By Bernadeth Lazaro Mayor John Dalipe has expressed profound gratitude to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Opportunity 2.0 for being the “true beacon of hope for countless young individuals who are eager to explore their talents and carve out successful futures.” The chief executive, through Assistant City Administrator Dolph Saavedra said this, as the Education Development Center (EDC) Org. and Zamboanga City Youth Development Alliance (ZCYDA) initiated the close-out and send-off ceremony for USAID Opportunity 2.0 Tuesday morning, October 29 at Garden Orchid Hotel in Gov. Camins. “Your partnership is not just a contribution, but a true beacon of hope for countless young individuals who are eager to explore their talents and carve out successful futures. Thank you for believing in our youth and for walking alongside us in this crucial endeavor,” Dalipe said in his message, read by Saavedra. USAID Opportunity 2.0 is set to conclude on February 23, 2025, five years since its implementation in collaboration with the city government and other stakeholders in 2020. The program pursued the shared goal of providing second-chance opportunities to marginalized Out-of-School Youth (OSY) in the city, providing them with more and better opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. The close-out and send-off ceremony was marked by the symbolic turn-over of a standee and gavel by the USAID Opportunity 2.0 representatives to the city government and the Jovenez Alianza de Zamboanga (JADZ). Testimonials from program graduates, signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and ceremonial oath-taking reaffirming the city’s commitment to OSY development also highlighted the event. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to sustain and build on the work initiated by the USAID Opportunity 2.0 program, ensuring the youth of Zamboanga City continue to have access to valuable resources and opportunities. Also present during the event were Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, PESO Manager and Acting CHRM Officer Jerico Jan Bustamante, Deputy Chief of Party for Technical Programs Dr. Maria Theresa Mokamad, DTI Provincial Director Grace Aduca, President of Ferndale Colleges Zamboanga Peninsula and ADJ CO-chair Dr. Anicia Alvarez, and representatives from various government and private sector organizations. Photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit

The 7th National Sardines Industry Congress and Trade Exhibit 2024, organized by the SOPHIL Fishing Association, Inc. reels off in Zamboanga City Wednesday, October 23 to 25. Mayor John Dalipe and other city officials graced the opening program with Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Ester Bayate, representing Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as guest of honor. The event, themed “Sardinescape: Sustaining Sardine Seas Through Innovation, Collaboration and Climate Change Adaptation,” brings together the major players/ stakeholders in the fishing and canning industry to discuss strategies to ensure sustainable use of the fish resource which is a major industry in Zamboanga Peninsula and other parts of Mindanao. Zamboanga City, known as the sardines capital of the Philippines, hosts the national event anew. Highlight of the congress is the Sardines Industry Trade Exhibit. The event was graced by key officials to include Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, District I Cong. Khymer Olaso, Basilan Cong. Mujib Hataman, SOPHIL President Engr. Julius Daniel, BFAR OIC Isidro Velayo, officials from DA and attached agencies and agriculture and fisheries beneficiaries. (Details: Jamil Dari/ Roselyn Bunot) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)

KUTA KANKABATO, SAN JOSE, TACLOBAN CITY – The Leyte Provincial Police Office, successfully secured the 80th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing, resulting in a resounding success and ensuring a peaceful and safe environment for the event held at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park on October 20, 2024. Col.Dionisio DC Apas,Jr., provincial director said the commemoration drew a large gathering of attendees, including high-ranking government officials, foreign dignitaries, and other distinguished guests. In close coordination with other concerned government agencies, the LPPO implemented a comprehensive security plan, which included a full alert status declared across Leyte Province. Notably, no significant incidents were reported throughout the commemoration. The traffic rerouting plan, implemented in coordination with the Palo Auxiliary Traffic Unit (PATU), ensured smooth traffic flow throughout the week leading up to and during the event. Apas commended the efforts of the LPPO personnel and the organizers, stating, “We are honored to have played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of this historic commemoration. The success of this event is a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of our personnel, and we are grateful for the collaborative efforts of all involved.” The 80th Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration served as a poignant reminder of the historical significance of the event and the bravery of those who fought for freedom. The successful security measures ensured that the focus remained on honoring the veterans and their sacrifice.

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Mayor John Dalipe and USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn forge a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for cooperation and partnership between the city government and USAID/ Philippines for the effective implementation of USAID initiatives with the goal of promoting inclusive and resilient economic growth in Zamboanga and its neighboring areas, on October 17. The MOU signing ceremony, held at the City Hall conference room, strengthens the partnership of the city of Zamboanga and USAID for the implementation of various USAID initiatives encompassing governance, local economic development, water security, health services, basic and higher education and technical skills programs, environment, climate resilience, and disaster preparedness and management and response, among others. Illustrative activities include technical assistance and consultancy, trainings, mentorship, and other capability building activities; cross visits, study missions, learning exchanges; conferences, fora, workshops, and similar activities/ events. Zamboanga City is one of the partner cities of USAID under the Cities Development Initiatives (CDI) along with Batangas, Legazpi, and Puerto Princesa in Luzon; Iloilo, Tacloban, and Tagbilaran in Visayas; and Cagayan de Oro, General Santos. Photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit                

TACLOBAN CITY – The Tacloban City Police Office welcomes the new City Director during the change of command ceremony presided over by Brig.Gen. Jay Reyes Cumigad, regional director of the Police Regional-8 held at TCPO Grounds, Paterno Ext., Tacloban City, on October 16.   Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez graced the occasion and served as guest of honor and speaker. Col. Noelito Getigan, former Chief of the Regional Operations Division, PRO 8 was installed as the new City Director of TCPO in place of the outgoing City Director, Col. Michael Palermo. Palermo, lauded the men and women of TCPO for their cooperation and exemplary performance during his more than two years stint. “I am grateful for the love and dedication of our police force in Tacloban. The years that I spent in this unit is indeed an unforgettable experience and learning that I will forever treasure,” Palermo stated. Getigan acknowledged the challenge of the former City Director’s accomplishments. “As the new City Director, I am deeply grateful for the privilege of this designation. I look forward to building upon the legacy of my predecessor. With this, I would like to take my new assignment as a challenge and motivation to do my best in achieving even greater accomplishments.” Cumigad, as the presiding officer, is also confident that with the experience and leadership of the newly-installed City Director, the initiatives and accomplishments of the unit will continue. Also present during the activity were Col. Erwin Portillo, chief RPRMD, the TCPO Command Group and Key Officers, families of the newly installed City Director, and media personalities.      

KAWAYAN, Biliran – The Kawayan Municipal Police Station, headed by Capt. Joet Micah Evangelista, chief of police, conducted an intelligence-driven operation that resulted in the successful apprehension of a wanted person in Barangay Cagsalaosao, Purok 4, Calbayog City, Samar, on October 12. Operatives arrested a 70-year-old man residing at Catbalogan, Samar. He was apprehended based on two standing Warrants of Arrest, charged with Murder and 2 counts of Frustrated Murder, with a P200,000.00 recommended bail. “This operation exemplifies Kawayan MPS’s dedication to upholding the laws and regulations even outside the Municipality and ensure the community’s safety and well-being,” Evangelista said. The arrest was carried out by a joint operation led by the personnel of Kawayan MPS, Calbayog CPS, BPMFC, 804th MC RMFB8, and Biliran-PDEA. The arrested person is now in the custody of the Kawayan MPS for documentation before being turned over to the court of origin. Evangelista commends the team for the effective operation and remarked that the suspect’s arrest sends a clear message to all criminals.

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The Provincial Government of Bohol sets a new standard for inclusivity, earning the prestigious Mother-Friendly Workplace Certification from the Department of Health (DOH) Region 7 committed to supporting working mothers. The Capitol’s Lactation Station received the certification on September 1, which was signed by DOH Regional Director Dr. Jaime Bernadas, with a two-year validity and is subject to re-application and reassessment. This significant accomplishment marks the third non-health facility in Bohol to receive recognition for its breastfeeding rooms accessible in the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark and Regenerative Province. In September last year, the Capitol opened the Lactation Station, located beside the Provincial Health Office, which aimed to deliver inclusive and accessible health services as prioritized with Gov. Aris Aumentado’s Strategic Change Agenda. Moreover, the Bohol-Panglao International Airport obtained certification on April 11, while Loboc became the first local government unit in Bohol to be awarded the certification which was issued on March 15, with their Breastfeeding Station at the Loboc Tourism Complex. This recognition is under Republic Act No. 10028, known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act, which mandates all public and private institutions to establish lactation.    

CAMP KANGLEON, PALO, LEYTE – The Police Regional Office 8 proudly welcomes its new Regional Director, Brig.Gen. Jay Reyes Cumigad, during a significant Joint Turnover and Assumption of Offices Ceremony presided over by General Rommel Francisco D.Marbil, Chief of the Philippine National Police, at Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City, on October 9, 2024. Before his new assignment, Cumigad served as the head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Highway Patrol Group (HPG). His experience and leadership skills have been cultivated over a distinguished career, beginning with his graduation from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), “PATNUBAY” Class of 1995. His background in various capacities within the PNP equips him to tackle the challenges ahead and guide the region toward progress and safety. In this transition, Cumigad succeeds the outgoing Regional Director, Brig.Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, who has now been assigned to the Directorate for Operations. Pawid, in his farewell remarks, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the men and women of PRO 8 for their unwavering support and dedication. He emphasized that during his almost one year in office, he worked diligently to enhance the welfare of all personnel and achieve the organization’s objectives. “As the leadership of PRO 8 transitions, I am confident that the region is in capable hands under the leadership of BGen. Cumigad,” Pawid added. RD Cumigad, in his assumption speech, echoed the same sentiment of optimism and readiness for the challenges ahead. “As PRO 8 embarks on this new chapter, the entire PRO is poised to foster a safe and secure environment for the communities we serve, especially as we prepare for the 2025 National and Local Elections. The collective efforts of the officers are sure to bring positive changes in the Eastern Visayas law enforcement landscape,” he stated.              

NUSTAR Resort Cebu, in partnership with ICanServe Foundation, lights up its hotel towers in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With the use of architectural lighting, an illumination of pink ribbons was displayed to show support to this global cause. Pink-themed pastries and drinks are made available at select restaurants in NUSTAR for the whole month of October.