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Mayor Dalipe hands over 20 motorcycles to ZCPO

Vis-Min

By Bernadeth Lazaro   ZAMBOANGA CITY — The City Government under the administration of Mayor John Dalipe remains unrelenting in its commitment to support and assist the security sector, as it hands over 20 units of ADV 150 motorcycles to the Zamboanga City Police Office, on November 29. Mayor John Dalipe together with Majority Leader and District II Congressman Mannix Dalipe and some members of the City Council led the handover ceremony held at the City Hall grounds. The 20 motorcycles amounted to a total of P4.76M or P238K per unit. Funding for its purchase was taken from the City Peace and Order funds. Mayor Dalipe emphasized that the acquisition of the motorcycles aligns with his administration’s commitment to assist law enforcement agencies in their efforts to safeguard the city and increasing their effectiveness and mobility to sustain peace and order. The mayor expressed confidence that the vehicles will strengthen capabilities and enhance ZCPO’s mobility in responding to incidents, thereby ensuring public safety. City Police Director Col. Kimberly Molitas thanked the city government and Mayor Dalipe for constantly prioritizing security and safety of the Zamboanguenos.    

Opinions

  SBMA opposes PNR railway project in Subic Last month, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) celebrated its 132nd Anniversary with a presentation of its upcoming projects that would expand and maximize the potentials of the railway system in boosting the economy of the country. One of the particular projects that PNR Chairman Michael Ted Macapagal highlighted during his speech was the proposed integration of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Corridor (SCMB), a cargo train component, with the existing North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project. Also known as the Clark–Calamba Railway, the NSCR is primarily designed to transport 800,000 passengers daily across its 147-kilometer stretch from New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, to Calamba, Laguna. It would cut the travel time from Clark to Calamba from four hours to only two hours. The Clark-Valenzuela phase of the project is expected to finish in 2027. As for Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Corridor (SCMB), Chairman Macapagal, who is the son of the former Olongapo City mayor Atty. Teddy Macapagal, described the project as one that would revolutionize the transportation system of products and people across Luzon. According to the young Macapagal, SCMB which will begin construction in 2027 with a budget of US$3.2 Billion, is expected to provide the commuters and producers reliable, fast, efficient, but affordable cargo system. Hear;s to Watch: While the government is supporting the SCMB-NSCR, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the management of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, is rejecting the entry of the railway into its territory. This was announced on Thursday by a senior official of the SBMA during a media briefing “Talakayan sa Freeport” which was also attended by the SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose Aliño and other senior officials. SBMA Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Atty. Martin Kristoffer F. Roman explained why the Authority is refusing or rejecting the proposed SCMB railway system to enter into the port areas of Subic. According to him (Atty. Roman), if the railway was allowed to be constructed in Subic Freeport it would mean cutting trees, there will a need to reclaim and destroy the healthy biodiversity of large mangrove areas. The proposed railroad will also disturb the serenity of the residential areas which is the major reason why it is a favorite among vacationers and retirees. Another main concern is that, the railway will traverse through the industrial parks, disrupting the operations of many industries and businesses. Instead, SBMA is proposing to construct the SCMB station at Barangay Mabiga in Hermosa, Bataan, or somewhere near but outside of the Freeport. When asked about the reaction of the government, especially the PNR and the Department of Transportation for objecting the railway to Subic, the SBMA official said that they understand the SBMA position, and they accepted it. This is a classic example of a debate between environment conservation and economic development. Let’s see what result the future will show us about this SCMB project.

European inspired Christmas village opens at the Rose Garden

Baguio City

  Baguio City’s highly anticipated holiday event, An Enchanting Baguio Christmas Market (AEBC), kicked off in grand style at the Rose Garden, Burnham Park, with a spectacular celebration that captivated residents and visitors alike. This year’s Christmas market promises to make the 2024 Yuletide season a magical experience for all. This year, the BTC has transformed the Rose Garden into a European inspired Christmas village, offering a delightful selection of handcrafted souvenirs, unique gifts, and delicious food that perfectly capture the spirit of the season. Visitors can explore a variety of stalls featuring holiday treats, local crafts, and festive goods, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the joy of the season. Known for its cool mountain air, festive decorations, and close-knit community, Baguio has long been a favorite destination for holiday revelers. Gladys Vergara, chairperson of the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), invited everyone to embrace the Christmas spirit and take in the festive atmosphere at both the Rose Garden and the Botanical Christmas Garden. “This is a time for reconnecting, for rekindling bonds with loved ones, and for embracing the joy of the season,” Vergara said. “Let’s make this a time for forgiveness, for setting aside differences, and for celebrating the magic of Christmas together.” Mayor Benjamin Magalong congratulated everyone involved in making the event possible, saying, “Congratulations to the Baguio Tourism Council, the City Tourism Office, CEPMO, and all the LGU departments, along with the private sector, for their combined efforts in organizing An Enchanting Baguio Christmas. I invite everyone to stroll through the Christmas Market at the Rose Garden, where you’ll find a dazzling selection of festive products, set against a beautiful European Christmas market theme. It’s a celebration for the whole community to enjoy.” Since its debut in 2019, An Enchanting Baguio Christmas has grown into one of the city’s signature holiday events. With its magical displays and heartwarming activities, the event continues to attract visitors from all over the country, eager to experience the warmth, charm, and enchantment that Baguio offers during the holiday season. With An Enchanting Baguio Christmas Market now open, residents and visitors are invited to enjoy the festive ambiance and take part in the joyful activities throughout the holiday season, which will officially conclude on January 6, 2025. Come and experience the magic of Baguio this Christmas — a season of joy, hope, and community!    

Benguet cops destroy P11.2-M marijuana, SLI busted

CAR

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet — As a result of their continuous anti-illegal drug operations, the Benguet Provincial Police Office seized illegal drugs worth P11,108,040.00 and arrested a Street Level Individual (SLI) on November 28. Col. Joseph Bayongasan, provincial director said, some 22,900 pieces of Fully Grown Marijuana Plants (FGMJP) and 50,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves with fruiting tops with a total Standard Drug Price of P10,580,000.00 were discovered across four marijuana plantation sites in Barangay Badeo, Kibungan. He said, the operation was successful with the joint efforts of operatives from the 2nd Benguet Provincial Mobile Force Company, Kibungan Municipal Police Station (MPS), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO), Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of PRO-CAR, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Cordillera Administrative Region (PDEA-CAR). In Bakun, four marijuana plantation sites planted with 2,630 pieces of FGMJP with an SDP of P526,000.00 were discovered in Barangay Kayapa by the joint operatives of Bakun MPS, PDEU, and PIU of Benguet PPO, and the Land Transport Interdiction Unit of PDEA-CAR. Bayongasan said, these marijuana plants were all documented and destroyed onsite, while few samples were taken for submission to the Provincial Forensic Unit-CAR for qualitative testing.   In La Trinidad, a 29-year-old male listed as an SLI was arrested after operatives seized 0.3 grams of suspected shabu with an SDP of P2,040.000 during the buy-bust operation conducted by La Trinidad MPS, PDEU and PIU of Benguet PPO, RID of PRO-CAR, Regional Intelligence Unit-14, and PDEA-CAR in Barangay Betag. The arrested suspect and the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the custody of La Trinidad MPS for documentation and proper disposition. The suspect will be facing charges for violation of R.A. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

SBMA forges partnerships in Inter-Agency Task Force for Maritime Incidents and Emergency Response

Region 3

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently forged partnership with its counterparts to establish the Inter-Agency Task Force for Maritime Incidents and Emergency Response (IATF-MIER) which primarily aims to ensure efficient handling of environmental emergencies in the country’s premier free port. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of the task force was signed at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building last November 21 by and among the SBMA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Customs (BOC), PNP Maritime Group, and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA). SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the creation of the IATF-MIER is timely because of recent incidents of oil spills that happened along the coast of Bataan, wreaking havoc on its marine life, as well as in the livelihood of maritime stakeholders in the area. He added that the IATF-MIER is a whole-of-government approach towards maritime-related incidents as the task force is composed of government agencies that have specialized in their fields of expertise, and would collaborate with other pertinent units to prevent any incidents within our navigational waters. Aliño also said that the IATF-MIER will also undertake information and education campaigns for communities in nearby coastal areas to heighten awareness in the prevention of maritime incidents and in the provision of emergency response in the shortest record time possible. Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao added that the SBMA Seaport Department has already procured oil spill equipment to handle environmental emergencies such as oil spill incidents that have become more frequent these past few months. These include a sopep oil spill kit that has a capacity of around 416 liters, foam-filled oil spill boom, and a PCG-certified oil spill dispersant. Yambao also said that the procurement of the oil spill response equipment is crucial for effective preparedness and response to pollution-related incidents with the impact of oil spills taken into consideration. In 2025, the Seaport Department has planned a P100,000,000-project for the installation of oil spill equipment in various port terminals, including the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Compound, Ship Repair Facility (SRF) Compound, Boton, and the New Container Terminal (NCT)/ Leyte. The said equipment will aid the IATF-MIER during oil spill response incidents. Among the tasks of the IATF-MIER is the identification of potential emergency situations that can cause illness or injury to humans and the environment under a code of guidelines for preparedness and response, to address emergency situations, and propose mitigation efforts for associated adverse environmental impacts or effects to humans and prevention of accidents. Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Manila has donated equipment that will augment the emergency response of the IATF-MIER. The Deed of Donation was formally signed following the MOU signing of the task force. Aliño said that the donation of six units of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones that will be paired with Starlink Mobile Internet will boost the monitoring and response capabilities of the SBMA Seaport, Fire and Law Enforcement departments. “The US Embassy has also provided comprehensive training to our personnel for the effective and proper use of the said drones,” he added. The chairman expressed his gratitude to the US Embassy in Manila because the equipment donated will be used not only for the Subic Freeport, but also when the agency sends a contingent to areas that require emergency response support. The signing of the IATF-MIER MOU and the donation of the UAVs and Starlink Mobile Internet were part of the pocket activities during the 32nd anniversary of the SBMA.     PHOTO CAPTION:   Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño receives the six units of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that will be paired with Starlink Mobile Internet units from the representatives of the US Embassy. The said equipment will boost the monitoring and response capabilities of the SBMA’s Seaport, Fire and Law Enforcement departments.

Marasigan leads CJH2 to Seniors Fil, Am A lead; S’woods, Luisita GCs renew rivalry in Fil-Am Seniors

Sports

Former PLDT Baguio executive John Marasigan shot the best score of even par 69 for 36 points at the Camp John Hay golf course to lead CJH Golf Club Team 2 to a solid opening round of 119 and take a 25-point lead in Seniors Am A at the start of the 74th Januarius Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament kicked off last Friday. Marasigan sunk two birdies at the par 4 holes 12 and 15 that were, however, nullified by two bogeys – par 4 8th and par 3 18th. Bonifacio de Castro made 30, Charles Baguilat added 27 and Manny Solis chipped in 26 to count for theam, while contractor Arnel Peil did not count after a 19. Herbert Donglasan closed out with a 29 and lead BIBAK NY/NJ Igolfers USA to 94, three off The Young Ones. Former Seniors Fil Championship champion Nelson Eslao brought his A-game to Green Water Meadows as he scored 30 points to give the team to 92 and a 12 point advantage in Seniors Am C. Larry Puckett and Joseph Laoyan chipped in identical 21 points, while Raul Lambino added 20 to count for the team. Fred Dacyon submitted 15 and did not count. Mamala Bay, a Fil-Am regular, assembled 91 points and a two shot lead on CJH GC Team 1. Dale Jorgenson led the American squad with 28 points at the short and tricky BCC links, while Chris Howard, Bill Connors and Tom Tudela added 25, 20 and 18 in that order to count for the team. CJH GC Team 2, meanwhile, was led by former Police Regional Office – Cordillera and Baguio Police director Villamor Bumanglag with 27 points. Hur Yun, contractor Mars Garcia and Lyndon added 22, 21 and 19, in that order to count. One shot down is Team Okinawa I which finished with 88 points. Abraham Rojas had 23 as Team City of Vallejo I came out with 73 points and a point ahead of Bahia – LSGH80 in Seniors Fil – C. Two points down is LMG – Golf Cabantatuan. Ronaldo Fernando had 19 points to lead Team Master to 61 and a nine point advantage in Fil-E. Caliphil – Hawaii is at second with 52 and four off regular Korea Morning Calm. Green Cayon fired a 66 and take a seven point advantage on Silicon Valley Golfers Link Team 2 which fired 59, just a point off Sandigan Golfers 2. It’s all systems go for the pre-diamond jubilee of the longest running and biggest amateur golf tournament in the world last Friday. Manila Southwoods and Luisita Golf Club are geared towards another clash for the top honors in the seniors side. The two opened their bid yesterday and will play today, take a break tomorrow and return for the last two rounds on Tuesday. With the ceremonial tee last Thursday, games got going for the and will run until December 14. “It is on,” announced co-chair Jude Eustaquio of CJH and Anthony de Leon of BCC. The Fil-Am golf “season” actually started last Tuesday with the practice rounds and captains meeting with the tournament proper commencing last Friday and will go on until December 4 for the seniors division and lower flights of the regular Fil-Am. Meanwhile, Southwoods seeks a 10th straight title when the regular competition fires off on December 9 for the second week of action. Expect Southwoods to be defending its title anew in the Fil and Am divisions of the Regular competitions. Southwoods will parade a strong squad composed of Shin Suzuki, Miko Granada, Jet Hernandez, Enrique Dimayuga and Zeus Sara as it seeks a record 10th straight title In Regular Fil Championship. Expect Januarius to be coming with its gun all ablaze with Masa Otake teaming up with Terrence Macatangay, Jet Mathay, former pro Ray Sangil and Ayon Sanchez. Eastridge is also expected to parade a strong squad to give Southwoods a run for its money. Southwoods has been one of the strongest teams since it started fielding a team in 1997. (Fil-Am Golf Media Release)  

PBBM leads the distribution of E-Titles, COCROMs in Quezon

Region 4

As a testament to the Administration’s unwavering dedication to bolstering agrarian reform and empowering farmers, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the distribution of Electronic Titles (E-Titles) and Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) in Lucena City, Quezon on November 29, 2024. A total of 11,497 certificates will be distributed to 9,811 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from the Province of Quezon. These certificates will be accompanied by P441.71 million in condoned funds. This initiative aims to relieve farmers’ financial burdens by formally releasing their debts and mortgage obligations. Additionally, it provides 15 E-Titles covering 30.8 hectares of agricultural land under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project. This effort aligns with Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11953, known as the New Emancipation Act, that is expected to offer substantial financial assistance to farmers, motivate them and contribute to the nation’s food security.

Vizcayano athletes shine at 16th Batang Pinoy Games 2024

Sports

By Rachel Magday Nueva Vizcaya’s young athletes will return home with pride from the recently concluded 16th Batang Pinoy Games 2024, held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, from November 23-28. Competing against over 11,000 participants across three age categories—12-13 years, 14-15 years, and 16-17 years—the Vizcayano athletes secured an impressive collection of medals, including two golds, one silver, and three bronzes. Jasper D. Cudiaman emerged victorious in the Wushu Sanda 56 kgs Group A category, bringing home a gold medal for Nansiakan National High School in Kayapa. Under the guidance of Coach Elizalde P. Castaneda, Cudiaman’s performance was a testament to his dedication and skill. Another gold medal was claimed by Cris John A. Magaling in the High Jump Under 16 category. Magaling representing Bintawan National High School in Nagbitin, Villaverde, showcased exceptional athleticism and determination. In archery, the Salinas High School Archery Trio, coached by Arjan Leo V. Edrozo, made their mark. Adrian Barroga earned a silver medal in the qualifying round and a bronze in the team event. His teammates, Jenzel Jon Castro and Nathaniel Cunanan, also contributed to the team’s bronze medal finish. Barroga hails from Brgy Barat while Castro is from Salinas and Cunanan represents San Leonardo ,all in the town of Bambang. Adding to the medal tally, Kielle Mac Dwayne D. Collado from Bintawan National High School secured a bronze in the High Jump Under 16 category. Coached by Michael Peralta and Jamestone Infanta, Collado’s performance was a highlight for the team. The participation of Nueva Vizcaya’s athletes and coaches in the Batang Pinoy Games was made possible through the support of the provincial government, with a funding of 1.3 million pesos from the grants and aids of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito. The event, a grassroots program of the Philippine Sports Commission, aims to celebrate the youth and their contributions to sports, featuring competitions in various disciplines such as swimming, gymnastics, basketball, and more. Governor Gambito expressed his pride and congratulations to the athletes, stating, “The victories you have achieved not only bring honor to our province but also serve as an inspiration to our youth. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Continue to be an inspiration to your fellow athletes.  

DSWD aids 1,765 individuals in Zamboanga City

Vis-Min

  Some 1,765 individuals incrisis situation were given financial assistance during payout spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-9) in collaboration with the city government at the Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum in Tetuan,on  November 28. Mayor John Dalipe together with Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja and some members of the City Council joined the distribution of the cash aid that formed part of DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. The cash assistance amounted to P2,000 per individual that totaled P3.530M for the 1,765 beneficiaries, who also received a 5-kilo sack ofrice each, courtesy of the city government. The beneficiaries were from barangays Bolong (233), Boalan (49), Canelar (62), Culianan (160), Lanzones (64), Mercedes (70), Pasonanca (110), San Jose Gusu (95), Sta. Maria (105), Tumaga (51), and Talisayan (43). (Details: Bernadeth Lazaro)  

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