the killing is still to be determined and appropriate charges are yet to be filed against the suspect.

No Truth To White Van Carting Kids’ Organs: Major Maclang

PAGADIAN CITY Police Chief Inspector Reynaldo Maclang clarified over the weekend that there is no truth to the text message circulating around the city saying that “a white van is roaming around taking away internal organs of the kids”.

The said text message has caused fear among residents prompting the authorities to check its veracity.

In a follow-up investigation conducted by the city police the message it turned out to be negative, said Inspector Maclang.

“Wala kaming nakitang white van na umanoy nangunguha ng mga internal organs, false information yon”, Maclang added.

The text message reads: “forwarded message from patrol 117 Pagadian plate number VMM 507, van na white yan po ang nangunguha ng internal organs ng mga bata paki forward naman sa iba”.

Atty. Moises Tamayo of the National Bureau of Investigation admitted that he also received the same text message in his cellular phone.

But Tamayo said that the text message is the same one circulating in Cotabato and in Luzon just to sow fear to the local residents.

“Nangyayari na yan sa Luzon pero wala yan dito, huwag ninyong paniwalaan yang mga text na yan”, Tamayo said.

Local authorities in Pagadian City have called on the residents to be vigilant and report to them if there are any dubious characters in their place.

DESPITE the controversies hounding the Arroyo administration, Governor Auring Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur remains a strong ally of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In a press conference, Gov. Cerilles said the entire leadership of the provincial government is solid in its support of the beleaguered President and will do everything to prevent any attempt to unseat President Arroyo.

Gov. Cerilles also said that she does not believe the Lozada exposé and it is all politically motivated for the advancement of the interest of crooked politicians who want to step in to Malacañang the time the President leaves her office.

She also pointed out that street rallies in Metro Manila adversely affect the Philippine economy and give a bad image to the country in the eyes of the international community.

“Ang mga rally dili na makatabang, mas makasamot pa kana sa kaguliyang sa Pilipinas”, the Governor said.

In order to discredit the exposés of Lozada the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur even sponsors a television plug citing all the mess created by Lozada during his term as Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Forest Corporation.

The said television plug is accordingly paid by the provincial government and aired over TV Patrol Pagadian-9 (ABS-CBN).

RDC-9 Okays Conversion Of Prov’l Roads To Nat’l Roads

PAGADIAN CITY - ZamboSur’s proposed conversion of two provincial roads into national secondary roads was approved by the Regional Development Council in a joint meeting with the Regional Peace and Order Council here last Monday (February 18).

The first one is the 31.30 kilometer stretch from the national highway-Upper Dumalinao-Mikolong-Matabang-Pantad-San Agustin-Rebokon (all of Dumalinao, Zds)-Tubo Pait-Pongapong-Kapamanok-Pantad-Poblacion San Pablo-Sagasan-Teniapan-Culasian roads (all of San Pablo, Zds).

The second, is the 73.697km road from Zamboanga del Norte boundary-Deporehan-Canoayan-Bubuan-Datagan-Camp Blessing-Supon-Kahayagan-Poblacion, Bayog-Depase-San Isidro-Salagmanok-Pangi-Mahayahay (all of Bayog, Zds)-Diplo-Poblacion Kumalarang-Boyugan East-Dumara-San Jose (all of Kumalarang, Zds)- Tiguha-Karpok-Poblacion Lapuyan-Bulawan (all of Lapuyan, Zds) towards Margosatubig road.

Significantly, this was the last agendum tackled during the joint RDC and RPOC meeting with Governor Auring E. Cerilles as presiding officer following her installation as RDC chairperson.

Her Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Loy Cañales presented the proposal to the two councils (RDC and RPOC) after having passed the scrutiny of RDC’s Infrastructure committee.

Cañales cited several justifications and benefits to be gained when these roads are converted into national roads, may it be economic to include poverty alleviation, social, and peace and order.

Obviously, the first proposal would directly benefit towns of Dumalinao and San Pablo while indirectly benefiting Tigbao and Guipos with projected population of 56,720 who are producing rice, corn, cassava, copra, seaweeds and fish, the planning officer said.

When this road is developed, travel time distance saved is 1.98 km and 2.28 minutes against the present Canunan (Dumalinao) to Poblacion San Pablo road. Cañales is certain that this road will reinforce current efforts to improve accessibility to the regional administrative and services center of the province (Pagadian City) as well as to important government facilities of regional in scope such as the Margosatubig Regional Hospital and the proposed Regional Drug Rehabilitation Center to be established in Camp Rebi, Bragy Teniapan, San Pablo.

The same applies on the ZamboNorte-Bayog-Kumalarang road which could provide greater transport connectivity of the two provinces to the new Regional Government Center in Zamboanga Peninsula.

DPWH Regional Director Pedro S. Herrera, Jr. lauded the political will of Gov. Cerilles for strengthening road networks of her own province as he reminded her of the technical requirements needed in effecting the project like the acquisition of road right of way.

With the support of Congressman Tony Cerilles and the local officials benefiting the project, Cerilles assured Herrera that her administration will comply such requirements as early as possible.

TO DRAMATIZE their protest of the conversion of 27 towns into cities, Mayor Sammy Co has ordered last Monday the displaying of the Philippine flag in half mast and ordered the city officials and employees to wear a black arm band.

During the flag raising ceremony last Monday at the City Hall, Mayor Co took time to read the position letter of the League of Cities in the Philippines describing the conversion move as grossly unfair and adversely affecting the financial capability of existing cities.

Mayor Co also criticized the illegal and unconstitutional conversion of the 16 towns in the Philippines into cities without meeting the requirements set by the local government code of 1991.

Due to the conversion, P39 million of the city’s internal revenue allotment is gone as it will be distributed to the newly created cities.

“A lot of local projects will be sacrificed and this move will make the existing cities to suffer financial problem,” Mayor Co said in a press conference.

Co added that if the proposed conversion of 27 towns now pending in Congress will be approved the more the city of Pagadian will suffer because more than a hundred million worth of IRA will be lost.

He called on the Congress and Malacañang to hold in abeyance the implementation of the law converting 16 towns into cities, if only to prevent cities like Pagadian from being financially handicapped.

“I want the Congress and Malacañang to issue a moratorium and re-implement this in the years to come,” Co added.

Co wants their protest be heard by the Malacañang since their protest last Monday was simultaneously staged with the other 120 cities in the Philippines.

Co added that if their call will fall on deaf ears, it may lead to the implementation of work stoppage in all city hall transactions.

Army And PNP Deny Rift

IN ORDER to dismiss the perception that there is a brewing conflict between the PNP and the Philippine Army in Pagadian City, a dialogue was held over the weekend among the high ranking officials of the Philippine Army, the PNP and some local officials in Zamboanga del Sur.

The dialogue was held at Alindahaw Hotel, this city with the presence of Major General Nehemias Pajarito, Police Senior Supt. Ramon Ochotorena, Governor Auring Cerilles and other local and military officials.

M/Gen. Pajarito clarified that the Army and the PNP are not into the war pot since both members of the organizations are professional enough and duty bound to protect the people and not to ruin ones life.

“Wala namang alitan between army and police dito sa Pagadian, in fact may magagandang koordinasyun nga kami,” Pajarito said.

Pajarito also pointed out that if there are some of their members who have conflicts with other PNP members that is their personal fight and it does not include the whole organization.

The issue of a brewing conflict between police and military came out after an army integree belonging to the 5^th IB was gunned down in San Pedro District, this city by an alleged PNP member. The situation was said to have worsen when another member of the 53^rd IB was also mauled and illegally detained by Police Sr. Inspector Oscar Buenaobra, the sacked chief of police of Pagadian.

The death of PO3 Henry Ham is also attributed to the warring police and army, but military officials denied having a hand in the death of Ham.

The sequence of events have prompted the people of Pagadian to think of an heated fight between the police and the army. This caused fear to the local populace who think they are no longer safe to roam around the city especially during night time.

Legislator Cerilles emphasized that if only the media are united here, they could always push for people to man the regional offices, citing the many competent professionals from the province and Pagadian City who can head a regional office should the seating Regional Director remains adamant and refuses to transfer here.

He cited as an example the case of DENR Regional Executive Director Ernesto Adobo, Jr. who is a lawyer from Bayog, this province. In fact, DENR Regional Office was fully transferred to Pagadian City last November 2007.
The Congressman, likewise, pointed out that if all the expected regional offices are already in Pagadian, local media would have more personalities to interview aside from provincial and city officials, which accordingly would be more significant to media, who pressure their profession.

Moreover, Cerilles, who claimed to be already an accredited member of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodcaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) long ago explicitly hinted to the Press Club officers to have a more focus and pro-active activities. It is very vital for the betterment of its members so that they can have a genuine and united thrust to protect one another, he said.
Congressman Cerilles in tandem with Governor Auring, has been very supportive to City Mayor Sammy Co for the realization of the full regional transfer which they’ve waited for 17 years now. 

He appealed to the media to play up Pagadian in such a way as to boost her image as a peaceful and beautiful place to live, which would eventually persuade the regional employees to come and work here.

MR. DODONG DUTERTE, head of the local transport group in Pagadian City had made it clear to the people that they are not seeking a fare hike this year.

Duterte in an interview said that the P7.00 minimum fare in the city proper of Pagadian is still justifiable since it has been approved only a few years back.

“Maybe in the coming years we will consider seeking an increase of fare especially that drivers and operators are now complaining about the sky rocketing price of gasoline,” Duterte said.

He said their group is amenable to the request of City Councilor Glavys Gavenia, chair of the Transport Committee to stick to the present minimum fare as the riding public also suffer from the same burden due to the domino effect of the oil price increase.

However, Duterte has challenged Gavenia to take a strong stand in addressing the colorum “habal-habal” transportation that are competing with a legitimate tricycles in the city of Pagadian.

Duterte said the city of Pagadian should come up with a win-win solution in resolving the problem of “habal-habal”.

He suggested to identify the specific places where “habal-habal” can ferry passengers.

OF THE SIX intelligent and smart Filipino kids, who each won a bronze medal in the 4^{th International Math and Science Olympiad at Jakarta, Indonesia last November 10-16, 2007 one of them is a Grade VI pupil of the Pagadian City Pilot School.}

Angelique Joy Virata is the name of the bright girl from Pagadian City, who bagged a bronze medal in the Science division.

Virata, a scion of the Virata clan in Pagadian city shares the honor with a compatriot, one Frances Reyes, a Grade 5 pupil of St. Paul College in Pasig City, a private school.

It was learned from Ms. Lourdes Ocubillo and Ms. Mila Arao, Math Supervisor and Science Supervisor, respectively of the Pagadian City Division of Schools that Virata earlier won a medal during the 3rd International Mathematics Invitational Competition last August 16-21, 2007 in Singapore.

It was also gathered that the laurel Virata brought to her country prompted DepEd Secretary Jess Lapus to say, “Angelique Joy Virata made us proud”. “She is a living proof of what our students can achieve, despite scarcity of resources in public schools”, he added.

A pundit assessing the local educational system said that Virata’s feat is indeed a fitting tribute to the sustained effort of the Pagadian City school division, headed by Schools Division Superindent Erlinda Salera in upgrading its standard of education.

Pagadian City’s Paskuhan 2007 Formally Opens

PAGADIAN CITY – With the giant and colorful Christmas decor erected at the City's Plaza Luz which will stay there until the end of January next year, people will no longer go to Tangub City to fascinate themselves and satisfy their eyes with towering Christmas decors, Mayor Sammy Co said.

It’s just a walk and a ride away and then you can find a place like an enchanted kingdom, said City Mayor Sammy Co in his message delivered during the ceremonial switch on of the giant Christmas decor contest as part of the Paskuhan 2007 activity last December 5, 2007.

The City Tourism council chaired by Dr. Dicky Fernandez has played a big role in making Paskuhan ’07 a date to remember and a joyful celebration where expensive but so entertaining fireworks display fascinate our eyes while spectators eagerly await the simultaneous lighting up of Christmas decors that surround Plaza Luz, said Mr. Mikel Ganta a City Hall employee.

City Tourism Officer Joy Barrios has invited all the people to visit Plaza Luz and experience spectacular structures that really promote the spirit of festivity in this yuletide season.

At least 17 entries are participating in the Christmas decor contest and they have devoted precious time to improve their respective structure to bag the P50,000.00 first prize that is at stake this time.

“Though the city government is collecting two pesos as gate entrance it’s really worth it so better spare your leisure time at Plaza Luz with your friends and family”, Barrios added.

The Paskuhan ‘07 is also a kick-off activity of the Pasalamat Festival 2008, the city’s fiesta that gives honor to its Patron Saint, Sto. Niño.

PAGADIAN CITY - Members of the City PNP have recently arrested two persons having in control and possession of fake money used in betting lotto at one of the city's outlet.

Mar Garol, of legal age, and a resident of Barangay Kahayagan, Pagadian City was brought to Pagadian City Police headquarters and subjected to tactical interrogation after his P1,000.00 bill used in betting lotto turned out to be a counterfeit.

A teller of the said lotto outlet discovered it was fake after the bill was screened in an apparatus that detects unauthentic denominations, the police said.

One Christine Gala was also detained at the city's lock up cell and investigated for the same violations of using fake money in betting lotto. Her P500.00 bill was found out to be fake by the lady lotto teller.

The suspects denied possessing and using fake money and insisted they were innocent. They claim that they come from a rural barangay and do not have an idea what a fake money looks like.

Police authorities have warned the public to be more cautious since many fake peso bills are now circulating in the city. A week ago the Central Bank of the Philippines issued a public warning on a possible circulation of fake peso bills and urged people to report immediately to the authorities should anyone discovers the modus operandi of those responsible in the circulation.

A Zambosurian Bags Global Media Award

Melclaire R. Sy-Delfin

A ZAMBOSURIAN bags the Population Institute’s 2007 Global Media Awards for Excellence in Population Reporting and due to receive it on December 5 at the United States of America’s capital city - Washington DC.Melclaire R. Sy-Delfin, 29-year old, who hails from Pagadian City was born in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur and now a TV news reporter of GMA Network, Inc. in Metro Manila.

Her two in-depth investigative reports entitled: “The Forbidden Games for Filipino Children Play” and “When Wells Run Dry: A Tragedy Looming Large,” bested in Individual Reporting category among her rivals around the globe.

She is better known as “Claire Delfin” of GMA-7’s 24 Oras and a contributing writer of New Media, Inc. an affiliate of GMA Network, Inc.

Having heard of Delfin’s international feat, lady Governor Auring Cerilles and husband Congressman Tony Cerilles sent their congratulations and accolades to her as manifestation of their being very proud of her.

Claire is second of the 5 siblings of retired soldier Lt. Ricardo Sy with wife Mila, an elementary school teacher of Balongating Elementary School, Guipos, this province. Her parents are now living in Bayview Height Subd., Sta. Maria District, Pagadian City.

In 1990, she graduated her elementary education at Pagadian City Pilot with Honors, and four years later, she finished high school in Holy Child Academy as Salutatorian.

“I have a lot of wonderful memories in Pagadian and the whole province. I particularly miss the laid-back life, away from traffic, pollution and pressures of a highly urbanized living in Manila,” Claire stated this in her email.

Her last visit in Pagadian was in September 2006 during her parents’ 30th wedding anniversary. Melclaire is already married to a CPA-Lawyer with 2 children.Besides her gigantic work experiences, Claire indicated in her resume her short stint as writer-newscaster of DXWO-Power 99 FM radio here from April to May 1995.

“I am happy with where I am now. I am always grateful to God and to everyone who has helped me in any way for me to get to where I am now,” the award-winning Zambosurian said.

Claire earned her Bachelor in Mass Communications degree as Cum Laude at Silliman University, Dumaguete City in 1999. While in college, she got a Certificate in Japan Studies International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan under the Japan Exchange Scholarship Program, in 1997.

Receiving prestigious awards is not new to Claire as she always excels in any endeavor she does. During her college days, Claire was an awardee of the following: (1) One of the Thirty Outstanding Students of the Philippines, Malacañang Palace, 1999, (2) Among the Ten Outstanding Students of Region VII, 1999, (3) YMCA Outstanding Student of Negros Oriental, 1999, (4) Most Outstanding Student of Silliman University, 1999, and (5) University Honors of Silliman University, 1999.She took her  Master of Arts in Journalism last 2005 at the Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City under the Konrad Adenauer Center for Journalism Fellowship Program.

NFA Increases Support Price Of Palay

NATIONAL Food Authority (NFA) Provincial Manager Harold C. Ybañez announces over the weekend to all farmers, individual farmers and farmer organizations/ cooperatives that the NFA support price of palay has increased from P10.00/kg to P11.00/kg and white corn from P7.50/kg to P8.00/kg effective October 15, 2007 and September 4, 2007 respectively. The increase was approved by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to help farmers.

            He said that aside from the increase of palay price, NFA offers incentives as an additional income of P0.15/kg incentive for clean and dry palay, P0.10/kg for delivery incentive. On top of the above incentives, NFA gives an additional of P0.25/kg as development incentive fund to farmer cooperatives and farmer groups.

            He also said that the grains agency has also available mechanical driers to assist farmers in drying their wet palay at an affordable rate. The agency maintains its policy of the first-come first-served basis in drying the wet palay.

According to Ybañez, in case you need more information you can visit the NFA Office near your area or call Tel. No. 215-2021 Pagadian Provincial Office or Tel. No. 225-1972 for NFA Molave Unit Office.

Environment-Friendly Women’s

Club Receives Grant From DOLE

THE ZERO Waste Recycling Movement in Zamboanga del Sur received last week some P145,310 worth of check from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to fund its 3 lined up trainings in making use of waste materials to become saleable ones.

According to Carmen Singgo, manager of the Provincial Ecological Waste Management Office that sometime in 2001, Governor Auring E. Cerilles organized a group of environment-friendly ladies in Pagadian City and the province to help local government manage the recyclable wastes at the same time earn from it is a way of augmenting their family income.

Soon after its organization, the group produced baskets, flowers, bags, accessories, etc. out of waste papers and empty tetra packs and other recyclable wastes in the neighborhood. In fact, a certain Lourdes Zozobrado is the number one producer of these products and she earns a lot of money from them, Singgo elaborated.

Singgo said the members may now be earning out of these products but they still want to enhance their skills to earn more out of them. “Our office have facilitated and coordinated with the DOLE for possible funding of the proposed trainings which is now being realized,” Singgo said.

Following the standard operating procedure of releasing DOLE funds, Regional Director Carlos L. Boteros last November 16 (Friday night) turned over the check amounting to P145,370 to lady Governor Auring E. Cerilles at her office.  The amount will be used to fund the 3 livelihood training cum production, namely: 1) Fine Crafts making using fossilized leaves and flowers; 2) Fermentation of fruits and vegetables; and 3) production of eatable products which are banana-based.

The turn-over was attended by the officers and members of the Zero Waste Recycling Movement headed by its president Rosa Dimasar who won as Barangay Chairwoman of Kawit, this city.

Provincial Officer Virgie Bonbon and other DOLE personnel accompanied their Regional Director in the turn-over ceremony.

The Zero Waste Recycling Movement was among the 5 organizations in Zamboanga del Sur as recipients of financial assistance granted by DOLE regional office 9 which totaled to P407,340.

Bonbon disclosed that they already turned over checks amounting to P60,000 each to Tigbao, Lakewood and Midsalip for cattle raising and dispersal projects while P82,030 to Tukuran for seaweed farmers.                      

DOLE Grants P347-T For Livelihood Projects In Zambosur

ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR – The Department of Labor and Employment has granted a total amount of P347,400.00 to different associations in the province duly registered with DOLE.

The turn-over of these checks was held on Friday, November 15 at the DOLE Provincial Office.

DOLE Regional Director Carlos L. Boteros with Provincial Officer Virginia L. Bonbon turned-over the Training-Cum-Production (TCP) checks amounting to Php145,370.00 to the PGO-Zamboanga del Sur Women Zero Waste Recycling Movement represented by Chairperson Ena R. Pelias and Ms. Carmencita Singgo-Project Coordinator; Php82,030.00 to the Muslim-Christian Farmers & Fisherfolk Association represented by Nasser Patron Impo - Association President; and two more checks each amounting to Php60,000.00 to the Differently-Abled Persons (DAP) of LGU-Midsalip and Tigbao through Midsalip Association of Differently-Abled Persons (MIADAP) with its President Gloria P. Malicay and Tigbao Disabled Persons Association of Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur represented by its President Mario M. Vanguardia.

PAGADIAN CITY - The victorious elected officials in barangay Sto. Niño, this city held a party over the weekend at Tukuran beach, Zamboanga del Sur to celebrate the overwhelming votes they garnered in the last elections.

Kagawad elect Carlos “Kaloy” Madarang in an interview said that Mayor Sammy Co, Governor Auring Cerilles and Congressman Victor Yu were the invited guests during the party.

Relatives of the winning candidates were also present at the party with the chosen theme: “Kausaban ug Kauswagan sa Barangay Sto. Niño.

Punong Barangay elect Coy Yocogo led the party along with the elected barangay kagawad like Marivic Ababon, Carlos Madarang, Pat Atienza, Ely Geneston, Rolando Mabasa, Antonio Almonte and Alejandro Bontilao.

“Kining mao nga bando sa mga lider sa barangay Sto. Niño ang magdala sa kaayuhan ug kalambuan sa maong barangay”, Kagawad elect Madarang said.

He added that barangay Sto. Niño will now be the pet barangay of Governor Auring Cerilles which for so long has been neglected.

“Kini mao ang timailhan sa dugang pang paglambo sa baranagy Sto. Niño,” Madarang added.

Police Seize Shabu From Pushers

DESPITE THE heightened alert status of the PNP on all public and private cemeteries, the joint forces of the 905^{th PNP Provincial Mobile Group and the Pagadian City PNP caught in the act and arrested two persons on a drug buy-bust operation last November 1.}

The operatives, who were conducting a surveillance on a “peanut” vendor who was driving a motor Honda Wave 125 with sidecar, with no plate number, arrested Zainal Mustapha, 26, and Usman Maido, 39, a driver, both residents of Barangay Tapodoc, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Confiscated from the two suspects were a small sachet of shabu and three big sachets of the same substance as well as a P500.00 marked money used by the operatives, near the JH grocery store in Barangay Tiguma, Pagadian City.

It was gathered that the two allegedly used the ‘peanut’ business as front for selling drugs.

The arrested men are now in the custody of the city PNP for safekeeping while cases to be filed against the duo for violating Republic Act 9165 known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are prepared.

AFTER 3-WEEK test operation, the Pagadian City Fish Port is now officially opened.

City Mayor Sammy Co declared last Tuesday (October 23) in the opening program shortly after the blessing of the P115-M worth revenue-generating facility administered by San Pedro Parish Priest Arnulfo Jumaoas.

Provincial Governor Auring E. Cerilles and Congressman Tony H. Cerilles’ sent their representatives to the affair in the persons of Board Members Nonong Fucoy and Rebi Sumalinog respectively to express their elation for another tangible improvement of the city and also congratulated the city officialdom for realizing this project.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod through Vice Mayor Tata Pulmones, its presiding officer, who was represented by City councilor Trel Arao said that indeed they are very happy and grateful that at last the fish port is operational.

The fish port is eyed to be one of the major revenue generating agencies of the city government and the legislators have expressed high hopes that with competent and dedicated personnel this facility will be truly responsive to what it is ought to be.

Vice Mayor Pulmones has singled out the strong determination of Mayor Co in successfully pursuing the project at a lesser cost while making another income-generating project that could definitely keep in settling the P193-million Bond Flotation that financed the project.

Prior to its grand opening, Bantay Dagat and Maritime Police collared unscrupulous individuals on board small boats and who used to ask fish from fishing boats.

In a press conference, Mayor Co vowed to crash any individual or groups who may destroy the operation of the fish port. The earlier detection of such activities prompted him to say, “this is a multi-million project; we can’t afford to have this fish port closed.”

It may be recalled that the Co administration only inherited this project which was not yet implemented from his predecessor. He was City Vice Mayor then. In spite of his objection along with Councilors Trel Arao and Tata Pulmones, on his side, the project was perfected and bidded.

The three, accordingly anchored their objection not on the project itself but on its cost. The original project cost was P193-million and was to be placed in Santa Lucia, which Co found too risky for the City government to pay its loan since the site was unsuitable for the purpose.

Co, upon the approval of the legislative department had to cut the project cost down to P115-million and used the balance of P78-million to construct a 2-storey and 3-side Agora building.

“With the Agora, we are assured of income,” Co said, to used to pay the monthly amortization of the project while the fish port is still gaining patronage from fishing companies.

19 Houses Razed By Fire In Sta. Lucia

AT LEAST 25 families are homeless after an afternoon fire razed to the ground nineteen homes including 3 boarding houses in Brgy. Sta Lucia, Pagadian City. Records show that a fire call was received by the Pagadian Fire Station at 3:35 PM, October 16, 2007 and immediately Commander SF02 Rolando H. Roda and SF01 Crispin Camboangga responded to the area. 

Upon arrival of the firemen houses were already engulfed by fire and after a few minutes later BFP Super Tanker with CFM C/Inspector Clemente M. Alvarez and PCWD followed to augment the first responding firemen. Witnesses said the fire originated in a boarding house allegedly owned by a certain Alinton even as Fire Investigators has yet to confirm this. As of this report the Bureau of Fire Protection, Pagadian Station is still investigating the fire incident.

The 15 houses that were burned and 4 others partially damaged were made of light materials such as wood and other indigenous materials. The fire was controlled by the responding firemen with the support of the PCWD and the community itself at exactly 4:40 pm.

Estimated damage of the fire is placed at P4-million in properties including one Multi-Cab owned by a certain Nating Palamos which was parked in the garage of his residence.
When the fire hit, some of the boarders in the three boarding houses scampered for safety without bringing any of their belongings.

Other victims were given immediate assistance by the City Department of Welfare and Social Services such as rice, sardines, 
and some used clothing.

PAGADIAN CITY - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo bared her plans for the upgrading and development of the Pagadian City airport during her recent visit to the Regional Center of the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The President who was the Guest of Honor on the 55^{th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur came with Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, OPAPP Secretary and Mindanao Super Region Champion Jesus Dureza, Maryse Gautier - World Bank Country Director and other dignitaries.}

She was met at the airport by Governor Aurora Enerio-Cerilles, Congressman Antonio H. Cerilles, Congressman Victor Yu, City Mayor Samuel Co, heads of national government agencies and other local government officials.

During the opening program and inauguration of the Agro-Tourism & Heritage Complex at Dao, the president announced the airport development program of her administration in this part of the country under the Mindanao Super Region. “Gusto nato ang mas maayo nga airport sa Pagadian.” (We want a better airport for Pagadian), the president said in fluent Cebuano.

“Bids for the P57 million appropriation for the runway overlay have been submitted. To accommodate your officials’ request for runway extension to accommodate bigger planes, another P30 million was realigned from last year’s budget and published last August 30. The bids will be opened on October 11 and construction will start in the last week of October,” she said.

The president added another P200 million for Pagadian City’s runway extension project, as part of her commitment to raise infrastructure spending for roads, bridges, airports and power plants, among others.

This pronouncement from the president drew a resounding applause and cheer from the huge crowd.

 SEAIR Flies To Pagadian City

PAGADIAN CITY – Local carrier South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) announced over the weekend the opening of a route to Pagadian City, the provincial capital of Zamboanga del Sur. SEAIR now flies to Cebu-Pagadian-Cebu every Mondays and Thursdays, in line with the Clark-based airline’s expansion plans for this year. 
“SEAIR reaffirms its commitment to help increase commercial activity and tourism in the area. Since the opening of a regional hub in Zamboanga City in 2002, SEAIR currently flies to Jolo and Tawi-tawi on a daily basis and to Cotabato every Monday, Wednesday and Friday,” said Avelino Zapanta, President of SEAIR.
Present during the inaugural flight at the Pagadian Airport were no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Senator Miguel Zubiri, Secretary Jesus Dureza-Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process and Mindanao Super Region Champion, DA Secretary Arthur Yap, SEAIR officials, West MinCom Commander MGen. Nelson Allaga, PNP Regional Director Jaime G. Caringal, ATO Manager Jose Budiongan and local officials led by Governor Aurora Enerio Cerilles, 2nd District Congressman Antonio H. Cerilles, 1st District Congressman Victor Yu, and City Mayor Samuel S. Co.SEAIR aims to bridge the Philippine islands by offering secondary and missionary routes to complement the trunk line routes serviced by other major players in the domestic airline industry.

The airline now flies to 15 local tourist destinations : Manila, Caticlan (Boracay) and Cebu in Visayas; Clark in Northern Luzon; Busuanga, Cuyo, El Nido, Puerto Princesa and Rodriguez in Palawan province, Camiguin, Cotabato, Jolo, Pagadian, Tawi-tawi and Zamboanga in Mindanao. “Our Cebu-Pagadian route will make traveling for tourists and businessmen easier,” added Zapanta. “Pagadian City has become more accessible – now only 35 minutes away from Cebu via SEAIR.2007 is a milestone year for Philippine tourism. According to DOT figures, more than 1.5 million foreign tourists arrived at the NAIA in the first semester alone, an almost 8% growth over the same period last year. With more local and national efforts to promote the Philippines, the rate of tourism influx can go higher in 2010.

Pagadian City, a first-class city of Zamboanga del Sur is the regional center of the 
Zamboanga Peninsula. It serves as a gateway to the cities of Ozamis, Iligan and 
Cotabato.  “As the only local commercial airline offering inter-Mindanao flights, we at SEAIR feel  that we have been a factor in the growth of commerce in the region. Our future focus is to develop tourism and international routes out of Zamboanga and Davao,” said Zapanta.

For its Cebu-Pagadian route, SEAIR uses its 32-seater Dornier 328 aircraft. The late in a long line of technologically innovative aircraft manufactured by Germany-based 
Dornier, the Dornier 328 is one of the fastest and most advanced jetprop in the world.Aside from the local expansion, SEAIR is positioning itself to enter the international  market after its appointment as one of the official carriers for the 
Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia, Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region.
For inquiries and reservations, please call SEAIR Reservations at (02) 849-0100, SEAIR Cebu at (032) 341-4879, or SEAIR Pagadian at (062) 215-3831 and 215-3835.

Pgma To Visit Pagadian City 

PAGADIAN CITY – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is coming to this city on September 17, 2007 to grace 3 important events. First, as the Anniversary Speaker of the 55th Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur; second, to attend the birthday of her close ally  Governor Auring E. Cerilles; and third, to officially open the Biyahe Na! sa Zambosur Regional Tourism Exposition 2007.

But before attending to these three events, President Arroyo is set to meet the receiving party at the Pagadian City airport to discuss on its expansion. They are: Congressman Tony and Governor Cerilles, Congressman Victor Yu, City Mayor Sammy Co,  League of Municipalities President Ace William Cerilles, Tabak Commanding General Nehemias Pajarito, PNP Provincial Director Ramon Ochotorena and Pagadian City Airport Manager Jose Bodiongan.

The president will then proceed to the Amusement and Events Center at the Provincial Capitol to deliver her 55th Anniversary Speech before the Zambosurians. Afterwards, she will personally award and turn-over the Notice to Proceed to Bayog Mayor Mary Ann L. Cartalla, a rehabilitation project of 11-km farm-to-market road amounting to P20,088,647.00. 

PGMA will be assisted by Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap and Country Director Maryse Gautier of the World Bank, the funder of the project under the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP). A birthday lunch with the Governor will follow at the Hotel Alindahaw, where at the same time she will have a meeting with all local chief executives in Region 9 together with Zambosur Congressmen Cerilles and Yu, Vice Governor Roy Ariosa, Board Members, and Mayors. Lastly, Arroyo will proceed to Zambosur Eco-Tourist Zone where the Biyahe Na! sa Zambosur is put in place to officially open  and cut the ceremonial ribbon of the Agro-Tourism and Heritage Complex. The President will then leave for Dakak, Dapitan City to spend a night there.

Former Assemblyman Is New NCIP Commissioner

A FORMER assemblyman of the Regional Autonomous Government in Region 9 is now a new commissioner of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) representing North-Western Mindanao vice Atty. Reuben Lingating.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed Miguel Imbing Sia Apostol who was the popular choice of the tribal chieftains and IP communities in the region. Apostol, an active media practitioner was elected twice as President of the Zamboanga Press Club and was known as the “uncompromising and hard-hitting” columnist of the daily community newspaper, Zamboanga Times.                   edited this news weekly for a few years in the past.

Also known as a “man of all seasons,” Apostol was former instructor in political science at the Universidad de Zamboanga and served as executive secretary of the former mayor of the “City of Flowers.”

A native of Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur, Apostol was also elected President of the Board of Directors of the Zamboanga Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO).

Shortly before his appointment as NCIP commissioner, he resigned from his lucrative position of regional manager of the Visayas & Mindanao Prohealth Pharmaceuticals to accommodate the popular clamor of Mindanao’s highlanders to represent 
them in the commission.

In a brief statement, the young commissioner said he will get to the bottom of the problems confronting the cultural  communities and help them uplift their economic well-being. “But first, the NCIP field office in Mindanao must be restructured with a workforce that is effective, responsive and dedicated to the service,” he concluded.

Former Assemblyman Is New NCIP Commissioner

A FORMER assemblyman of the Regional Autonomous Government in Region 9 is now a new commissioner of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) representing North-Western Mindanao vice Atty. Reuben Lingating.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed Miguel Imbing Sia Apostol who was the popular choice of the tribal chieftains and IP communities in the region.
Apostol, an active media practitioner was elected twice as President of the Zamboanga Press Club and was known as the “uncompromising and hard-hitting” columnist of the daily community newspaper, Zamboanga Times. He edited this news weekly for a few years in the past.

Also known as a “man of all seasons,” Apostol was former instructor in political science at the Universidad de Zamboanga and served as executive secretary of the former mayor of the “City of Flowers.”

A native of Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur, Apostol was also elected President of the Board of Directors of the Zamboanga Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO).
Shortly before his appointment as NCIP commissioner, he resigned from his lucrative position of regional manager of the Visayas & Mindanao Prohealth Pharmaceuticals to accommodate the popular clamor of Mindanao’s highlanders to represent them in the commission.

In a brief statement, the young commissioner said he will get to the bottom of the problems confronting the cultural communities and help them uplift their economic well-being.

“But first, the NCIP field office in Mindanao must be restructured with a workforce that is effective, responsive and dedicated to the service,” he concluded.

Balangasan, Sta. Lucia  Under State Of Calamity

PAGADIAN CITY – After being affected by heavy floods last Sunday, August 19, 2007, the City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) has placed Barangays Balangasan and Sta. Lucia, this city under a state of calamity. Residents of Purok Acasia, Tabing Ilog, Kawayan and portion of Kapalaran all of Balangasan were severely affected by the evening flashfloods, according to Kagawad Fred Soria of Balangasan, who chairs the committee on infrastructure and development.

Two houses in Purok Kapalaran situated along the river bank of Balangasan river were swept by flood waters, however, no casualties were reported.
Home appliances, kitchenwares and other valuable items were washed out prompting owners to seek help from the City Disaster Coordinating Council.
Several houses in Tabing Ilog, Purok Acasia and Kawayan submerged into deep waters causing damages in personal belongings including, home furniture and appliances.

A wooden bridge that connects Balangasan to barangay Sto. Niño was also damaged by strong flood waters. River control in Purok Kawayan going to Sta. Lucia and Dumagoc area cracked when struck by timbers, bamboo poles and other 
hard and huge objects carried by flood waters.

On August 20 at 4:00 p.m the City Disaster Coordinating Council convened and declared the affected area under a state of  calamity. The city government will initially release a calamity fund of P8-million to institute necessary repairs of damaged infrastructure facilities, the relocation of affected families and release of relief goods for the victims.

Of the P8-million, P500,000.00 will be used for the immediate repair of damaged wooden bridge and river control while P20,000.00 will be allocated for relief goods to some 200 affected families.City Mayor Sammy Co has also ordered the barangay officials in Balangasan to disallow residents to stay and build houses 
along river banks. Occupants along river banks will also be banned from staying in the area and will be relocated at the city's resettlement 
area in Sitio Nazareth, Brgy. Buenavista, this city.

2 Killed In Rotunda Shot-Out

PAGADIAN CITY – At least 2 persons were killed in an encounter at the Rotunda Hills when policemen fired their guns at two armed men riding in tandem on a motorcycle, who evaded patrolling members of the 905th Police Mobile Group that tried to flag them down in Barangay San Jose, this city.
The shooting incident happened last August 12 (Sunday dawn) along the north diversion road near the Rotunda Hills and meters away from the busy area of the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT).

Dead on the spot were Ricky Cañete and Mark Anthony Elnar. The two bodies were riddled with bullets of a caliber .45 pistol and M16 armalite rifle. 
Cañete was earlier reported as a resident of Parañaque but the following day his parents claimed his dead body and confirmed he was from Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur.

Mark Anthony Elnar was also reported by the police as a resident of Negros but relatives said he is not from that place but hails from San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.

His real name is Ruel Lauranilla and not Mark Anthony Elnar, said relatives of the victim when interviewed at the Gamalinda funeral homes.
Police authorities have clarified that the shooting incident was a legitimate operation and dismissed claims it was a rub-out.

Pagadian Seaman Is Now 1st Officer Of A Norwegian Premier Ship

HENRY CONSTANTINE D. WOLFE, 32 year-old and a resident of Barangay Kawit, this city was promoted First Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ship (NCL), an international vessel.

Henry is one of the youngest senior officers onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s premier ships, and he is a Filipino and Pagadianon.

Henry first joined as a Deck Boy and since then, he never left any stone unturned. He kept moving. That is, moving up. He became an OS, a Q/Master, an A/B, then for six contracts, he held the position of Second Officer. Giving one hundred and one percent of his time got him to where he is right now.

It may be recalled that Henry excelled in examinations and interview on a Psycho Test for Marine Profile of the Company held at St. Petersburge, Florida, USA, (NCL main office).

Henry has also saved the lives of four fisherman, who were floating for 12 days at Gulf of Mexico from Roatan, Honduras.
Henry is a graduate of Philippine Maritime Institute, Manila in 1995 and his secondary and elementary levels at the Saint Columban College, Pagadian City.

First Officer Henry D. Wolfe is the son of Mr. Francisco L. Wolfe, a retired chief of Parole and Probation Office of Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur and Mrs. Alicia D. Wolfe, a retired classroom teacher of Pilot Elementary School of Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur. (Note: Some facts of this articles are based on the story printed on “Sharpnews magazine particularly on Global Filipino.

Pagadian Now Has ChanceTo Send More Nurses Abroad

A NEW SCHOOL in Pagadian has just been born. It is the Philippine Paramedical and Technical School (PPTS) at Enerio Compound, this city which was formally inaugurated last July 28.

With the advent of a paramedical school, Pagadian will have the chance to send at least two nursing graduates to the United States and other foreign countries in 7 years, PPTS founder and chairman of the board Art Lacuesta disclosed.

Lacuesta said that it is wise to enroll in a 2-year practical nursing course than get a 4-year BS Nursing to earn money early. He said that a backbone of teaching nursing students is an equipped skills laboratory which PPTS can boast of it. In 
the case of Pagadian campus, it will be named after the late mother of Governor Auring E. Cerilles.

Lacuesta added that our country is far behind to India and China when it comes to methods of teaching nursing as what they have is already global. 

This approach prompted Lacuesta, who has a dual Filipino and American citizenship to establish a paramedical and technical school in 2003 at Davao City. Now it has expanded to the cities of Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Pagadian.

PPTS is U.S.-accredited and the first member in the Philippines to the U.S. National League of Nursing, Lacuesta pointed out.

PPTS Pagadian Campus has Junjie Fuerte as president with Joel Javier as school administrator. It opens this school year with 25 students as pioneering batch who all submitted to a Nursing Entrance Test (NET). This is a sort of diagnostic test for 
students to find out their English proficiency. 

PPTS is the first and only school in the province and maybe the entire country to require its students to have a punch cards  that accurately record their tardiness and absences as it trains them to be time conscious, Lacuesta said. 

Governor Cerilles and First District Congressman Victor Yu graced the opening and inauguration of PPTS.

Also present were former Governor & Congressman Enteng Cerilles, couple Engr. Berting and Dra. Zenaida E. Galicinao with guests: Eriworld Phils. Vice President Genevieve Cañete, Mrs. Putli Fuerte (PPTS, Las Piñas), Board Member Baldomero 
Fernandez and other professionals interested to take up practical nursing at PPTS, Pagadian.

President Arroyo To Upgrade Pagadian Airport

PAGADIAN has gained attention from the President who promised in her SONA last week to improve its airport along with those of Dipolog and Cotabato.

For the first time, Pagadian and Zamboanga del Sur officials were mentioned in the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23 which was Arroyo’s seventh since becoming the 15th Philippine President.

It is of public knowledge that Pagadian City by virtue of Executive Order No. 429 has been identified as the Regional Center of Region 9, thus its airport needs expansion. 

Few days before the SONA, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through its Resolution No. 2K7-040 requested President GMA to allocate funds for the expansion and extension of Pagadian City airport. 

It may be recalled that during her 2006 SONA President Arroyo bared her plans to establish super regions. Last Monday, she emphasized that “super regions were not gimmicks for the occasion but the blueprint for building the future.”To realize this, “more airports, roads and bridges will be built all over the country as part of the super region project,” the President elaborated.

In about an hour of delivering her SONA, of the three huge islands in the country, Mindanao was mentioned first, Visayas was second and she concluded with Luzon. The President said that since Mindanao is the country’s food basket, she would 
prioritize Agribusiness investments here in her remaining three years in office.
Relative to this, Arroyo announced that she will move the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to Mindanao while the Departments of Agriculture and Environment and Natural Resources will devote 30 percent of their respective budgets here.

On achieving peace especially in Mindanao, PGMA stressed that the national government will pour in resources. However, she said that it is never right and always wrong to fight terror with terror. Along this principle, she urged Congress to enact laws against political violence.

Pagadian Is Hosting 13th Asia Pacific Youth Confab Despite Terror

PAGADIAN CITY – Despite the string of terrorist attacks in the southern part of the Philippines, Pagadian City is still hosting the 13th Asia Pacific Youth Conference starting July 20, 2007, Mayor Co said.

City Mayor Sammy Co bared that security has been readied a month ago for the said international gathering of youth coming from different countries in the Asia pacific region.

Co said almost 40 youth delegates from United States of America, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea are expected to arrive here on July 20.

"We have already put in place tight security in the city to prevent anything bad to happen during the conference that will end on July 29", Co added.
Troops from the Army's premiere division in Zamboanga de Sur have been deployed in Pagadian City, while a group from the PNP will also be dispatched to the conference’ venue at Springland Resort and Convention Center in the city.

Zamboanga del Sur Information Officer Allan June Molde also disclosed that the conference will anchor on vital youth issues and concerns worldwide.

Drug issue will be part of the discussion in the 10 day affair while issues about family and independence, those enhancing our own culture, graft and corruption, faith in addressing hopelessness of the youth are also included in the outlined topics, Molde added.

Mayor Ace Is Mayor’s League President

HE MAY BE A NEOPHYTE politician but this vibrant and young Mayor of Dumalinao is given the trust and confidence by his colleagues to head the League of Municipalities (LMP), Zamboanga del Sur chapter.

Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles after getting elected, took his oath as LMP prexy with the rest of the officers before Governor Auring Enerio-Cerilles during their first meeting called by the latter in preparation for the hosting of Biyahe Na! Zambosur grand event, few weeks ago.

The election of Ace as LMP prexy was accordingly initiated by a newly elected Mayor of San Pablo Belman Mantos who believes that Mayor Cerilles, being a god-son of President Arroyo by marriage may have a better access in terms of asking support for LMP programs and projects in this province.

Other newly installed LMP officers are: Executive Vice President - Mayor Nacianceno M. Pacalioga of Dumingag, Secretary - Mayor Maria Fe M. Pitogo of Josefina, Treasurer - Mayor Leonida A. Angcap of Midsalip, Auditor - Mayor Belman B. Mantos of San Pablo, Public Information Officer - Mayor Caridad B. Balaod of Tambulig, Sergeant-at-arms: Mayors Paulino P. Fanilag (Mahayag) and Edmundo V. Dalid (Tigbao).

The Board of Directors are: Mayor Bonifacio C. Vega, Jr. (Tukuran); Mayor Teodoro H. Acosta (Sominot); Mayor Domingo V. Mirrar (Lakewood); Mayor Wilfredo R. Asoy, Sr. (Dinas); and Mayor Francisco N. Oraiz, Jr. (Guipos).

Lakewood Mayor Mirrar was Mayor Cerilles’ predecessor. The LMP during Mirrar’s term donated an 18-seater patrol car for the 907 PNP Provincial Mobile Group based in San Miguel. 

Mirrar also represented the league to the Regional Development Council, Regional Peace and Order Council and various special bodies in the government.

Prov’l Gov’t Complex In Dao Is Biyahe Na! Zambosur Site

IN BARELY two months, the Cerilles Administration will have its hands full preparing the Provincial Government Complex (PGC) as site for the Biyahe Na! Zambosur: ZamPen Regional Tourism Showcase 2007.

It may be recalled that in 2002 the provincial property known as the “Philippine Australian Development Authority Program” (PADAP) Compound in Dao, this city was renamed Provincial Government Complex per SP Resolution No. 2K2-1036. 
The 64-hectare provincial estate now accommodates the Bio-Organic Fertilizer facility, vast bio-organic vegetable garden, the state-of-the-art Medical Center (which is due to be finished this year), Department of Education Provincial Office, the Bulwagan ng Kabataan several national agencies and provincial offices.
As the province hosts this year’s tourism exposition which Governor Auring E. Cerilles describes as the grandest event ever to happen here, she aims to make it as a memorabilia to Zambosurians as well as the guests and visitors.

The lady Governor urges the support and cooperation of the League of Municipal Mayors in the province with her son, Ace William as new elected president. 
She said that since it is her third and last term as Governor she wants to make it the best. She is optimistic that together with the mayors and with the support of her constituents, surely, the performance will surpass those of Zamboanga City and Dapitan City which hosted the past WOW Zamboanga Peninsula Biyahe Na Regional Tourism Showcase.

Part of the Provincial Government Complex is now called theme park of the Biyahe Na! Zambosur. While waiting for the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Cerilles has proposed an 18-hectare Eco-tourism zone for the Biyahe Na! Zambosur where a butterfly garden can be found, as well as a cultural village, adventure and economic camp, Zambosur Heritage House, and the like, Provincial Tourism Officer Frederick Anthony Padayhag said.

The Biyahe Na! Zambosur site is just less than 2 kilometers away from the Provincial Capitol and can be reached in less than 5 minutes. For the duration of the event, a transportation system will be put in place to facilitate accessibility for guests and visitors. There is no entrance fee, Padayhag clarified.
He further said that at the Eco-tourism zone, each one of the 26 municipalities and Pagadian City will have a designated area to develop that will showcase its tourism potentials to include local products and tourist destinations.
The Biyahe Na! Zambosur will kick-off on September 17 to jibe with the 55th Founding Anniversary of the Province.

Mayor Cerilles Vows Changes For Dumalinao

THE YOUNGEST MAYOR in Zamboanga Peninsula Region Ace William Cerilles spending his first day in office as municipal mayor of Dumalinao has vowed changes for a progressive municipality.

During the inaugural program, Mayor Ace told his constituents in his inaugural message at Dumalinao Municipal Hall which was attended by his parents – Congressman Tony Cerilles and Governor Auring E. Cerilles, relatives, friends, supporters and invited guests.

“This day marks a celebration of victory; a new dawn that leads us to a new beginning in shaping the lives of our people and the destiny of our beloved Municipality of Dumalinao,” the young Cerilles declared, adding that, “this is the season for Dumalinao to rise up from its moment of great slumber and be an icon of genuine progress”.
Mayor Cerilles swore a swift implementation of a priority project to provide potable water supply to every household. 

For the upliftment of the standard of living of farmers, he will strongly support the livelihood programs of the provincial government especially the cassava and sweet potato production. Moreover, his administration will adopt new technologies in raising farm animals, such as: goats, chickens and hogs to help augment their family income.

Education is also one of the priorities of the young Chief Executive, who says that: “Education must continue to succeed for this is our strongest armament in the course of progress.”

On the one hand, Cerilles has urged all sectors of the community to rally behind him in attaining progress and development for Dumalinao, as well as to help the authorities in fighting criminalities.

As he takes the cudgel of running and managing the local government unit, Mayor Ace thanked the people of Dumalinao for voting for him and all his line-up that swept a landslide victory in the last elections.

EcoGov Orients Media On IBRA-9 Programs

LET US PREVENT our environment from further damage like the government’s program on Coastal Resource Management now funded by USAID called the Philippine Environmental Governance (EcoGov).

This is what EcoGov wants to impart to media practitioners in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur in a 2-day activity for Information, Education, Communication and Advocacy Committee of IBRA-9 which is chaired by Provincial Information Officer Allan June A. Molde.

Not known to some local media practitioners the Illana Bay Regional Alliance IX (IBRA-9) was organized in Zamboanga del Sur in 1999. IBRA-9 is composed of eight (8) local government units (LGUs) in Zamboanga del Sur whose face the Illana Bay, namely: Tukuran, Labangan, Pagadian City, Dumalinao, San Pablo, Dimataling, Dinas and Tabina.

But since its existence, it was only last week that Pagadian media men were made to understand what IBRA-9 is all about when the manager of the Project Management Office Noel Pabiran oriented them at Hotel Alindahaw last June 19.
The following day, EcoGov and IBRA-9 PMO staff brought more or less 40 participants to Dao-dao island aboard a glass-bottom-boat owned by the City Government. The media men were amazed to see different types of corals under the sea within the 35-hectare marine protected area (MPA) or fish sanctuary of Pagadian City.

The participants who were broadcast and print journalists also saw rubbles or spoiled corals which according to the City Agriculture staff were damaged due to cyanide and dynamite fishing used by fisher folks unaware of the destruction it can bring to marine ecosystem. 
EcoGov’s Marine Biologist Maria Fe L. Portigo told the media that the ecosystem serves as a breeding ground and nursery for fish, shrimps, clams, and many other marine lives. Mangrove forests and coral reefs are the spawning and feeding grounds for marine animals.

IBRA-9 existed for almost 8 years now but it’s only lately, the City Government adopted the Coastal Resource Management Program seriously with Lady Councilor Estrella Arao pushing it to Mayor Sammy Co, the City Agriculture staff disclosed.
In 2002, IBRA-9 won the Gawad Galing Pook as one of the 10 Outstanding Local Government Programs in the Philippines where Governor Auring E. Cerilles along with 8 Mayors received the award from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Remarkably, Zamboanga del Sur is the lone surviving Coastal Resource Management (CRM) alliance among the 3 organized CRM alliances in Mindanao in 1999, Portigo said. The other two were: IBRA-12 and IBRA-ARMM.

“There is strong bonding among the eight local government units that comprise IBRA-9 that makes its dynamic existence, Portigo said, adding that in fact, the 8 LGUs contribute P50-T each every year for operation of the Project Management Office (PMO). 

Moreover, Governor Cerilles being the chair of IBRA-9 has been very supportive of the program and even allocated P150-T each year as the province’s share of the operating expenses aside from providing an office space for PMO.

MISS PAGADIAN 2007: The Candidates

THIS YEAR, 13 lovely ladies are vying for the title of Miss Pagadian and the enviable opportunity to represent the city to Bb. Pilipinas pageant. As scriptwriter of the search, I've had the chance to sit down with every one of the girls, so as to have an early inkling on who is going to be crowned Miss Pagadian 2007 at the City Gym come June 19.

1. Grace Japal is the life of every party owing to her sunny disposition in life. While others mistake her for being otherwise, close friends of this 18-year-old talkaholic could prove that she's actually approachable and a cheerful giver. She stands five-feet-four.

2. Principled and God-fearing are the two adjectives that best describe Susanne Mueller. At 18, this five-feet-four stunner studies Computer Technology at Southern Mindanao Colleges.

3. Cathylene Macalisang is a teacher wannabe from Southern Mindanao Colleges. Standing five-feet-four, this 22-year-old brown-complected beauty takes pride in Pagadian for teeming with beautiful ladies like herself.

4. Her fellow candidates might seem jealous of Merlie Villamor's queen-quality confidence in herself. However, this five-feet-five Criminology senior of Western Mindanao State University never fails to make their day with her endless funny tales. She's 19 years old.

5. Five-feet-five Chennie Jay Ramos Rabasio is a Forestry junior at Mindanao State University-Marawi. Born in Malaysia 17 years ago, she considers Pagadian her beloved hometown, though she visits the former every now and then to hug her dearly missed family.

6. Self-confessed good adviser Arianne Share Real was born in the African country of Libya 17 summers ago. She stands five-feet-five and goes to Misamis University in Ozamis City as a Nursing student. She comes home to Pagadian every weekend to get together with her family and friends whom she treasures most.

7. Tiffany Taylor is a Computer Science student at Western Mindanao State University. Describing herself as funny yet emotional, this five-feet-five American mestiza admits to not having had a boyfriend in her 17 years of age.

8. Fely Grace Calderon admits to having a harmonious relationship with her collegues in the pageant. Poised at five-feet-six and responsible enough at 22, this stenography-freak City Government of Pagadian casual employee finished Office Administration at Saint Columban College.

9. Computer Science junior Gerlyn Rambo is a self-confessed optimist who believes in the adage: Winners never quit. Quitters never win. All at five-feet-six, this reigning-queen dead ringer is 18 and hopes to be Claire Faye Penados's successor.
10. Irene Monieva, 19, is a Commerce student of Southern Mindanao Colleges where, in every corner, she's sought after for being voluptuous yet refined. This five-feet-six lass believes that there is goodwill among the constituents in this laidback city of Pagadian.

11. 21-year-old Bernadeth Ones resembles a lot to 1996 Bb. Pilipinas World Daisy Reyes. She is an Education senior and a majorette at Southern Mindanao Colleges. This five-feet-six beauty queen material describes herself as simple, down-to-earth and self-confident.

12. Zandra Alexa Manacap Rocio is 17 and a five-feet-six head turner at Southern Mindanao Colleges. Often mistaken for being snobbish, little do people know that this Sandara Park look-alike is flexible, down-to-earth, and a God-fearing person at that.

13. Another Southern Mindanao Colleges-HRM student is Nena Dawn Galon Goling. She is young at 17, yet she is determined to succeed in every endeavor that she gets into. This sweet morena belle stands five-feet-seven.

Elected City Officials On May 14 Local Polls
Mayor: Sammy S. Co – 46,612 votes
Vice-Mayor: Romeo “Tata” Pulmones – 49,301 votes
City Councilors:
1. Romeo B. Tan – 40,683 votes
2. Eric L. Bersales – 39,396 votes
3. Frank Jefferson L. Villegas – 33,708 votes
4. Almando C. Sanoria – 33,246 votes
5. Estrella D. Arao – 32,428 votes
6. Bienvenido C. Culve – 31,087 votes
7. Arnulfo A. Garcia – 31,087 votes
8. Jesus B. Bajamunde, Jr. – 30,950 votes
9. Wilson S. Co – 29,442
10. Arnold R. Gavenia – 26,830 votes


Victor Yu Breaks Jun Real’s Winning Streak

THE REMAINING self-proclaimed undefeated political kingpin in Zamboanga del Sur met his first loss to an unassuming engineer-businessman in the May 14, 2007 polls.
Incumbent 1st District Congressman Isidoro E. Real, Jr. last May 16 conceded his defeat to Engineer Victor Yu who obtained an overwhelming number of votes in Real’s own town, Dumingag.

Yu has unexpectedly become the instant Congressman of the First District after barely 45 days of campaigning and learning the political ropes.

Real, in his paid radio programs during the campaign period kept reporting that he has been a politician for 26 years and undefeated in 8 elections. He finished 3 consecutive terms as Congressman of the 1st District then served 3 terms as Governor and regained the Congressional seat in 2001. He was re-elected in 2004, and yet last May 14, the people chose Yu for the better.

Yu was the surprise congressional bet of KAMPI-NPC under the stewardship of Governor Auring E. Cerilles, KAMPI provincial chair and NPC stalwart Congressman Tony Cerilles against Real. With the strong backing of the Cerilles couple and a well-oiled political machinery, Yu, son of businessman Paking Yu defeated Real. 
Accordingly, the people elected Yu for a change. Yu promised that half of his CDF will be poured in Pagadian City while the other half will be spread to the 11 municipalities of the 1st District.

Political observers say that Real now in his twilight years could have retired as a politician gracefully with an undefeated record if only he honored an agreement with the Cerilleses that both their camps would not field candidates against each other.

It may be recalled that last March 29, deadline of filing of the certificate of candidacy Governor Cerilles blamed Real for allegedly breaching their agreement. Real vehemently denied any hand in the candidacies of Atty. Tirsendo “Dodong” Poloyapoy and Dra. Felomina “Nenet” San Juan, who have contested Governor Cerilles and Congressman Cerilles, respectively, which denied the Cerilles couple did not believe.

As a result, KAMPI-NPC picked the 41-year old Yu against Real in the 1st District and the neophyte has emerged victorious in his first try in the political arena.

City Gov’t Opens P5-M Road In Datagan 

PAGADIAN CITY – Punong Barangay Alfredo Bangues of Barangay Datagan, this city revealed over the weekend that the City Government has started to open a Barangay road worth of P5-million that connects to Kendis Cave, one of the city’s potential tourist spot.

Bangues said Kendis Cave has long been planned to be developed and converted into a tourist attraction in Pagadian City.

“It’s a welcome development in our Barangay and we thank City Mayor Sammy Co for considering Kendis Cave as tourism potential”, Bangues said in an interview.
Kendis Cave is situated 22 kilometers west of Pagadian and has become a city’s tourist destination due to its natural beauty surrounded by green trees and mountains with flowing crystal water.

“Ang Kendis Cave maanindot nga suroyan, talagsaon ug angay gayud nga palambuon kay wala usab kini sa uban nga mga lugar”, Datagan Barangay Kagawad Rudy Rellen said as he also disclosed that the Barangay Council sponsored a resolution addressed to the City Council for the development of Kendis Cave.
“Ang maong dalan dili lang alang sa turismo, makatabang usab kini sa mga mag-uuma aron sa sayon nga pag-agi ug pagdala sa produkto sa uma paingon sa sentro sa Pagadian”, Joel Cantilan one of the residents said in an interview.

City Councilor Jaypee Villegas, Chair of the Committee on Finance and Tourism in the Sangguniang Panlungsod also said that the P5-million road in Datagan is part of the city’s P20-million approved budget for road improvements connecting to areas potential for tourist destination.

Other areas that the city would want to develop are the beach resort in Poloyagan and the mountain resort in Palpalan for which the city government has purchased a lot for tourism purposes.
“Local officials are doing its share especially my committee to improve the tourism industry in Pagadian City”, Villegas said in a radio interview.

Mayor Co Faces Issues Squarely

IN FRONT of the intellectuals, City Mayor Sammy Co last April 13 has regaled in answering issues thrown against his administration in a Mayoralty candidates’ forum initiated by the UP Alumni Association at 10 Disco here.

Televised live by a local cable television (ITV-8), Co, like his challenger, former Congressman Sandy Urro appeared before the UP alumni and the media.
Claiming that he is a “hands on” mayor, Co was confronted with the peace and order condition as the top most problem in his administration. Host Marichu Atay commented that it is already a stigma that his administration must resolve for the people from other cities to come to Pagadian without hesitation.
Co declared that the situation is un