The newly elected representative of the second legislative district of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte, Congressman Rosendo ‘DODOY’ Labadlabad has recently taken his oath of office along with his winning partymates who were declared winners in the May 14 local elections. The oath taking ceremonies was held Monday, June 25, 2007 at the Amando Borja Amatong Civic Center.  Cong. Dodoy Labadlabad took his oath before Honorable Judge Reubin L. Maraon.  Present to witness the said event is his wife Glona with his uncle, former governor, Atty. Roldan ‘Broggs’ B. Dalman and Rex Dalman.

In his inaugural address, Cong. Dodoy Labadlabad took the opportunity to once again thank campaign staff who tirelessly stood by his side during the campaign period, his family and relatives, friends and all those who support his effort for the perpetuation of good governance especially those people whom he has never met but still voted for him because of the ideals and aspirations that he is advocating for. While recognizing that there are still a lot of things to be done in the second district for the betterment of its people, the young solon who hails from Guisukan, Sindangan reiterates his campaign promise to solve the present unemployment problem now bounding the majority of the Filipino.  He firmly believes that education is the best weapon to counter the dire situation being experienced by most of the local folks nowadays.  To solve this problem he is bent on seeking congressional support so that his idea of establishing skills training centers that will cater to the needs of pot/undergraduate students to equip them with knowledge on vocational/technical skills that will land them on high paying jobs, not only here but abroad.  He also said that his own scholarship program will continue and challenge his scholars who have already graduated from their studies to volunteer their time to others and share their valuable knowledge to those who need it must.

In his next priority which is in the field of agriculture pledged his commitment to his farmer-beneficiaries that his endeavor to support them with his own soft loans programs through Rancho San Roque Corporation and his legislative efforts by building quality far-to-market road network within the district will encourage the farmers to maximize their efforts to till their land. Aside from these, he also promise to the people of the second district of Zamboanga del Norte that he will not betray his words that even a single centavo of his congressional budget will go to the projects that he will implement for the district. (vhc, Press Freedom, Vol. XIX No. 38)

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

Underscoring the need for more investments to enable the country to attain First World economy status in 20 years, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called today on the foreign and local business communities to join hands with the government in building a stronger and better Philippines. In her keynote address at the 2nd Annual Philippine Investment Conference organized by Euromoney Conference at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa Hotel here, the President said the Philippines is experiencing an economic boom, as she touted the country as the best place to invest in now. 

“The short answer to continuing economic growth is summed up in three words: invest, invest, invest,” she said. The President explained that improved economic figures would not make her administration complacent. On the contrary, the government would strive and redouble its efforts to sustain the country’s gains and ensure that long-term prosperity is finally achieved. “We will do even more to sustain these gains and to achieve long-term prosperity in our country. By continuing on our path of economic reform, we will be able to sustain this momentum. We are confident that the momentum of our domestic economy will continue to drive further growth to not only exceed last year’s level, but to meet our aggressive targets for the year. We intend to move forward by working in partnership with the private sector,” the President said.

She outlined to the 400 conference participants composed of a cross-section of the country’s leading corporations, policy leaders and key international and domestic investors the government’s efforts to improve the economy. From its sorry state in 2001 when she took over, the economy has registered an impressive growth of 6.9 percent during the first quarter of 2007, the highest in the past 17 years, the President said. There has been “a sea of change in the Philippines,” she said. These include a reduced budget deficit, an unprecedented increase in revenue collections, a very strong peso, low inflation, a robust stock market, a rapid inflow of foreign investments, six million new jobs in the last six years, low unemployment rate while poverty rate is at its lowest, she pointed.

As a result, investor confidence in the Philippines is “at an all-time high. This did not happen by accident. We have worked to create and maintain a business-friendly environment,” she said. The President pointed out that the government would not sit on its laurels but instead works harder to create a more conducive investor-friendly environment in order to attract more investments and thereby create more jobs for the Filipinos. “There has never been a better time to invest in the Philippines. The world is taking notice...there is a widespread international recognition that we offer one of the best value for money in Asia for investors,” she said.

She cited among others Texas Instruments’ $1-billion investment in a chip plant, South Korea’s Hanjin Corporation’s $1-billion shipping facility at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales, Tokyo Electric and Marubeni’s $4-billion investment in the country. “In sum, we are a good business environment getting better. We call on all of you, the participants in this important Conference, to take part in our country’s transformation,” she said. The Euromoney Philippines Investment Conference is touted as the most high-profile business conference to take place in the country this year. The gathering aims to provide a unique platform for top business policymakers and financiers, as well as demonstrate to the global markets the business, trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines. (Dipolog Chronicle, Vol.VI1 No.1)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo urged rural bankers and their partners to reach out to more micro-entrepreneurs, especially in provinces where their financial services are needed most. In a speech read for her by Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director General Cerge M. Remonde during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Micro-Enterprise Access to Banking Services (MABS) Program held recently at the Manila Hotel, the President lauded the efforts of the Rural Banking Association of the Philippines (RBAP) for helping the marginalized sector get out of the rut of poverty by providing loans to micro-entrepreneurs.

Over 365,000 micro business borrowers, including many who have not set foot in a bank before to get loans, were able to grow their businesses because of rural banks which joined the MABS Program. The program was launched in Mindanao in 1997 and is jointly implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the RBAP, with oversight provided by the Office of the President through the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo).  It assists privately-owned rural banks to develop their capability to profitably provide financial services – both loans and deposit services – to the micro-enterprise sector.

“Microfinance is one of the priority social services in my administration. In fact, part of the P37-billion we were able to save a year ago was returned to the people in the form of microfinance,” the President said. She commended the RBAP for helping the government in the fight against poverty. “By using your own funds, you have helped government redirect valuable resources to key social services and infrastructure projects in the rural areas which are all important undertakings in addressing poverty in the country,” she pointed. The Chief Executive saw the need for the rural banks to work with Congress on measures that they would like to see passed, such as the Credit Information Act which she is willing to certify as an urgent bill.

She thanked the USAID and the RBAP for helping the rural bankers serve the Filipino micro-entrepreneurs. She also commended the MABS Program Team for developing a true Filipino rural banking technology, as well as the rural bankers for the excellent work they have done. United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, who was also present during the occasion, said that this is a very exciting time to be in the Philippines with its economic growth reaching new heights. She noted that various business groups are investing in the country, with senior American companies like Texas Instruments putting up extraordinary facilities and major companies like Lexmark doing all their research and development in the Philippines. “It is a time of great economic growth and extraordinary opportunities in a country that is rich in natural resources,” she added. Kenney also acknowledged that the great economic resource of the country is its people who, she said “are known throughout the world as innovative, creative, educated, warm and friendly.” The US ambassador said that the greatest challenge now is in making sure that the benefits of the country’s great economic growth reach the Filipino people. (PIA-ZN)

Microsoft Philippines, under the DepEd’s Technical Vocational Training Program hosted the Nationwide Teacher Training at the Dipolog Medical Center College Foundation – College of Computer Studies last June 4 to 10, 2007. Arnold Espiritu and Peter Sanchez of IT Works, Inc., Microsoft’s training partner, educated the participants from different schools in Regions IX and X, about Core Computing and the Internet. Microsoft aims to create a strong relationship with the public education sector, cultivate a greater understanding of the need of technology in teaching, and grant access to the latest computer technologies and their proper use.

The module is composed of three (3) topics; Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications and Living On-Line. In the said training, participants are required to take and must pass three on-line exams to receive a certificate from Certiport (www.certipot.com) and become IC3 Certified.

The Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) program is the world’s first validated standards-based training and certification program for basic computing and Internet knowledge and skills. Successful completion of IC3 ensures that educators have the knowledge and skills required for basic use of computer hardware, software, networks, and the Internet. (Press Freedom, Vol. XIX No. 38)

More than P2.5 million worth of uncertified products was seized from 19 business firms during the recent monitoring and enforcement activity of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Product Standards (DTI-BPS) in Davao and General Santos City. In coordination with DTI Regions XI and XII and the Philippine Product Safety and Quality Foundation (PPSQF), the BPS Enforcement Team confiscated around 8,300 pieces of steel bars, 515 rolls of imported G.I. wires, 20,150 pieces of imported lighters, 69 pieces of LPG cylinders, and 1,273 pieces of electrical devices such as switches, outlets, and plugs.

Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila said, “Let this serve as a warning to unscrupulous businessmen that the DTI does not tolerate the sale of uncertified products and we shall not hesitate to use the full force of the law in penalizing those who would be caught in such act.” He said that the confiscated goods did not beart the Philippine Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks of quality and, thus, may be substandard and hjazardous to consumers’ life, health and safety. Undesecretary for Consumer Welfare Zenaida Cuison Maglaya added, “Curbing the proliferation of cheap, substandard goods is also a way to protect legitimate business from unfair competition and encourage them to continue offering safe and quality products to the buying public.”

Out of the 37 establishments monitored in Davao and General Santos City, a total of 19 were found selling uncertaified products. The said establishments are now facing administrative charges for violation of Republic Act 4109 or the Standardization Law, and Section 6 olf Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2, Series of 2002. The violators have been issued notices of mediation meeting to be held at the respective DTI Provincial Offices. DTI-BPS Director Jesus L. Motoomull stated that the seized products did not undergo the safety and quality tests required by the Department, making the sale of these goods unlawful. The DTI regulates the sale of critical consumer products that greatly affect life, property and health such as electrical and electronic devices, home appliances, building and construction materials, and chemical and consumer products.

Through the BPS Product Certification Scheme, all manufacturers and importers of critical products are required to have their products tested at the BPS Testing Center or at any BPS-accredited laboratory prior to sale. The Bureau issues the PS License or the ICC to the manufacturers and importers, respectively, when their products meet the safety and quality requirements of a relevant Philippine National Standard (PNS). Dir. Motoomull explained, “The PS and ICC marks are stamped or labeled on products to serve as a guide for consumers in identifying safe and quality products from substandard ones.” “With this, we urge consumers to be vigilant and to patronize only PS and IC marked products to be sure of getting their money’s worth and avoid the risks posed by substandard good,” he added. Consumers who wish to report or file a complaint regarding the sale of substandard products can call the DTI Direct hotline number 751-3330, sent DTI <space> message to 2920 (Globe and Smart), or visit DTI at 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. (The New Nandau, Vol. XVI No.53)

The Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Visual Artists, Inc. (ZANFEVA) has invited international visual artists to conduct a two-day art workshops and exhibition at the Plenary Hall, ZN Convention and Exhibition Center, Dipolog City on July 1 and 2, 2007. According to ZANFEVA President DON GURREA, the team of visual artists is led by ALMA QUINTO from the University of the Philippines, Diliman and Japanese artist MIHO NAKANISHI.  TRAUMA, INTERRUPTED (www.trauma-interrupted.org), a team composed of faculty members at the University of the Philippines, presents the HOUSE OF COMFORT ART PROJECT which aims to empower marginalized communities through a collaborative and interactive way of making art. 

This art project is a work in progress that started in 2005 and is traveling in selected areas nationwide. It is currently built from one community to another as the team touches base with women and children who participate by stitching their quilts of dreams. It is envisioned as a collapsible, modular, portable structure with a roof, walls, windows, doors, kitchen, etc. very much like a real house, but where each element of the house will represent a participant's life.  The house will be mostly made of cloth from fabric scraps, old clothes and foam.

The resultant House will be exhibited in some selected areas where the workshops were held and possibly in Japan and Mongolia.  In Dipolog, target participants are the visual artists, cultural workers, art educators and Youth Residents from the Balay Dalangpan Sa Kabataan (DSWD) in Sta. Isabel and from the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (DSWD) in Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte. (The New Nandau, Vol. XVI No.53)

The Dapitan City Water District (DapCWD) was adjudged by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) as the 2006 Outstanding Water District for Mindanao in the Medium Category. In addition to the above honor. DapCWD also received from LWUA, a Special Award for LOW OPERATING RATION, “for operating the water system at a minimal cost through efficient operation and frugal disbursement of funds.”

The two (2) awards were received by the DapCWD General Manager, Eng’r. Manuel H. Gallemit, Sr. and the Chairman of DapCWD BOD, Mr. Jasmin Z. Hamoy during the awarding ceremonies held in the evening of June 21, 2007 at the Manila Hotel.

The awarding ceremonies were apart of the culminating activities of the 2007 LWUA-WD Forum, where over 450 water districts all over the Philippines were represented by their GMs and BODs. (The New Nandau, Vol. XVI No.53)

Three faculty members of DMC-College Foundation – College of Computer Studies (DMCCF-CCS) in Dipolog City, successfully passed the IC’ (Internet and Computing Core Certification) Interna-tional Certification of CERTIPORT, U.S.A. administered by IT Works, Inc. CERTIPORT’s autho-rized testing center in the Philippines. Engr. Carlo H. Ferandos, vice dean of the CCS, Mr. Jovanie O. Talaroc, IT coordinator, and Mr. Andy S. Wong, Asso-ciate in Computer Techno-logy (ACT) coordinator, hurdled all three exams last June 5, 7 & 9, 2007 to bag their prized certificates.

CERTIPORT, a world leader in standards-based certification solutions that enable personal and professional advancement, prepares individuals with current and relevant digital skills and credentials for the competitive global workforce and is dedicated to helping people excel and succeed through certification. To become IC’ certified, an examinee must get a rating of at least 750/1,000 in Key Applications and 800/1,000 in Computing Fundamentals and Living Online.

The DMCCF community is very proud of its I.T. instructors for proving to the world, under Certiport’s globally recognized credentials, that they possess a global industry standard that validates their proficiency, productivity, and value. (The New Nandau, Vol. XVI No.53)

A case of grave coercion and usurpation was filed this week against a personnel of the Provincial Environment Development Office (PEDO) of the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte and six policemen assigned at the Police Provincial Office, Sicayab in connection with the seizure and impounding last week of two dumptructs of the city government of Dipolog loaded with mixed sand and gravel. Accused are Ronaldo Adriatico of PEDO and SPO2 Joel Diamante, SPO1Ricardo Manogura, SPO1 Mark Adrias, PO3 Cesar Maghinay, PO2 Harvel Vidad and PO1 Ariel Mellijor, all PNP members.

Aside from the above cited criminal complaint, the same persons were also made respondents in an administrative charge for grave misconduct and abuse of authority. Complainants are the two drivers of the seized and impounded dumptrucks of the city government Wilfredo Belino and Ruel Rael who alleged that they were forced to give in to the threats of the PEDO personnel especially with the presence of the six policemen who were armed with high powered long arms.

Accordingly, the drivers of the city dumptrucks were forced under threat to drive their loaded vehicles to the Provincial Capitol compound for impounding.

Usurpation also for accordingly, the PEDO personnel and policemen involved in the seizure of the loaded city dumptrucks were not duly authorized by appropriate government agency such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The seizure and impounding reportedly was the failure of the city to secure the quarrying permit from PEDO but which City Hall spokesman said was due to the delaying tactics of Capitol. It was learned that the city government through its City Engineering Office had submitted the necessary request for renewal of its quarrying permit as early as August 3, 2006 yet. But inspite of repeated follow-ups, no action was taken on the request up to this writing.  (Dipolog Chronicle, Vol.VI1 No.1)

Come July 1 and 2, a team of international artists will conduct art workshops and exhibition at the Plenary Hall, 2nd Floor, ZN Convention and Exhibition Center, Dipolog City. The TRAUMA, INTERRUPTED team (www.trauma-interrupted.org) is composed of faculty members at the University of the Philippines, Diliman and a Japanese visual artist. The HOUSE OF COMFORT ART PROJECT, as the workshop is called, aims to empower marginalized communities through a collaborative and interactive way of making art. The said art project is a work in progress that started in 2007 in Japan and is currently traveling in some selected areas nationwide. It is being built from one community to another, as the team touches base with women and children who participate by stitching their quilts of dreams. It is envisioned as a collapsible, modular, portable structure with a roof, walls, windows, doors, kitchen, comfort room, dining room, a sala, very much like a real house, but where each element of the house will represent a participant’s life. The house will be mostly made of cloth from fabric scraps, old clothes and foam. The resultant House will be exhibited in some selected areas where the workshops were held and possibly in Japan and Mongolia.

To date, the HOUSE OF COMFORT ART PROJECT has already gathered the participation of various groups and individuals - the young female survivors of CRIBS Philippines, the Japanese-Filipino children and their mothers of the NGO DAWN, ASCENT ( Asian Center for Women’s Human Rights ), MAKALAYA, KASIBULAN, ENIGMATA, students of UP Mindanao and Diliman, Davao City National High School, Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities ( PACDLD ), the Bicol evacuees, peace journalists, Moro Women from Mindanao State University, Peace and Justice Office of Silliman University, Liwawa ed Asinan Foundation ( LEAF ), Japanese artist Miho Nakanishi, Korean artists Hajo Oh and Soni Kum and Dr. Rosario del Rosario, Director of the UP Diliman Gender Office. The project is likened to a nationwide “Bayanihan” - one that provides a creative, portable, low maintenance and “fun” way to make art, cope and make sense of our traumas.

Leading the TRAUMA, INTERRUPTED team is ALMA QUINTO, an international visual artist and art educator based in Quezon City, Execon member of the NCCA - Committee on Visual Arts, past president of the Philippine Art Educators Association (PAEA) and the Kababaihan sa Sining at Bagong Sibol na Kamalayan (KASIBULAN). ALMA QUINTO graduated from the UP Diliman taking Philippine Studies and was the Philippine representative to the 8th Havana Biennial and Philippine representative to the 2nd Yokohama Art Triennale. She also organized and conducted art for healing workshops all over the country and worked with young female survivors of sexual abuse of CRIBS Philippines since 1995.

MIHO NAKANISHI is a Japan Foundation grantee and the Director of Osaka - Arts - Aporia, a non-profit organization that plans and manages experimental and contemporary art projects in Kansai District (Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya) in Japan. Miho’s group holds concerts, workshops, exhibits, forums and alternative spaces like warehouses, hospitals, trams, and office buildings. In Dipolog City, the target participants are visual artists, cultural workers, art educators and Youth Residents from the Balay Dalangpan Sa Kabataan (DSWD) in Sta Isabel, Dipolog City and from the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (DSWD) in Anastacio, Polanco, Zambo. Norte. The local organizers of the HOUSE OF COMFORT ART PROJECT in Dipolog City wish to express gratitude to Provincial Governor ATTY. ROLANDO E. YEBES and Provincial Administrator ATTY. RAFAEL Z. CABANLIT for providing the art venue for free and for giving support to the art community. (Press Freedom, Vol. XIX No. 38)

Imbes ang usa ka gobiyerno maoy modelo sa tanan kay maoy tigpatuman sa balaod mao naman hinoon ang dili makamaong mosunod sa proseso sa balaod. Kini ang nahitabo sa kagamha-nang lokal sa dakbayan sa Dipolog nga mao pay nanghulga nga mopasaka ug kaso

batok sa kagamhanang probinsyal tungod sa pag-dakop sa duha ka mga dumptrucks ug sa wala pag-renew sa ilang gi-aplayan nga sand and gravel permit. Si Atty. Jes Gal Sarmiento, Provincial Attorney ug maoy Officer-In-Charge sa Provincial Environment and Development

I have just been sworn in before you and Almighty God, the same solemn oath that my husband, Mayor Roberto Uy, made in 1998, in 2001 and in 2004. During the nine years that he served Dipolog City as your mayor, little did I know that after his full term is over, I would be taking the same oath to serve the people of Dipolog City. As a woman, I have many roles in my life: wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, friend, businesswoman, civic leader and now public servant. I must admit that although I have always been active in social development work as well as in the promotion of the local tourism industry, I was at first hesitant to engage directly in politics and run for the highest position in the city.

I spent long and agonizing hours of soul-searching and constant consultations with family and friends, as well as my fellow women in the National Council of Women in the Philippines (NCWP). They urged me to accept the challenge and prove to one and all that indeed the women of Dipolog are truly empowered. After all, empowerment starts with knowing that one can do things, no matter how hard they may be. I’m grateful that I took that challenge, and I thank God and all of you who supported me, especially the women who stood by me through the most difficult times of the campaign. I believe that in all things there is a purpose; and I stand before you and the people of Dipolog City ready to take on my role as your chosen Mayor. I know that I am faced with a formidable challenge:

First, because my immediate predecessor, my husband, Mayor Roberto Y. Uy, is a tough act to follow; And second, because as the first woman to become the Mayor of Dipolog City, much is expected of me in order to be acknowledged and appreciated. During the term of Mayor Roberto Uy, much good has been done. But with the multifarious needs and concerns of a growing community, much still remains to be done. And while my husband has laid the ground works and solid infrastructure base upon which the development of any community is anchored, my administration shall strive to build on that foundation and translate those developments into tangible results that can be felt in every barangay, in every household and in every Dipolognon. It had been the wish of the outgoing administration to have seen the operation of the Galas Feeder Port and the expansion of our city’s boulevard project. I wish to make it known to them and to our fellow Dipolognons that my administration intends to pursue that vision and make their dream a reality.

Many of you may have already known of my active involvement in the promotion and advancement of the women sector. It has been among our priority concerns in the NCWP to advance the empowerment of women thru appropriate livelihood programs and relevant skills training. Considerable success had already been achieved by the NCWP on this regard, and this I plan to integrate into my administration’s development agenda to include those in the commonly disadvantaged sectors such as our farmers and fishermen. The Galas public market structure could then be put to a more productive use as a training center for this endeavor. The City Government is not an employment agency, nor is it a charitable institution. Neither do I believe that it should continually function as such. So in order to address our people’s need for sustainable livelihood, my administration shall focus more on projects and programs that will train our people in basic skills and provide them with enough opportunities to become micro-entrepreneurs instead of perennially waiting in the sidelines to be hired as job-order or casual employees in government agencies.

Our Creator has blessed us with nature’s bounty, from the fertile soil in our lands to the abundant marine life in our seas. And with the majority of our people engaged, directly or indirectly, in agriculture and the fisheries, my administration shall strive to protect, preserve and promote this very vital sector of our community. We shall endeavor to work with the appropriate government agencies in the introduction of alternative high value crops, such as abaca and rubber which have already been shown to yield considerable returns for the farmers. We shall also undertake collaborative projects with non-governmental organizations in order to be able to provide the needed assistance to farmers and their families, especially in extending soft loans for fertilizers and other farm implements. Likewise, we shall spare no effort to protect and preserve our fisheries and sardines industry. And with the presence here today of our newly-elected Congressman as well as of our fellow public servants from neighboring municipalities, I am confident that we shall be able to forge a united front against the menace of purse seiners and other threats to the survival of our marine resources.

My fellow Dipolognons, I am not a political creature. I come before you equipped only with good intentions, bold initiatives and a mother’s quiet but iron resolve to make our city a better place for all of us. I cannot promise you anything other than my best efforts to work for the development of our city and the welfare of our people. And as our party bannered good governance in our campaign, we shall strive to promote transparency and accountability in government using the holistic and multi-sectoral approach. Thru this we shall mobilize the resources and expertise of the different sectors to share the work, lighten the load and tap the right expertise, all the while soliciting the active involvement of all the stakeholders: the women, cooperatives, businesses, NGOs, religious groups, the youth or the academe, just to name a few, for a truly participative and responsive government.

My call to you, my fellow Dipolognons, is a plea for awareness and concern. Be bold enough to step forward when called by your leaders to give yourselves in service to the poor and the least served among our people. I offer my hand to all our adversaries in the last political contest as a gesture of friendship and reconciliation. Let us set aside politics and prejudice to make room for compassion and love for our fellow Dipolognons. I believe we all share the same dream for our city’s progress and development, and this we can easily fulfill if we all work hand in hand every step of the way.In the next few weeks, I shall be meeting with my colleagues in government as well as the representatives of the different sectors so we can lay down our plans and programs for the next three years and set our priorities and timetable for action. And in all our fields of endeavor, what I offer is leadership by example; a leadership based on the principle of people empowerment; a leadership rooted in the Christian ideals of a just, free and peaceful society.

Before I end, please allow me to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the people who have been instrumental in putting me where I am now. First in the list of course is my mother who is here today to witness this momentous occasion. My mother taught me through her example how to love God and God’s people, especially the poor and the needy. She molded me into the woman that I am now. I extend my compliments and high praises to my husband, Mayor Roberto Y. Uy, the humble and unassuming person whose dedication to service and deep spirituality have set a good example for me and our children. I also thank him for allowing me to become my own person.

I thank my children and their spouses, for the love and understanding they have given me all these years; my brothers and sisters, my parents-in-law and brothers and sisters-in-law, and all our relatives for the unwavering support and constant encouragement. I am indeed richly blessed to have such a family! I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the chairmen and their fellow officials in the barangays, my party-mates, the city government employees, my friends, even those I don’t know personally but who give their support, and most especially the youth and the women who were with me from the break of dawn till very late at night in the rallies and campaign sorties all over the city. They certainly lifted my spirit up and gave me the inspiration to go on with the fight during those dark and trying times. To all of you, I say Thank You from the bottom of my heart, and God bless us all.

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

Your faith is in direct relation to the level of the word in you.  Get your word level up so that you can believe spiritually, mentally, physically, financially and socially.  Thus you will be in the position to handle any problem that comes your way according to the word of God.  You may not have the answer but God has!  Getting through to you is His only difficulty. God always knows the answer, but we are not always in a position to hear what He is saying. If you know how to use God’s ability to receive healing and never use it to help anyone but yourself, then it won’t work for you very long.  If you can believe God for healing, help someone else get healed.  Spread it around.  If you know how to believe God financially, start helping the people around you.  You will begin to grow as you reach out to others.

In John 14:18-23, Jesus was teaching His disciples and gave the perfect outline of prosperity, I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more but you see me, because I live, ye shall live also.  At that day ye shall know that I am in my father, and ye in me, and I in you.  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.  Judas saith unto him not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us.  And not unto the world?  Jesus, answered and said unto him.  If a man loves me, he will keep my words, and my father will love him, and will come unto Him, and make our abode with Him.

BIBLE BITES!! Become what you believe.  Do you believe that God can help you to rise above your obstacles?  To live in health, abundance healing, and victory?  Remember you will become what you believe, consider this, you are today what you believe, about yourself yesterday and you will be tomorrow what you believe about yourself right now. Receive what you believe! (Press Freedom, Vol. XIX No. 38)

Dipolog Chronicle Editorial
On our anniversary: We reiterate our commitment to inform, serve

This paper is six years old now and starting on its seventh year of continued existence. It may not be as great but inspite of some stormy experiences along the way, it has survived. And still it has stood on its simple but noteworthy principle of serving the community through true information and stand as the melting pot for the formation of balance and sound public opinion.

On this our anniversary, our commitment to continue our service to the community and the people is reiterated on the same level if not better still. May we call on your continued support and patronage for we admit we would not be here if not for you. We are grateful to our benefactors, our clients, our advertizers and the general reading, possibly appreciating, public. Continue reading and subscribing to the Dipolog CHRONICLE. You are our life.