May 3, 2007

First local consultation on the proposed national guidelines on halal food slated in Zamboanga City

The first of a series of local consultations all over the country on the proposed Philippine guidelines on Halal food is scheduled to be held at the Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City. The conduct of local consultations was one of the agreements reached during the meetings of the Bureau of Product Standards Technical Committee on Halal Food (BPS-TCHF) in order to get the consensus of Muslim Ulamas and Aleems outside Muslim Mindanao, according to Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office 9.

Dr. Jain disclosed that the consultations are an upshot to the Halal Inter-Agency Committee’s earlier decision to finally adopt the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Guidelines as basis for the Muslim religious scholars, Shariah, experts as well as competent personnel from the Department of Science and Technology to draft the proposed national guidelines on halal food production, preparation, packaging, labelling and handling. Halal is an Arabic term meaning permissible and it mostly refers to food produced and prepared according to Islamic law.

After Zamboanga City, local consultations will follow in Regions 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 and 13. Separate consultations will also be conducted in Southern and Northern Luzon as well as in the NCR together with Region 4A, Central Luzon and Region 3. The consultations will be carried out by the BPS Technical Committee on Halal Food in coordination with the DTI, including DTI-ARMM and other coordinating agencies like the Departments of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Tourism, Health, and Office of Muslim Affairs as well as with the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board, Inc. and the Muslim religious scholars in each of the regions to be covered.

The final draft of the proposed Philippine General Guidelines on Halal Food shall be prepared after all the local consultations in the identified regions shall have been completed. The final draft shall be presented during the National Halal Summit tentatively scheduled in Zamboanga City in July this year. The Muslim religious scholars and Shariah experts are expected to officially endorse said guidelines to the national government during the Summit. The government through the BPS TCHF shall then translate the guidelines into the Philippine National Standards (PNS) format which shall be eventually promulgated by the Bureau of Product Standards, an agency under the DTI, as the PNS on Halal Food Production, Preparation, Packaging Labelling and Handling. (DTI, The New Nandau, Vol. XVI No.42)

Credits: The New Nandau is a member of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI). Editorial office is located at 076 Quezon Avenue, Dipolog City with Tel. No. (065) 212-3794; Cell No. +639205201041

 Dureza bares new program for ex-rebels

The creation of a national committee that would assist the nation’s former armed rebels lead normal lives is vital to the overall peace process, the government’s top peace adviser said. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (PAPP) Secretary Jesus Dureza said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s signing of an administrative order creating the National Committee on Social Integration (NCSI) is essential to the search for a just, lasting and sustainable peace in the country.

The national committee will implement a more enhanced and comprehensive assistance program that covers management of forces and arms of former rebels and their transition to civilian life. One feature of the program is the collection of high-powered firearms from unauthorized civilians and their outright destruction or decommissioning.

Secretary Dureza said AO 172 signed last march 23 will enhance the government’s affirmative action to attend to armed elements who want to live peaceful and productive lives. This will boost development especially all the countryside, Dureza stressed.

The NCSI, under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the peace Process (OPAPP), will be tasked to implement the Social Integration Program (SIP) for all armed rebel elements in the country. Dureza designated Assistant director General Zenonida Brosas of the National Security Council (NSC) as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the newly created body.

Indirectly responding to the statements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Dureza clarified that the government’s efforts to forge a negotiated principled settlement with rebel groups like the MILF is a priority. He added that the SIP is not directed or meant to undermine the ongoing peace negotiations with the MILF.

“On the contrary, addressing the concerns of other armed rebels who can disrupt or negate the gains that we are trying to sustain in our negotiations with the MILF will strengthen the peace process and provide a more sustainable peace environment for all,” Dureza said. (PIA-ZN)

MORE OFWs AVAILING THEMSELVES OF GOVT’S SPECIAL REPATRIATION PROGRAM

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who wish to return to the Philippines but cannot do so for various reasons are now provided a window of opportunity through the government’s Special Repatriation Program (SRP).

According to Labor Secretary Arturo Brion, SRP is a salient feature of Republic Act No. 8042 otherwise known as The Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 that aims to protect the rights of OFWs. In a press briefing in Malacañang, Brion said that more than 1,000 OFWs have already availed themselves of the SRP since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo met with officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the release of stranded Filipinos there during her visit to the KSA in May 2006.

Brion said 379 more OFWs who have been stranded in their most countries for various reasons ranging from being victims of illegal recruitment and unpaid salaries to maltreatment, physical abuse, harassment and health reasons are coming home under the SRP. President Arroyo personally met the first batch of 108 OFWs who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal I in Pasay City, Tuesday afternoon. (PIA-ZN)

 Old dam soon ready for reclamation and agriculture

TVI Resource Development Philippines, INc. (TVIRD) said construction work on its Copper-Zinc Dam (a.k.a. the “Sulphide” Dam) is on track to be completed as scheduled by the third quarter of this year. The P288-million tailings storage facility will be used when the previous dam, the “Gossan” Dam, is filled, and the Company begins producing copper-zinc concentrates in its Canatuan Project in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte by early 2008.

TVIRD also announced the upcoming reclamation plans for the Gossan Dam - the tailings storage for the Company’s gold and silver project - as its maximum capacity will have been reached sometime in mid-May 2007. “We’re building the new, ‘Sulphide’ Dam, in stages,” said Jay Nelson, TVIRD Vice President for the Environment and Civil Works. “The early work was focused on preparations for the foundation and now we’re starting on the structure to take tailings when the Gossan Dam is full. Weather permitting, we are confident that we will meet our target completion date for te first stage structure later this year.”

TVIRD President Eugene Mateo, for his part, denied reports being circulated by anti-mining groups that one of the Company’s tailings facilities had “collapsed.” “Clearly, there is a disinformation campaign going on. How can that happen when there is only one dam in operation for tailings storage in Canatuan, which is the Gossan Dam? This dam is quite intact and, in fact, already nearing the end of its operations life for tailings storage. We will announce details of the Gossan Dam closure and reclamation plan shortly.”

Nelson added that a heavy downpour last April 2 caused soil runoffs from exposed portions of the construction site and from recent “kaingin” or slash and Burn agriculture in the region. The resulting, temporary, discoloration in the rivers apparently gave rise to a news and texting campaign by political opponents of mining, stirring up alarm in the province. “The runoffs - the alleged ‘collapse’ - did set us back a bit in the construction schedule,” added Nelson, “but since we were still only working on the foundation at the time, it will not be difficult to catch up.” “I appeal to anti-mining groups to be responsible, fair and honest in their reporting. I personally invite the people behind these groups to visit Canatuan so that they can see for themselves what is going on there,” concluded Mateo. (Mindanao Star, Vol.III No.13)

Credits: Mindanao Star is published once a week and is circulated to the 25 Municipalities and 2 Cities of the province of Zamboanga del Norte. Mindanao Star can be reached through the following contact info: #096 C.M. Montaño Building, Gen. Luna Street, Dipolog City; Phone/Fax No. (065) 212-6460; Mobile No.: 0921 736 5291

RP determined to stop human rights violations –Malacañang

Malacañang this week assured that more than anyone else; the Philippine government is determined to put an end to the issue of political violence and human rights violations in the country.

Press Secretary and concurrent Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye said the government is working “in an open and transparent way” and with the support of international partners to put an end to human rights violations. The Press Secretary issued the statement as he welcomed the decision of the Geneva-based International Parliamentary Union (IPU) to send a fact-finding mission to the Philippines to help the government address the issue concerning human rights.

“We always welcome the interest of well-meaning organizations in developments of mutual interest in the Philippines. On the issue of human rights, we all share the deep desire to bring the legacy of political violence in the Philippines to an end,” Bunye said. “In the meantime, the Philippines is working in an open and transparent way to solve this issue with our international partners, once and for all,” he added. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself is a staunch advocate of human rights that with the increasing number of killings in the country; she created last year the Melo Commission to look into such cases.

Immediately upon receipt of the initial Melo Commission report, the President called on the victims’ relatives and witnesses to cooperate in the resolution of the cases. As the Melo report was still “incomplete,” she asked the Commission to continue with its task of solving the killings.

The President also asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to create special courts for the speedy resolution of cases involving the killings of journalists and leftist activists. She likewise asked the international community, including the European Union, to help the Philippine government attain its goal to put a stop to these killings. (PIA-ZN)

PGMA DECLARES MAY 14 ELECTION DAY AS SPECIAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY NATIONWIDE

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has issued Proclamation No. 1279 declaring Monday, May 14, as special public (non-working) holiday nationwide “to give the people the fullest opportunity to exercise their right of suffrage” during the national and local elections on that day.

In his weekly press conference in Malacañang Wednesday afternoon, Executive Eduardo Ermita said the President signed the proclamation on Tuesday, April 24.

In the proclamation, the President noted that “Monday, May 14, 2007, should be declared a special public (non-working) holiday to give the people the fullest opportunity to exercise their right of suffrage.” (PIA-ZN)
 

Credits: Mindanao Star is published once a week and is circulated to the 25 Municipalities and 2 Cities of the province of Zamboanga del Norte. Mindanao Star can be reached through the following contact info: #096 C.M. Montaño Building, Gen. Luna Street, Dipolog City; Phone/Fax No. (065) 212-6460; Email: mindanaostar@zamboangadelnorte.com

PGMA ORDERS POLICE to probe attacks on media practitioners

Describing the successive attacks this week on provincial practitioners as “despicable,” President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the local law enforcement agencies to “carry out a swift and thorough investigation.” In a statement, Press Secretary and concurrent Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye said attacks on journalists “have no place in a democracy that upholds press freedom.”

Last Wednesday, Radyo ng Bayan field reporter Mark Palacios was found dead in Barangay Mapalad in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, with a gunshot wound through the chin and his body battered.

Another journalist, Philippine Daily Inquirer Southern Luzon correspondent Delfin Mallari Jr., on Thursday was wounded when two men riding on a motorcycle ambushed him and DZMM’s Johnny Glorioso while they were on their way to a local radio station in Lucena City. Reports said Mallari was already pronounced out of danger after he was operated on to remove the slug that hit the left side of his body.

Palacio’s death brought to 51 the number of journalists, mostly radio broadcasters in the provinces, killed since 2001. President Arroyo openly expressed her determination to put an end to the killings of journalists and activists that she has created the Melo Commission to look into such cases. The President and House Speaker Joe de Venecia Jr. also put up a fund to assist the families of journalists killed in line of duty. (PIZ-ZN)

SECOND WAVE SA PANGTERORISMO SA LAKAS, NAGSUGOD NA

Gisugdan na karon sa pundok sa oposisyon sa Zamboanga del Norte ang ilang ikaduhang hugna sa pagterorismo sa mga katawhan sa ZaNorte atubangan sa nagsunod-sunod karong mga insidente gikan sa pagpamomba hangtod na sa pagluthang sa pipila ka kapitan nga nagpaluyo sa Alliance of Parties for Progress-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino o APP-KAMPI.

   DIPOLOGNON TODAY

PRESS FREEDOM: Art  and Culture
By: Don Gurrea

FIRST ZANORTE BUKLOG FESTIVAL

Subanen communities all over ZaNorte province gathered last April 16 to 20, 2007 in Mandih, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte to partake in the biggest ever Buklog Festival. Considered as the most significant of all Subanen religious rituals, Buklog is a sacred gathering held in a specific community at least once in three years. In Mandih, the last Buklog celebration was in 1999 at the residence of Datu Agdino B. Andus.

The Buklog is a major conglomeration of several other rituals such as PENGAMU, a thanksgiving rite for fulfilled wishes; SAMAYA, for the recovery of ill health; and PELENTU, a sacred ceremony for the spirits of the dead. The Buklog is also a culmination of other rituals performed within the year. Among these equally solemn traditions are the PELIS, a ritual commencing agricultural tasks in the field; BAKTI, a beautiful ceremony of bringing home young rice grain and made into Lebek (popularly known as Pinipig), as an anticipation for a bountiful harvest; PESINGKU, the thanksgiving rite for good harvest and where baptism rituals (Kenubata) are occasionally concurred; GAMPANG, a major thanksgiving ritual for good health, harmonious living, peace and order, is also done to prevent the coming of evil as symbolized by encircling a line around a specific area.

The Buklog proper is the grand ceremony preceded by extensive consultations among the tribal (Datu / Timoay / Bai) and religious (Balyan) leaders from different Subanen communities. A tribal convention participated in by concerned Subanen members is also necessary for the final decision on dates and venue of the festival. The construction of a BUKLOGAN is based on the metaphysics of the number eight (8), regarded by Subanens as the most significant number to convey stability, security and strength. The different parts of the entire structural set up are also systematically arranged in octaves.

The ideal Buklogan has eight main posts made of hard round timber and has eight-foot equidistance in between posts, covering a total ground area of 256 square feet. With the height of 16 feet, the flooring lattice support is made up of 32 pliable round sticks with eight pieces laid equidistant in between posts. This year’s grand Buklog Festival in Mandih was made possible through the support of the Provincial Government under Governor Rolando E. Yebes. Every Subanen (and even non-Subanen for that matter) can only wish for a sustainability of this significant religious-cultural tradition in the future.

Along with the Buklog ceremonies, all 52 barangays in Sindangan were allocated one booth each to accommodate barangay representatives, items and goods for the five-day Agro-Industrial Trade Fair. Outreach Program Missions, dance and song contests, and other entertainments were likewise conducted together with other minor traditional rituals. The culminating night was high lightened by the coronation of Governor Rolando E. Yebes and Congressman Cesar G. Jalosjos as “Timoay Labi” (Mayors) and Mrs. Marivic Samios Uy Carpitanos as “Bai” (Princess). Datu Agdino B. Andus who is the Provincial Subanen Tribal Chieftain based in Mandih, conferred the royal titles to the three dignitaries whose bloodlines can be traced back to BENUT, TAUD and AMENDANG, the great Patriarchs of the earliest Subanen settlers in pre-Hispanic Zamboanga peninsula.

Provincial Accountant Bai Marivic Carpitanos, who is also the president of the Subanen Federated Clan, expressed the significance of the Buklog Festival as a big boost to all Subanen communities. For Bai Marivic, it is an upliftment of the rich Subanen culture and tradition being threatened by culturally biased modernization and an equally lack of educational mechanism towards a positive socio-cultural awareness. (Press Freedom, Vol. XIX No. 30)

Credits: Press Freedom is published every Saturday and entered as 3^rd class mail matter in Dipolog City. Printed by Young Printing Press with Editorial Office located at Upper Turno, Dipolog City. Tel. No. (065) 212-4343 or 212-6665

NEWSPIX   

Credits: The New Nandau is a member of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI). Editorial office is located at 076 Quezon Avenue, Dipolog City with Tel. No. (065) 212-3794; Cell No. +639205201041

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  The Turning Point
Edwin G. Bernido
A Decision to make

There is a longing inside of us, it is a longing that none or nothing in this world can fill.  It is a need that God created inside your heart from the very beginning, only God can fill this longing.  Only God can show you love like you’ve never been shown.

God can make you whole, and it begins with a relationship with Jesus.  God sent Jesus as our Savior.  Savior might be a new word for you.  A Savior is someone who rescues you. We all need rescuing from the wrong and immoral things we do, which is sin.  We all fall short of the standard of holiness set by God.  We can try to achieve it by being good, but that is like reaching for the unreachable.  It is impossible.  We cannot save ourselves.

The good news is that God is not waiting around for you to clean yourself up, that is something he will help you with.  God sent Jesus to earth to save us.  Jesus took the judgment and punishment we deserve when he died on the cross.  Even while we were sinners.  Jesus, died for us, that’s how much he loves us.  And, he came back to life in three days, proving he has all authority, even over death.  He was sent by God, and He is with us now, even though we don’t see Him.

Jesus part was to take the punishment on the cross.  Your part is to believe and act on what Jesus did by admitting your sin, going to Him for forgiveness, and asking Him to be your Savior, your rescuer.  If you are saying, yes to these things then tell Jesus.  Just turn your mind and heart to Him, and talk.  If you need help in what to say, you can pray along as you read this.  Jesus, I believe you were sent by God to take the punishment I deserve and to be my Savior.  Please forgive me and free me from my sin.  Come into my life and fulfil the longing in my heart that I have had for so long.  Guide me to understand and follow your ways.  Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.  I love you Jesus.  In your name I pray.  Amen.

Please allow me to share my thoughts today, my birthday.  Its my 66 years in this planet.  “Life is never measured by the years we have lived but by the caring we have done and the love we have shared to the happy people we have touched.” (Press Freedom, Vol. XIX No. 28)

What can we expect when we fail to listen to Him?

Take a moment to read Genesis 3:1-7, says, the serpent was the shrewdest of all the creatures the Lord God had made.  Really, the serpent asked Eve.  Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?  Of course we may eat it, the woman told him.  Its only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat.  God, says, we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.

You won’t die! The serpent hissed. God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat.  You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil. The woman was convinced.  The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise! So she ate some of the fruit.  She also gave some to her husband, Adam, who was with her. Then he ate it, too. At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they strung fig leaves together around their hips to cover themselves

In these verses, we find Eve faced with a conflict between what the Lord has told her and what she wants for herself.  Sadly, she ultimately decides to base her decision on the words of the tempter, and as a result, sin enters the world. We have seen that we serve a loving God who desires to lead His children into sound, wise decisions.  However, even though we call on God for guidance and direction, we do not always follow His counsel.  What can we expect when we fail to listen to Him?

This mistake demonstrates a pitfall that we often make in our day-to-day decisions; we listen to the wrong voices.  In these passages, Eve knows very well what the Lord required of her, yet she gives in to the allure of Satan’s offer.  She weighs each option against the desires of her own heart and unfortunately chooses the one that appeals most. When we follow similar patterns in our lives, we are in effect saying, thanks for your advice, God, but I’m going to do things my way instead.  Even though we may not say these words outright, it doesn’t mean that our actions are not conveying this message.  We must be careful how we respond to God’s call.

God had made Himself approachable and available.  He wants us to seek his mind for our decisions.  When we receive His guidance, we must then decide to heed His advice.  To remain obedient to God, pray for the strength to follow His wise counsel.

BIBLE BITES!!!

The face of God shine upon you today, let His hand protect you, His presence inspire you, His grace surrounds you and His power sustains you. (Press Freedom, Vol. XIX No. 30)

Credits: Press Freedom is published every Saturday and entered as 3^rd class mail matter in Dipolog City. Printed by Young Printing Press with Editorial Office located at Upper Turno, Dipolog City. Tel. No. (065) 212-4343 or 212-6665

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Press Freedom Public Announcement

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Interior and Local Government
National Police Commission
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT GROUP
Z.N. PROVINCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE CLEARANCE OFFICE
Airport Drive, Minaog, Dipolog City

Implementation of Section 6,
Republic Act 6539
(An Act Preventing and Penalizing Carnapping)

The ZN Provincial Traffic Management Office based in Airport Drive, Minaog, Dipolog City, wish to reiterate our reminders to all Motor Vehicle/Motorcycle Dealers, Every Owner or Possessor of newly assembled/rebuilt motor vehicle/motorcycle, and LTO to strictly adhere this provision stated as follows:

Section 6: ORIGINAL REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES – Any person seeking the original registration of a motor vehicle whether that motor vehicle is newly assembled or rebuilt or acquired from a registered owner, shall within one week after the completion of the assembly or rebuilding job or the acquisition thereof from the registered owner, apply to the Philippine constabulary (now PNP-TMG) for Clearance of the motor vehicle for registration with the Land Transportation Commission (now LTO).  The PNP-TMG shall, upon receipt of the application, verify if the motor vehicle or its numbered parts are in the list of carnapped motor vehicles or stolen motor vehicle parts.  if the motor vehicles or any of its numbered parts is not in that list, the PNP-TMG shall forthwith issue a certificate of clearance.  Upon presentation of the certificate of clearance from the PNP-TMG and after verification of the registration of the motor vehicle engine, engine block and chassis, the Land Transportation Office shall register the motor vehicle in accordance with the existing laws, rules and regulations.

PNP-TMG appeal to the public securing TMG clearances to follow the correct processing procedures and comply requirements to avoid delay in their transaction.

(Sgd.) ARECIO OMILIG CALIBO
Sr. Police Officer 4
PNCOIC

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Dipolog Chronicle Editorial
A dummy making Comelec laughing stock?

The entry of an unknown “Roberto Yang Uy” in the political arena running as governor of the province of Zamboanga del Norte has now made the Commission on Election (COMELEC) a mockery and a laughing stock. It is amusing to recall that months before the filing of certificates of candidacy, Yebes’ spin doctors have bloated the airwaves of their dubious plan to field Mayor Roberto Galon Uy of Liloy to run as a gubernatorial candidate to nullify the votes of Dipolog City Mayor Roberto Yu Uy.

It is doubly amusing that in spite of airing week in and week out the propaganda regarding that issue, the COMELEC has not taken judicial notice of the stratagem, filthy and dirty as it is. Failing to convince the Liloy mayor to ally on their side, they tried another trick: to persuade an “Alberto Uy” of Labason to file his COC with the same dubious intention. But time and again, their gambit did not materialize.

And lo and behold, an unknown personality came into the scene claiming to be Roberto Yang Uy of Barangay Mamad, Baliguian. Funny that COMELEC do not even seem to realize that the guy has succeeded in not only making a fool out of them but making their office an object of ridicule.

Is the COMELEC too naïve to tell us that this guy is not a Yebes dummy and that this is not an election tactic when people can testify that he used the car of the incumbent governor the time he filed his certificate of candidacy?

Does the COMELEC believe that a businessman, as “Roberto Yang Uy” claimed to be his profession, will not be known to exist in a barrio as small as barangay Mamad? Are we to believe that this guy is genuine when the Municipal Civil Registrar of Baliguian can attest that there is no “Roberto Yang Uy” with a “Certificate of No Birth Record Available?” Moreover, the Local National Statistics Office of Dipolog City is more than willing to give a certificate of “No Birth Certificate Record Available” either, confirming that the guy does not exist. Not in Baliguian. Not in the whole world!

It is high time for the COMELEC to get to the bottom of the mystery of this guy who does not only present himself as a namesake to the leading contender but has presented himself by that inexistent and invented name          as well. Sadly, the situation has now gone humorous enough for all of us to perceive the COMELEC as nonsensically easy to fleece and gullible enough to have fallen for the trap fashioned by this guy and the person backing him. Ironic that there seemed to be many “coincidences” that the COMELEC itself has neglected. With too many happening altogether at the same time, chances are they are scripted and invented by some warped directors.

It is high time that the COMELEC people should start to develop balls of steel to make certain honest and peaceful elections. They should be the ones first to ascertain who these candidates are upon filing of their COC’s and not just accept any Tom, Dick and Harry claiming to be someone whom they are not, lest they will become a butt of all the jokes for all the world to see, again and again. (Joash Peniel, Dipolog Chronicle, Vol.VI No.43)

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