Zamboanga News Forum

Photos released by the Philippine Army’s 55^th Engineer Brigade show humanitarian workers during Saturday, December 11, 2010 outreach program held in the village of Vitali in Zamboanga City in Mindanao.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 12, 2010) – Government troops held a humanitarian mission in the southern Filipino port city of Zamboanga benefiting hundreds of mostly poor villagers, officials said Sunday.

Officials said more than 800 people availed of free medical and dental services and they were also given relief goods in the village of Vitali, east of Zamboanga City.

The humanitarian mission held on Saturday was spearheaded by the Army’s 55^th Engineer Brigade and teamed up with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the City Health Office and were also supported by the Delta Phi Epsilon Incorporated, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Pharmalex Incorporated, the Joint Special Operations Forces Task Force-Philippine, village leaders and the faculty members of the Vitali National High School.

The outreach program was requested by Maria Theresa Miranda, the school principal.

Major Alfonso Enriquez, of the 55^th Engineer Brigade, said they also showed films, including videos of their mission and various accomplishments in the region, and videos and advocacies on how to prevent child abuse, prostitution and violence against women and children.

“The outreach program was designed to provide free medical and dental services, medicines and other humanitarian assistance especially to the needy and under privileged civilian populace in order to build strong relationships, maintain good rapports and to gain popular support in the said locality,” Enriquez said in a statement. (Mindanao Examiner)

Via Mindanao Examiner

Via Mindanao Examiner

By Franklin P. Gumapon

Dipolog City (10 December) — Col. Roland C. Amarille, commanding officer of the 101st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) based in Del Pilar, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte has lauded the officers and members of the Zamboanga del Norte Communicators Network (ZNCOMNET) for taking the lead in engendering a vibrant working relationship between and among government agencies in the area.

This was the gist of the message delivered by Col. Amarille during the induction program of ZNCOMNET officers held this morning at the conference hall of the 101st Brigade at Piñan town.

ZNCOMNET officers take a pose after taking their oath of Office at 101 Brigade, Del Pilar, Piñan, Zambo Norte “Your coming here is a clear manifestation of a vibrant working relationship among the various sectors of society that include among others the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), national and local government units, and other stakeholders whose aim is to serve and protect the people,” said Amarille.

According to Amarille, the ZNCOMNET “is one organization that heeds the call of President Benigno C. Aquino for a participative governance.” He described the government information officers as facilitators for social interaction who can serve as a vehicle for feedback mechanism for the government to effectively respond to people’s needs and aspirations.

The ZNCOMNET officers who were inducted into office by Judge Pio D. Velasco, presiding judge of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) in Piñan town include Rodulfo Suello of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) – president, Prof. Archer Campoy of the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) – vice president, Lourma I. Poculan of the Department of Education – Zamboanga del Norte (DepED-ZN) – Secretary, Engr. Florenette B. Garcia of PHIVOLCS – treasurer, Vincent O. Trani of the Social Security System (SSS) – Auditor, Col. Porferio Valles of the 101st Brigade and Violeta H. Rosal of DepED-Dipolog City as business and social managers.

Composing the board of directors are Anjanette V. the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Ronaldo B. Uycoco of Pag-IBIG Fund, Alan L. Bengua of the City Information Office (CIO) – Dipolog City, Alex Z. Sabal of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Melba J. Silva of Philhealth, Maribel Acama of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and PI Helen Galvez of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Dipolog City. (PIA-ZN)

Via Zamboanga Times

Rotary-West’s “The greatest gift of all Year 17” program participants taking opportunity to have picture taken with Mayor Celso Lobregat. — photo from city hall PIO

Via Zamboanga Times

1st District of Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay as being presented with a vinta token by Mayor Celso Lobregat during the latter’s courtesy call in Zamboanga City

Via Zamboanga Times

LAKE SEBU, South Cotabato (December 11, 2010) – A tour guide tells her version of the tale of the legend of the famous Lake Sebu during a boat trip hosting the staff of Sarangani Information Office as they attend a two-day research and communication workshop at Punta Isla Resort Friday, December 10. (Cocoy Sexcion)

Via Zamboanga Times

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (12/11/2010) – Members of Tri-Media Association of Socsargen pose with SMART cellphone raffle draw winners Jojo Bacalanmo (5th from left) of Bombo Radyo and Boyet dela Cerna (3rd) of ESCALERA Balita with their president Mario Basilio (2nd), during the Christmas party of the association held at Tropicana Beach Resort Saturday, Dec 11. (Cocoy Sexcion)

Via Zamboanga Times

A Filipino boy reads a controversial print of a Dolce and Gabbana t-shirt at the Bloomingdale store in Zamboanga city in the southern Philippines on Saturday, December 11, 2010. The print reads: “Islam, Terror and the Second Nuclear Age.” (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Via Mindanao Examiner

Via Mindanao Examiner

1st District of Zambales Representative Milagrosa "Mitos" Magsaysay while being introduced to the local media by Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat — photo by Jigs Nep

Via Zamboanga Times