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.

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Mayor John Dalipe expresses full support to the programs and projects of the National Authority for Children Care (NACC), as he joins the campaign to fight the stigma against adoption declaring he is a proud AMPON – Anak, Magulang, Pamilya, Ordinaryo, pero Natatangi! This, as NACC Undersecretary Jannela Ejercito Estrada and other NACC officials recently paid Mayor Dalipe a courtesy visit in City Hall to strengthen ties and partnerships with the city government and to capacitate the LGU to carry out shared responsibility in adoption and alternative child care mandate. The NACC which is an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD) is in the process of building a league of AMPON Heroes for Children. Usec. Estrada together with NACC Director III Imelda Ronda and Deputy Director for Services – Assistant Secretary Rowena Macalintal and NACC ambassadors Jake Ejercto and Thou Reyes, was in Zamboanga City recently to meet various agencies and the media to discuss the significance of legal adoption and the various alternative child care programs and services offered by the NACC. The NACC is also a partner of the city government in the conduct of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2024. Photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit

Dumanjug is set to build a new civic and business center which breaks ground on October 4. The P600-million Pablo P. Garcia Civic and Business Center, named in honor of the late governor and congressman Pablo “Pabling” Garcia, will soon stand in a 27-hectare property in Barangay Tapon. Mayor Efren Guntrano Gica shared that the project honors Gov. Pabling’s legacy, who served the province and district with distinction. “It is just right and proper nga tagaan og pasidungog, honor ang atong former congressman, former governor nga taga Dumanjug” Gica said. The groundbreaking event was graced by the Garcia family, led by Gov. Gwen Garcia together with third district representative Pablo John “PJ” Garcia, marking the start of construction for this Capitol-inspired center. Once completed, it will house various municipal offices and promote economic growth through commercial spaces, agriculture offices, and even a sports facility. (PIOCebu)

Kuta Kankabato, San Jose, Tacloban City — A total of 97 individuals were arrested during a one-day Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operation (SACLEO) conducted province-wide from 8:00 AM on September 26 to 8:00 AM on September 27, 2024. Col Dionisio DC Apas,Jr., provincial director said, among those apprehended was a regular member of the New People’s Army (NPA) from the Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)/Buhawi Platoon, who surrendered along with a homemade “paltik” handgun and 13 rounds of ammunition. Alias “RJ,” a former BHB/Buhawi Platoon member who operated in various municipalities in Leyte, Northern Samar, and Sorsogon, surrendered at the 2nd LPMFC Headquarters in Brgy. Cristina, Calubian, Leyte, on September 26, 2024. He decided to return to the fold of the law and reaffirm his allegiance to the government. In addition, two Most Wanted Persons were arrested during the SACLEO operations. The Top 7 Provincial-Level Most Wanted Person was apprehended in Baybay City for Acts of Lasciviousness and Sexual Assault, while the Top 2 City-Level Most Wanted Person was arrested in Inopacan, Leyte, for violating Section 3 of RA 10883 (Anti-Carnapping Law) and Theft of a Motor Vehicle. For other wanted persons, 16 operations were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 16 individuals across multiple municipalities: three in Barugo, three in Palo, two in Alangalang, and one each in Babatngon, Inopacan, Jaro, Javier, Matalom, Pastrana, and Tunga. Regarding violations of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), six operations were carried out, leading to five arrests in Alangalang, Albuera, Baybay, Isabel, and Matalom. One individual remains at large in Villaba. In connection with PD 1602 (Anti-Illegal Gambling), three operations were conducted, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals—three each in Capoocan, Matag-ob, and Tabango. For PD 449 (Cockfighting), one operation was conducted, resulting in the arrest of one person in Leyte. In an operation against illegal fishing, two violators were apprehended in Tanauan, Leyte. Under Oplan Katok, two firearms were voluntarily surrendered—one in Isabel and one in Merida. Additionally, the 1st LPMFC reported the surrender of one explosive device. For violations of traffic ordinances, 57 individuals were fined: 14 in Baybay, 4 in Dulag, 4 in Mahaplag, 3 in Sta. Fe, and 2 each in Abuyog, Babatngon, Carigara, Isabel, Javier, La Paz, MacArthur, Palompon, San Isidro, San Miguel, and Tabango. There was also 1 fine each in Albuera, Bato, Burauen, Jaro, Hilongos, Mayorga, Merida, Tabontabon, Tolosa, and Villaba, Leyte. Apas lauded all troops for the successful conduct of the operation, stating, “This accomplishment is the result of our unyielding efforts and relentless campaign against all forms of criminality. I commend everyone for a job well done, and let us continue to be more aggressive in our campaigns so that we can achieve a progressive, peaceful, and drug-free Leyte Province.”