In line with the celebration of Philippine National Law Week, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Zamboanga del Norte Chapter conducted Jail Decongestion Project in the City Jails of Dapitan and Dipolog on September 22, 2007. Philippine National Law Week is observed every third week of September pursuant to Proclamation No. 640 signed by President Fidel V. Ramos on September 1, 1995.

According to Atty. Rubencio B. Legorio, president of the IBP Local Chapter, the IBP Lawyers had interviewed 94 inmates in the City Jail of Dapitan in the morning by gathering data of their duration of detention, status of their cases and other legal matters needed in the early disposal of their cases thereby unclogging the court dockets.

In the afternoon of the same day, the IBP lawyers conducted Jail Decongestion in the City Jail of Dipolog and this time, they were joined by the Medical and Dental Team that Mayor Evelyn T. Uy had sent in response to the request of the IBP. The Medical and Dental Team was headed by Dr. Cecilio P. Siglos, together with Dr. Rowel J. Mata, Dr. Emmanuel Quicio, Dr. Karen A. Yu and with the assistance of Ms. Charmie A. Yu, Ms. Ana Concepcion Penados, Mr. Jaime Duran and Mr. Vicente Dacua. The City Jail of Dipolog which has a total number of 366 inmates received legal, medical and dental services that lasted up to 6:00 o’clock in the afternoon. (Press Freedom, Vol. XIX No. 51)

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. Email: freedom_nandau @yahoo.com

NEW YORK (via PLDT) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred on Wednesday evening (Sept. 26, New York time) presidential awards on members of the Filipino-American community in northeast United States who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of endeavor. Conferred the Order of Lakandula Award, rank of Grand Officer, was Philippine Consul General Cecilia B. Rebong of the Philippine Consulate in New York. The presidential awardee was the Chief Presidential Protocol Officer in 2002-2004 before her posting here. The awarding ceremony was held at the Waldorf Astoria Towers during the President’s reunion with the core leaders of the Filipino communities in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Bestowed the Presidential Medal of Merit Award was noted Filipino playwright Alberto Florentino. Florentino, whose first work as a playwright won the Palanca Award in 1954, is also credited with helping six major Filipino writers join the ranks of National Artists for Literature. The President also pre-sented a certificate of recog-nition to the members of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) task force for the National Council Licensure Examination (NLEX) for its “initiative and efforts in campaigning at the US National Council for State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for the Philippines to be declared an international testing site for Filipino Aspirants to the nursing profession in the United States.”  The PNAA was also cited for “undauntingly carrying on the cause, in spite of the long wait and the disappointments, never giving up hope but instead soliciting partners and supporters, traveling regularly to the Philippines and back, campaigning vigorously for success.”

On the other hand, Filipino veterans of World War II living in the United States handed the President a letter of appreciation for her “constant support for their quest for US recognition.” The Filipino WWII veterans, who were stripped of their benefits in 1946, have finally triumphed over adversity after the veterans committee of both Houses of the US Congress passed the Veterans Equity Bill. “The Filipino veterans are closer than they have ever been to having their rights and privileges restored,” through the support of the President who had personally brought their problem with US President George W. Bush. (PIA-ZN)

Zamboanga del Norte products sold like hotcakes during the WoW Philippines Regional Showcase held in Pagadian City  earning about P100,00 in just one week.

Senior Agriculturist Maybelle Bustaliño disclosed that the province of ZaNorte earned a total of P13,547.00 in just one day during the WOW Zampen opening.

ZaNorte displayed a variety of famous delicacies and specialties such as native products, fresh fruits, spices, handicrafts, processed foods like  kaong, alamang, dayok, dugos, peanut butter, suka, Virgin Coconut Oil and ZaNorte’s first green mango jam that is processed at Irasan Multi-processing plant in the municipality of Roxas.

Comparing to other provinces that joined the WOW Zampen, Pagadian residents cited ZaNorte as the only province who brought an assortment of items displayed during the product and tourism showcase.

Flora Miraflor, DTI Senior Trade and Industry Specialist of Zamboanga del Sur lauded the province of ZaNorte in their participation and display of products made by the different livelihood organizations of the province.

“This time around, the province of Zamboanga del Norte did not only focus on its already popularly “Sardinas ug Manga” but explored, innovated and made use of other existing resources with the full cooperation from the different sectors,” she added.

“They diversified products originally made by the people of ZaNorte making it known that ZaNorteans are hardworking and are not relying on the provincial government’s assistance, doing each of their share in the society making a livelihood,” Miraflor further stressed. – BY: Diana Marie Villaflores-Tanzo, PIC/NBN11

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured today that the P1.326-billion Sibuco-Siraway-Siocon-Baliguian (SSSB) Road project in this province would be finished as scheduled in 2009 to bring development and prevent the access of terrorists in the area.

In a media interaction following the inauguration of the Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center here, the President said the road project would now be undertaken by the Engineering Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) since the private contractors of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are shying away due to the presence of lawless elements in the area.

"Because this is really a very poor and very remote area, maybe it should not be given to the private contractors because they are afraid of going there. It is a missionary area. If necessary, we will assign the Engineering Brigade to be the one to carry it out," she explained.

The President said she would apprise Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane of this development.

She said the road network area is where American Gracia Burnham was rescued by government troops and where her captor, then Abu Sayyaf chief Abu

Sabaya, was killed back in 2002.

"That is the area that we want to bring development because the poverty and the isolation make it easy for them to hide these lawless elements," the President pointed out.

The road network is part of the 20 priority road projects that the government is improving, rehabilitating or constructing by 2010.

Once finished, the road network project is expected to improve the peace and order, socio-economic, and cultural linkages in Zamboanga del Norte by providing access to the centers of agricultural, industrial, fishing, commercial and tourism activities.

The province's agricultural products include cacao and cassava, aside from the coconut oil mill in Sirawai town which is being shipped to key cities in the country via Siocon town or this city.

The road project which traverses the towns of Sibuco, Sirawai, Siocon and Baliguian in Zamboanga del Norte is part of the President's concept of spurring development in the super regions through the rehabilitation and establishment of road and sea networks. (PIA-ZN)

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said here today that half-priced medicines would reach more Filipinos, particularly the less privileged ones, when she pushes through with her state visit to India on Oct. 4-5.

The President announced this during the media interaction after she inaugurated the Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center in this capital city this afternoon.

"My number one agenda there (visit to India) is precisely to spread the availability of half-priced medicines to our local governments and also to our private sector," the President said.

For 2008, the President said the national government is allotting about P370 million to the Department of Health (DOH) for the purchase of half-priced medicines for distribution to local government units and government hospitals nationwide.

At the same time, the President said P1 billion has been allocated to the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) for the purchase of half-priced medicines from India next year.

She said about 4,000 more Botika ng Barangay and Botika ng Bayan would be established this year throughout the country so more people, especially in the rural areas, can avail themselves of half-priced medicines.

By next year, the President said a total of 15,000 Botikas would be available nationwide.

President Arroyo also clarified that the purchase and importation of half-priced medicines is not a monopoly of the PITC.

"Anybody who wants to buy half-priced medicines from India can do so even without going through PITC," she said.

The President invited members of the drug industry to take the opportunity to buy half-priced medicines from India during her state visit there.

What is important, the President said, is that half-priced medicines reach out to more Filipinos, particularly the less privileged.

"Dapat siguraduhin nating malusog ang ating mga pamilya upang makapaghanap-buhay ang mga magulang, makapag-aral ang mga bata, at makapagpundar ng magandang bukas ang lahat ng mamamayan," the President said.

During her state visit to India, the President said she would also work out possible air agreements with India for the domestic carriers such as the Philippine Air Lines (PAL), Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and Asian Spirit.

"Hopefully they can take advantage of the air rights that India is giving us," she said.

The President said she would also entice other big ticket investments and take advantage of India's pioneering technology in jathropa, a diesel fuel substitute. She added that jathropa’s massive propagation in the country “is one of our contributions to help avert climate change and stop harmful emissions” from further destroying the ozone layer.

"India and China already are the biggest countries (in terms of population) and the fastest growing economies in the world. We really should not be left behind from their radar screen," the President said. (PIA-ZN)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has issued Administrative Order No. 196 empowering the Secretary of National Defense and concurrent Chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) to declare the suspension of classes in times of disasters or calamities. Under the AO she signed last Sept. 11, the President empowered the DND secretary and NDCC chair to suspend classes at any and or all levels nationwide as well as in specific localities during times of disasters or calamities, whether natural or man-made. These include typhoons, earthquakes, floods, conflagrations and the like.

The concurrent DND secretary and NDCC chair, Gilberto Teodoro, is also authorized to direct all the appropriate agencies for the implementation of the suspension of classes. In signing the AO, the President said she is giving importance on quick and speedy decision-making in the suspension of classes which, according to her, is necessary in times of disasters or calamities “to spare the pupils, students and the public from unnecessary troubles as well as dangers to their lives and limbs.” “The secretary of National Defense (SND) as concurrent chairman of the NDCC is in the best position to readily assess whether there is a need to suspend classes in times of disasters or calamities,” the President said in her order.

It also tasked the SND and concurrent NDCC chairman to immediately inform the Office of the President through the Executive Secretary of his decision to suspend classes. The AO, the President emphasized, does not nullify the powers of other government officials and school heads and administrators to suspend classes for the protection and safety of the students, faculty and personnel of the school. (PIA-ZN)

For Indigenous Peoples, the visual arts are central to identity, place and belonging, and an expression of a unique and enduring tradition. Thus, the visual arts have an important place in the continuing survival of Indigenous Peoples and their cultures. In the Philippines, Indigenous Peoples’ visual arts provide subsistence livelihood through handicrafts and souvenir production. However, unique and distinct examples of fine art can be seen in practically every corner of the country. From the “Fish” at the Deep Forest Resort in Palawan to the piece called “Earth” near Baguio, from Ifugao baskets and carvings in Northern Luzon to the colorful and evocative weavings from Mindanao, ample evidence can be found of outstanding examples of world-class art. A mechanism needs to be developed to expose the best art to the world and to expand the sector beyond subsistence livelihood.

The mission of the KALINAWA ART FOUNDATION is to build on the inherent talent of the Indigenous People of the Philippines by creating institutional mechanisms to contribute to building a visual fine arts sector that celebrates their culture, promotes talent, develops skills, facilitates training and builds cross-cultural education. Results will be measured by the increased visibility and understanding of Indigenous People and improved income for participating artists. KALINAWA ART FOUNDATION provides assistance for the development of the Indigenous Peoples’ Art sector in the Philippines through a series of different activities. In order to promote Indigenous Peoples’ visual arts, a series of exhibitions built around a competition and sales of the art has been held in various regional centers. While the program of regional exhibitions will be ongoing, the intent is to establish a regular National Indigenous Peoples’ art exhibition in Manila, to which winners from various regional competitions will be invited to present their work.

To create a sustainable activity, a focus on more than creating art is needed. The KALINAWA ART FOUNDATION will work with others to establish copyright standards to protect the art and foster institutional mechanisms to maximize the opportunities for Indigenous Peoples’ visual arts that are consistent with the Indigenous Peoples’ cultures and communities. By continuing to provide information and material support for building community based arts infrastructure to support the development of the Indigenous Peoples’ visual art sector, the FOUNDATION also provides support for the development of the entire visual art community. NEW BEGINNINGS: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ VISUAL FINE ARTS OF THE PHILIPPINES. (The New Nandau, Vol. XVII No.13)

The Kalinawa Art Foundation, in partnership with Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Visual Artist (ZANFEVA), will hold its 2nd Indigenous People’s visual art show, Internet auction and competition in Dipolog City from October 01-October 08, 2007 at the Goodtimes Café & Gallery along Lopez Jaena and Garcia Sts., Registration will begin on October 01, 2007 from 8:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. and continue the next day from 08:00 a.m to 05:00 p.m. Php 36,000.00 prize money will be divided among the winners of four various categories and will be awarded during the closing ceremony. The following categories will be considered for the competition:

Traditional – Pieces based on Indigenous traditional knowledge and /or materials.
Youth – Submissions by artists under 18 years old.
Contemporary Two Dimensional – Any two dimensional medium excluding photography. Includes but is not limited to paintings, drawings, tapestries and etchings.
Contemporary Three Dimensional – Any three dimensional medium, including, but not limited to sculpture, pottery and terracotta.

The exhibition will show-case the artistry of the Indigenous People, high-lighting the continuity of their traditional arts and their relationship to present day identity. To the Indigenous Peoples, the visual arts are central to enduring tradition. The mission of the KALINAWA ART FOUNDATION (www. kalinawa.com)  is to build on the inherent talent of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines by creating institutional mechanisms to develop a visual fine arts industry that celebrates their culture, promotes talent, develops skills, facilitates training and builds cross cultural education. Results will be measured by the increase visibility and understanding of Indigenous People and im-proved income for participating artists.

Goodtimes Café is actually a private mini-park of about 1,000 square meters centered on a two-story ancestral house with an art gallery in the left sideyard. A pension house at the right, and an Indigenous open chapel in the back area. The owner, Ed Tabancura, a native Dipolognon whose expertise in coffee house management goes back to his experience with the first Goodtimes Café in Ermita Manila. http://goodtimes .mindanaoculture.com.

ZANFEVA is an organi-zation of dedicated artists based in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. They aim to elevate art awareness among the populace, create new opportunities for im-proving economic benefits to promote creative development for all artists

Mayor Evelyn T. Uy is happy to welcome the Foundation again and she has committed to attend the event and participate in the ribbon cutting. The opening ceremony for the exhibit is scheduled on October 04, 2007 at 04:00 p.m. The exhibit will then be open to the public from 08:00 a.m to 05:00 p.m. from October 05 Friday up to October 08 Monday. The art is also available for sale on the Internet at www.ebay.com from October 02, at 9:00 p.m. until October 05, at 9:00 p.m. and at a community sale on October 06 – 07 from 08:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the curator will be Mr. Don Gurrea, president of ZANFEVA and regional representative of the visual art committee of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Subanen Cultural Masters of Pagadian and Subanen from Barangay Cogon will give presentations and perfor-mances at both the opening and closing ceremonies.

There will be two side events during the week-long event. One is a talk on the “intangibility of Art and the Tangible Need of the Artist” by Mr. Willie Arseña, a respected artist in Zamboanga and former owner of Recuerdos Art Gallery. The second is a presentation on “Organizing and Curating Indigenous Peoples’ Focused Events and Exhibition, Insights on Process and Outputs” by Mr. Nestor Horfilla, an artist, researcher, theater director, scriptwriter, teacher and administrator. Mr. Horfilla is a major force in the propagation of cultural work as part of development in the regions. (The New Nandau, Vol. XVII No.13)

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ VISUAL ART SHOW DIPOLOG CITY

For further information on this release, please contact:
Requel Palma Gil or Dhorie Santos
Kalinawa Art Foundation
Voice: (632) 759-3681
E-mail: info@kalinawa.com
Website: www.kalinawa.com

More and more ZaNorteans came in to enlist themselves at the Community Development Assistance Unit as the LANDO-BIBO program continues to extend help to everyone. Mrs. Julieta Batal of Polo, Dapitan expressed how grateful she is to be a LANDO BIBO member.

Batal testified that being a LANDO-BIBO frees her from any hospital bill. After filling up a form from the CDAU office, she then got her certification to be presented to the Provincial Hospital where her son was confined. Mrs. Irenita Reyes’s husband of Olingan, Dipolog City, another beneficiary of the LANDO-BIBO said that it was his own will to register in the program. He said that LANDO-BIBO is indeed a big help to indigent families.

Mrs. Teresita Elman of Sidalman, Dipolog City retorted in Visayan, “OK kaayo kay mao kini nakatabang sa duha nako ka anak.” Elman narrated being a LANDO-BIBO member helped her family a lot in the hospitalization of her 2 siblings. Mrs. Joseminda Elorta from Manukan is also happy and thankful for LANDO-BIBO. About 547 benificiaries are reported to be enlisted in LANDO-BIBO in January 2007, disclosed Mr. Aquino Sumalpong of CDAU, and more are coming in to be registered everyday.

Meanwhile, 455 LANDO-BIBOs availed of free medicines from the CDAU in January 2007 alone. CDAU Community Officer, Mrs. Teodosia C. Pizon disclosed that Dipolog City has the most number of residents who asked for medicines from their office. Pizon also said that generic medicines are available in CDAU. LANDO-BIBOs only have to present their doctors prescription, she added.

Creating a community of beneficiaries, LANDO-BIBO took root on May 2005 through the initiative of Gov. Rolando Yebes under E.O. 4, where about 54,000 households are involved today. If you are happy, smart and have the zest in life – be a LANDO BIBO.

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced today that a P200-million allocation has been included in the 2008 budget for the construction of the runway extension of the airport in this city.

"Gusto nato ang mas maayo nga airport sa Pagadian. So, your request for the construction of the runway extension to accommodate bigger planes has been given fund allocation and another P30 million has been realigned from last year's budget for this runway extension project.

“An additional P200 million for the runway extension has been incorporated in the 2008 budget,” she said during the 55th Zamboanga del Sur anniversary celebration held at the provincial government center in Dao, this city.

She congratulated Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Aurora Cerilles for the ongoing construction of a medical center in this province and also greeted her on her 58th birthday.

The President said she had instructed Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane to immediately release P30 million for the construction of the Pagadian-Zamboanga Road, the longest road in the area that forms part of the Bagadian-Buug section.

As part of the government's infrastructure project, she told the Zamboanguenos that P55 million is still available for the ongoing construction of farm-to-market roads from Dumalinao to Pagadian City and 20 percent of the P47 million remains available also for the farm-to-market road project for Tukuran while a P5 million rehabilitation fund has been allocated for the farm-to-market roads in Dumingag, Sominot, San Pablo, Midsalip and Pitogo, and P30 million for farm-to-market roads in Bayog, Kumalarang, Margosatubig, Tigbao and Sagun.

She noted that next year, 12,000 classrooms will be built in the whole country along with 2,000 kilometers of national roads.

She said that the national government will spend P116 billion for infrastructure projects and P8 billion to bring water to 111,000 hectares of farmland, of which P2.4 billion has been set aside for Mindanao. Of the P6-billion allocated to build or repair 5,000 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, another P2 billion will go to Mindanao.

"The state of our economy at this 55th anniversary of Zamboanga del Sur brings hope and excitement, our growth is the highest in a generation while revenue is now on track and we will make job creation strong,” the President said. (PIA-ZN)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo instructed government agencies today to comply with Republic Act No. 6685 giving priority to residents of areas where government projects are being undertaken.

The President said it is imperative to simultaneously address the issues of generating employment from public works projects and making them transparent.

"I hereby instruct the agencies to comply with R.A. 6685,” she said in her speech at the 55th Zamboanga del Sur anniversary celebration at the provincial government complex in Barangay Dao here.

R.A. 6685, according to the President, requires contractors to hire workers from among the residents of the province, town or barangay where the project is to be undertaken.

She said the twin objectives of generating jobs and instilling transparency in infrastructure projects can be met if beneficiaries themselves are the ones given the jobs.

"For the citizens and their government, this is a mutually beneficial partnership,” the President said.

She pointed out that the people can get paid and thereby directly partake of the infrastructure spending while the government benefits not only from quality workmanship of stakeholders but also ensure that work meets specifications and timetable.

The President noted that the people will then have sweat and equity on government investment even as they earn from the public works construction “which are essentially a reimbursement for the taxes they pay.”

She added that it would tap the bayanihan spirit of the people which has been “the animating force behind civic enterprises in the communities.”

"Most important, honorable work by ordinary people will make contractors honor their commitments. This is the kind of people power we need, one that marshals grassroots industry to bring integrity to government projects,” she stressed. (PIA-ZN)

As a cultural worker, I had the opportunity to visit for the first time Barangay Pange in Siayan last September 21, 2007. The name of that barangay was derived from a tree known by the Subanen as pange. Barangay Pange is one of the 16 barangays created during the declaration of Siayan as municipality on January 23, 1967. About 38 kilometers from Siayan proper, Pange is situated along the Provincial boundary between the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. It is bounded on the North by Barangay Macasing, Siayan; on the east by the Municipality of Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur; on the south by the Municipality of Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur; and on the west by Barangay Guibo, Siayan. With a population of about 1,100 and situated in one of the most rugged terrains in Zamboanga peninsula, Pange is known to be the poorest barangay in the country without passable roads, no electricity, no potable water system, and no health and Daycare centers. Being geographically remote and almost inaccessible to public transportation, Pange is also socio-economically vulnerable to anti-government insurgency. As a cultural bearer, one of my main concerns is the preservation of the Subanen cultural heritage. Ninety-nine percent of residents in Pange are Subanen by blood yet, Subanism is hardly felt in that area except for the language spoken to communicate with each other.

Their colorful traditional costumes and unique cultural implements are now just relegated to mere ceremonial functions. Although, occasionally they perform traditional Subanen rituals like Buklog, Pakano, Gam-pang and other ceremonies, they have become lack-luster, less colorful, intensity-waning and there is a notable decline in participation especially among the younger generation. These cultural deteriorations are attributed mainly to acculturation, religious assimilation and lack of understanding and support for the Subanen culture and heritage. When GOVERNOR ROLANDO E. YEBES went to Barangay Pange last September 21 to celebrate his 58th birthday, he instantly made a historical footnote being the “first Governor to visit Barangay Pange in Siayan”.

And consistent with his slogan “Una sa Tanan, Ang Katawhan”, the Governor went to Pange not only to celebrate his birthday. Provincial Information Officer and CDAU Head RONILO C. PACILAN pointed out that it was part of a bigger scheme “to reach out and connect”, solidifying the foundation of the community towards progress. First and foremost, was the presence of the Provincial Health Office led by DR. CARMENCITA P. ICAO to activate health and sanitation services? Other basic programs brought to Pange under the “Tabang ni Lando sa Communidad” (TLC) include Agricultural Programs, Social and Cultural Services, Nutrition, Medical Services and Lando-BIBO, and other extended services. Witnessing the real educational situation in the barangay, Public School Division Superintendent HABIB ADZHAR H. SARAHADIL declared on the spot to add more teachers and classrooms for the growing number of school children in that area. The road to Barangay Pange is the principal witness to the people’s socio-cultural, political, economic, and religious situation. That same road brought Government officials and employees as well as private leaders and organizers to see for themselves the realities, experiences, the labors and aspirations of the community. The long and winding road ends in Pange, but definitely, it is not the end of the promise for a brighter future. (Press Freedom, Vol. XIX No. 51)

“My journey to the top as the number 1 Army soldier of the land has been characterized by many risks, challenges and occasional twists and turns along the way” ang unod sa mensahe

Good day Philippines and Hello ZaNorte!

The good and bad news are here again! Opps!!!… How are you doing men and women in Zanorte especially those who were hit by my sturdy punches in my past columns?  Sakit ba mga friends? Di ba I told you nga SHODI na magpabuyag sa katilingban. Sir, Ma’am anong petcha na?

This is it!

Ø Let’s start with the good news. My congratulations again to Governor Rolando Yebes for being the 2007 Presidential Gawad Lingkod Bayan Awardee by the Civil Service Commission. Bongga kaayo nga award oi. Wala jud bitaw naka-receive sukad ang ubang Governor dinhi sa atong province. Akong friend nga si Gani, Most Outstanding Governor ra man to siya pero daghan man pod sila. In other words dili kaayo prestigious para nako. Oh.. LAVAN mo ni Gov. LANDO? Keep up the good work! 

Ø Nice daw kaayo ang Zanorte Presentation sa WOW Zampen Regional Showcase 2007 didto sa Pagadian, Zambo Sur. Good job again to the Provincial Government of Zanorte headed by Gov. Lando Yebes and the excellent supervision of the 3 Attorneys namely IVAN, FLINT and ALAN of the Provicial Tourism Council to the delegates coming from Dipolog Medical Center and Saint Vincent’s College. As I heard there were also free-lancer dancers, talented singers, charming and alluring TOP MODELS in our province who have shown their extraordinary talents. My salute also to my creative and talented friends, BUDDY and JAYSON who directed the entire show. Ug wala pod siguro sila di pod pwedi mahimong successful ang presentation. Naara silay incentives nimo GOV?  Ayy mga IFA jud ako mga friends oi. Wala pay moparang ninyo dinhi sa Zanorte. (RATSKI ar!!!)

Ø Daghan pod daw sales ang OPA sa Agri Product Display sa WOW Zampen. DAFAT lang jud kay abunda gyod pod ta diri ug agri products. To Atty. Bernado Concha who will be retiring in public service, may you have good life ahead of you! Thanks for your contibution to the Provincial Government.

Ø Let’s get ready to rumble…. Ayyy ako sister nga si Tita Macleng, nanumbag diay ni Mr. Joseph Tirada?. Ano ba yan?  Boksingero na diay ako sister after naka decide siya maghimo ug BEAUTY SALON sa Dipolog PNP?  Hoy! Double blade diay ka?  Dapat uuwi ka nalang sa Maynila at doon maghasik ng lagim. Bruhahaha! What is the immediate actions that suppose to be taken by our PNP Provincial Director? I think, this is not a mere joke.  Dapat makauwi ka na sa Maynila, hindi ka bagay dito sa Dipolog. Ladies and gentlemen let’s sing this song. “CHARING NAILAD KO NI MACLENG, CHARING NANGUPAW UG NANUMBAG SI DODONG MACLENG”  ( Ayy vongacious ateh!!!!)

Ø Nag- wonder jud ko aning atong syudad oi. Duda ko, napa japon mga lawog-lawog sa politika. Di kaha si Madame, hate japon niya si Jospeh Herrera kay kusog man mamomba sa iya radio program againts UY administration? I thought, politics is over and each one should deliberate to its respective responsiblities as public servant.  Makadaot jud ni sa imahe sa ato syudad ug sa probinsya, di ba? Samot nga ang Dipolog wala juy progress.. (naging bad na ba si KOKEY?)

Ø Oyy, ni suggest diay akong friend nga taga AVS-CVN nga si Tita Macleng DAPAT magpa-audition sa Pinoy Vig Sister. Juice ko, DURIAN juice! Dili kaha niya pang-upawan make overan ang mga housemates sa PVS House? Or mo-confess siya sa National TV and say….. I’m an UGLY GAY!!!!! (Moparang ka ni Rustom?)  TRULALO EKLAVOH!!!

Ø Bwahahahaha. Daghang jud mga chiefs of offices ang gusto makahibalo who’s behind this column? Kay ngano, nabuking namo sa inyong mga KAHANGALAN sa life? Pwes!!! Magpakabait kayo katulad nga GOVERNOR ninyo!! Aron makadawat pod mo ug award. Pero JUICE KO, imposible jud kay wala mo ga-CARE sa katawhan.. HINDI KO KAYO TITIGILAN, HANGGANG BUMAIT KAYO! Chuvaness!! Nger-nger ekek!

Ø There is a certain Super Mario in the office of the Provincial Administrator. Hoyy!! murag nagpasikat na pod ka dodong! Ano ba KUYA? STOP na kay daghan ng gihilasan nimo pre.  ( Pare pa kiss naman dyan!!)

Ø That’s all folks kay akong boyfriend makig-adto sa kanto makig-kaon ug balot kanang 30 days (ay manuhik naman ang piso ana no?)  I’ll see you around. Sige BYE!!! (Mindanao Star, Vol.III No.35)

How does a local government build a communications network for educational purposes? Information technology has jumped by leaps and bounds in the last few years, but the classical triumvirate of manpower, infrastructure and content (MIC) has remained unchanged until now.

**

As I interviewed a local public schools superintendent, I arrived at the conclusion that existing government plans to build an education network is too heavily focused on the infrastructure side, and that is essentially the basic defect of the present approach.

**

As aptly analyzed by that superintendent, no amount of high tech infra would succeed if the teachers (representing the manpower component), would not use it. As I see it, this appears to be a cultural problem, in the sense that the users themselves would need to develop a digital lifestyle in order to get into the act of working electronically.

**

Commenting on a similar subject, Senator Mar Roxas says that content should be given more priority over infra. He says that high tech infra would be useless if the content is still low tech. Well put, but on the practical side, what is needed I think is a good balance of all the three MIC components, working together like a Holy Trinity.

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Partly kidding, I spread the word among techno savvy people that I would put up a “Band-Aid” network that would be a patchwork of all available bandwidth, just to prove the point that there is no need to put up an entirely new broadband network. To my surprise, the idea was taken seriously by those who knew and understood what I meant.

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There is no shame in building a patchwork network, especially if it is built by a supposedly poor developing country like ours. Truth to tell, even the richer, more developed countries are using patchwork networks, and these are working just as well. Speaking seriously this time, I say that a patchwork network could be built using existing bandwidth, whatever is available.

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For more information about public governance, email iseneres@yahoo.com

How do we know the will of God? If God’s greatest desire for you is that you fulfil His will, and your greatest desire is to do His will, there shouldn’t be any difficulty. If ever, there is a difficulty, somewhere along the line you have created it. The specific will of God for us will only be found within the general will of God for all His people. There are four things the new testament states as being God’s will for us, and it will be within obedience to these specific instructions that His will for us personally will be found. The first will of God, is that we be Holy. His will for us that we should avoid sexual immorality, that each of us should learn to control our own body, in a way that is holy and honourable. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4,  says, God wants you to be holy, so you should keep clear of all sexual sin V-4, then each of you will control your body and live in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion as the Pagans do, in their ignorance of God and His ways.

The appetite for food is as big, if not bigger cause of sin than sexual appetite. The second will of God, is that we be thankful. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, says, no matter what happens always be thankful for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. This verse does not say that we should give thanks for all circumstances but in all circumstances, God is always bigger than the problems and His will for us is that we never cease to recognize that, being constantly thankful to Him for all that He is, and for all that He is doing. The third will of God, is that we are good. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted amongst men, for it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. (Taken in the bible in 1Peter 2:13-15) The fourth will of God, is that we suffer. In 1 Peter 4:19, says, so if you are suffering according to God’s will, keep on doing what is right, and trust yourself to the God who made you, for He will never fail you. When God gives you a vision of His purpose for your Life, it is that you might still believe it when the going is tough and it all seems impossible. Finally, to discover the particular will of God for our lives we must be living within the general framework of His will.

BIBLE BITES!!

The most dangerous time in your life is when you don’t have a need. Self sufficiency begins to form on your life, you think God is unnecessary, your faith becomes unuse. (Press Freedom, Vol. XIX No. 51)

LINGUA FRANCA
By Vicente B. Sanchez, Jr.
BARANGAY AFFAIRS MUST BE SERIOUSLY TREATED

It is now unlikely that the synchronized barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) election will be postponed. As of yesterday, a lot of men and women around the country have already filed their Certificates of Candidacy for various barangay and SK positions. The gun ban and the ban for making appointments to government service have since been affected starting yesterday. Everything is put in place for the said elections. Truly, barangay affairs, may it be social, economic, or political, mustn’t be treated very ligthly. We have to remember that a barangay is a basic unit of our government. It reflects the brand of democracy we Filipinos are playing with. Theirs affairs should be given much importance by our national, regional, provincial and municipal leaderships.

I like the way Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, 4th District) showed his care to our barangays. He filed a bill seeking to amend the Local Government Code in order to provide basic salaries for elected barangay officials. And I believe he is doing well his job as a real representative because of the bill he filed. (Unlike one of our representatives here in the province who answered out of synch to a very simple question from the president during her visit here just recently. He...he...he...) That barangay officials deserves to be given better pay, considering that they are the “front runners” of the local government units, is a fact that we cannot deny. Whenever there are “pity wars” staged by and between armed men, constituents or not, of their barangays, it is the barangay officials’ lives which are put to risk in settling such dispute at once. The barangay officials, in comparison with other elective local government officials of the land, receive a relatively low income and benefit. Such a scenario is very discouraging and brings low morale. As of now, barangay officials are only receiving honoraria, which will depend on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the barangays.

What is commendable about the Salimbangon’s proposal is that provision of his bill seeking to provide a salary of not less than P6,000 a month for barangay captains and P3,000 a month for all other barangay officials including tanods and members of Lupong Tagapamayapa. And as proposed, this amount is exclusive of allowances and other emoluments they are permitted by law to receive.   Right now, officials of bigger barangays and those with higher income get a bigger honorarium than those serving in poor barangays.  Lastly, I would like to challenge the provincial officials  to look into this! Generally, barangay officials in this republic also do not have insurance. Why do we not enroll them in the GSIS group accident insurance at the expense of the Zamboanga del Norte Provinciual Government? This will certainly stir high their morale in doing their job. Should our provincial government do this, our province will not only be said as the FIRST PROVINCE to take good care of its barangay officials, but the FIRST PROVINCE to treat the affairs of its barangys very seriously!  What do you think, Gov. Lando? (The New Nandau, Vol. XVII No.13)

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. Email: freedom_nandau @yahoo.com

“We only eat two times a day…”
BY: DIANA MARIE V. TANZO

“We only eat two times a day, having breakfast and dinner to save some food for our next meal,” a Pange resident laments.

Looking beyond rose-colored lenses, Timo-ay Melecio Antobo of Pange, Siayan divulged the real situation in their barangay during the Governor Rolando E. Yebes’ birthday celebration.

Antobo explained that due to the heightened poverty in their area, the residents only eat two times a day, which became a daily basis in a very long time.

Declared the poorest barangay in the whole Philippines, Antobo hopes that Gov. Yebes will ease Pange’s poverty situation saying, “This is the first time that a Governor visited our barangay after such a long time and we are happy about that!”

Pange barangay captain, Donesio Lintason stressed the need for roads, which makes them grateful to Gov. Yebes and to Mayor Wilfredo “Nonoy” Siasico, Jr. who are working hard for the completion of roads up to the poblacion.

Lintason also stressed the importance of a health center in their barangay that the Governor positively responded.

For his part, Mayor Siasico was pleased that their barangay was the venue for Gov. Yebes birthday celebration so he could see the real situation of the Brgy. Pange, hopeful that it will be no longer dubbed ‘the poorest barangay.’ “I look forward to the day when Brgy. Pange’s status will also level with other barangays in Siayan,” Mayor Siasico added.

Mayor Siasico is urging his constituents to start planting rubber trees to improve their livelihood giving one hectare of land to farm to each of the households in Brgy. Pange.

Former vice-mayor and Sangunian Bayan Member Rudy Dominise stressed that such development is a great move and a rare opportunity to them as no other governor has ever visited their barangay in the whole province of Zamboanga del Norte aside from Gov. Rolando Yebes, bringing in good programs for Brgy. Pange.

Vice Mayor Oliver Romero also expressed his huge gratefulness to Gov. Yebes for commemorating his birthday at the remotest barangay in Siayan helping and reaching out to the residents of Brgy. Pange.

Asked about the peace and order situation in the barangay, Police Senior Inspector Kiram Jemlani said that since he assumed his post as chief of police, Brgy. Pange has been most peaceful and is optimistic that the peace and order situation will continue onward.

Brgy. Pange is 38 kilometers away from Poblacion Siayan accessible by horse while others walk the rough roads from Pange towards the center of the municipality. With corn as their sole produce, they start walking in the wee hours of dawn from 5:00 am reaching the poblacion at 3:00 PM to deliver their products to the market, going back home the next day.