P1.6-M Water System Project Constructed Through “Bayanihan” In Zamboanga Town

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 19, 2010) - By looking at the economic indicators, the remotest Immaculada village in Labason town in Zamboanga del Norte province is considered “poor,” but it is surely abundant and rich when it comes to “communal unity” and people’s commitment to improve their community.

This was evidently true as the villagers help themselves construct the water system facility, the first of its kind in this village, which for a long time have no access to potable drinking water.

“It was through ‘pintakasi’ and the people’s all-out commitment that make the construction of this water project possible,” Immaculada village chieftain Jaime Resit said in Cebuano during the blessings and inauguration Wednesday of their 1.6 million pesos worth of water facility.

“Pintakasi” is a Cebuano term for Filipino best trait “bayanihan” or communal effort. The project is made possible through the collaborative efforts – another bayanihan – of several organizations including the local government units.

The facility is mainly funded by Peace and Equity Foundation through a more than 600 thousand pesos grant-in-aid.

Xavier Agricultural Extension Services provided manpower support and supervised the project, while the Office of Zamboanga del Norte Representative Cesar Jalosjos donated a unit of reservoir and the Municipal Government of Labason and Immaculada Village Council also shared their individual counterparts.

The villagers voluntarily labored for the construction. Resit said his constituents have all-out support because “they know the benefits of the project.”

“It’s really a big help because before we have only one water source and it’s distant,” said villager Eluna Asil.

Before, she further narrated, they have to hike kilometers of the hilly terrain just to get a drinking water. “Now, we are very happy because we have the water right at our doorsteps,” she said, referring to their common tapstand, which she shared with 10 of her neighbors.

The project dubbed as “Immaculada Potable Water System” has constructed five tapstands that serve at least 106 households or about 500 individuals.

Jun Mabaso, member of PEF Board of Trustees, said PEF will continuously work to reach and serve poorer communities. “This is what PEF is all about, reaching and serving communities like Immaculada,” he said.

“What we only want to see in the future is that this project will be maintained properly,” he told the villagers.

In response, Barangay Water and Sanitation Association President, Edmund Namit, pledged to maintain the project so it would serve its purpose.

“We receive and take care of this for the good of our village and for our children,” he said.

He also revealed that certain regulations will likewise be instituted for the proper use of the water.

This water system project is only one of the many projects of PEF aimed at alleviating the living conditions of marginalized and the poor.

According to Ferdinand Enriquez, PEF Regional Program Coordinator for Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces, another water system facility will be handed over to local officials next month in Maimbung and Indanan town in Sulu province.

Last month, he added, similar water system project was inaugurated in Tungawan town in Zamboanga Sibugay province. Since its creation in 2001, over 1 billion pesos was poured in by PEF nationwide to support projects on basic social services, livelihood and enterprise, capacity building, and calamity assistance, among others. (Nuhman Aljani)

Troops attack MILF camp in Zamboanga province

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Philippine ferry sinks, 2 killed; 88 missing off Zamboanga province

Medical personnel attend to ferry disaster victims in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines on Sunday, September 6, 2009. The Philippine Coast Guard says the Superferry 9 sunk off Zamboanga del Norte province after it listed on its side and capsized. It said the vessel had 847 passengers and 117 crewmen and four sea marshals. It was unknown why the vessel, which came from General Santos City enroute to the central Philippine province of Iloilo, listed off Sirawai town. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Amilbahar Mawallil)

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 6, 2009) – A passenger ship carrying more than 900 people sank Sunday off Zamboanga del Norte province in the southern Philippines, military officials told the Mindanao Examiner.

Officials said two passengers were killed and 761 others have been rescued from the ill-fated Superferry 9 off Sirawai town. Other reports said at least 3 passengers were killed and dozens more are missing after the ship tilted on its side and eventually capsized and sank.

“As of last count, 761 passengers have been rescued while two dead bodies were also recovered,” said Army First Lieutenant Steffani Cacho, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command.

It was unknown why the ship listed on its side. Cacho said the ship was sailing to Iloilo province from General Santos City when its captain Jose Yap sent out a distressed signal at around 3.30 a.m. “At 8.30 in the morning, the vessel is completely capsized,” Cacho told the Mindanao Examiner.

The Coast Guard said the ship sunk at past 10 a.m. It said the vessel had 847 passengers and 117 crewmen and four sea marshals.

She said four navy boats were sent to help in the search ands rescue.

“About 30 life crafts were deployed and also four navy patrol vessels, two civilian ships, the MV Myriad and MV Ocean Integrity are conducting rescue operation together with the Coast Guard. Two UH-1H choppers and two OV-10 planes have also deployed to assist in the search and rescue,” Cacho said.

The Coast Guard said 880 people had been rescued and 88 more are still missing.

“As of 1155H, rescued passengers as per latest consolidated report by PCG units and Aboitiz Management: Aboard MV Integrity 268 persons; Aboard MV Myriad 441 persons; Aboard Navy vessel 171 persons; Casualties 3; Total accounted: 880; To be accounted: 88.”

“Total on board SF9: 968 persons when the incident happened. Ongoing rescue operations continue. The said survivors and the 2 fatalities and 4 injured will be brought to Zamboanga City for medical attention and accounting of passengers,” it said. (Mindanao Examiner)

Gunmen kidnapped ex-mayor grandson in Zamboanga province

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 28, 2009) – Security forces mounted an operation Friday to track down a grandson of a former southern Philippine town mayor kidnapped by gunmen in Zamboanga del Norte province, officials said.

Officials said four gunmen seized Jayjay Uy Capili late Thursday afternoon in the coastal village of Baybay in Liloy town. “We are exerting efforts to rescue Jayjay Uy Capili,” said Major Ramon David Hontiveros, a regional military spokesman.

He said 19-year old Capili is a grandson of Belchu Uy, a former mayor of Liloy. “The victim was brought towards Sitio Lawis in the village of Baybay and transferred to a motorized pump boat,” the spokesman told the Mindanao Examiner.

Hontiveros said two other motorized boats with gunmen onboard were reported escorting the Capili’s boat.

No group claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, but bandits and Moro rebels are actively operating in the province.

Other reports said at least 6 gunmen kidnapped Capili near a gas depot in the village and dragged him to the shore where three motorized boats were waiting. (Mindanao Examiner)

Zamboanga del Norte Celebrates 57th Founding Anniversary

Fireworks display lit the night sky in Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte in Mindanao during the province’s 57th founding anniversary last week. Residents celebrate the weeklong festival. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Mark Navales)

Zamboanga Norte gets three new Arroyo projects

DIPOLOG CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 14, 2009) - Three major infrastructure projects that President Gloria Arroyo promised to Zamboanga del Norte province are expected to be completed soon, the official Philippine Information Agency said on Tuesday.

Arroyo promised to bring development projects to the province during her State of the Nation Address. The projects are the Zamboanga West Coastal Road, the Dapitan road expansion and renovation of the Dipolog Airport.

The Zamboanga West Coastal Road if completed will connect the towns of Siocon, Sirawai, Sibuco and Baliguian to other areas in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)

The Mindanao Examiner Newspaper in Zamboanga del Norte

In the island community called Alinguay off Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte province, the Mindanao Examiner newspaper remains the source of print information for many villagers. (Photo by Jung Francisco)

Ground Breaking Sa Roro Port Sa Zamboanga del Norte

Si Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rolando Yebes. (Photo contributed by Nonoy Lacson)

KATIPUNAN, Zamboanga del Norte (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 26, 2009) - Gihulagway nga usa ka makasaysayanon nga adlaw ang nahitabo sa lungsod sa Katipunan dungan sa ilang pagsaulog sa ika-95 ka adlaw nga kasumaran gikan sa pagkahimugso sa maong lungsod.

Gihimo ang ground breaking sa Roll-On Roll-Off port nga anaa sa New Tambo sa lungsod sa Katipunan. Sa hamubo nga programa, gipahayag ni Governor Rolando Yebes nga gikan karon pagatawgon na ang maong lungsod ug bag-ong Katipunan ug kini ang pagasugdan na karong panahona.

Gawas sa tabang sa probinsiya alang sa katumanan sa maong proyekto iyang gipanghinaot nga mo-ayuda usab niini ang Philippine Ports Authority. Gihatagan ug gibug-aton sa gobernador nga ang proyekto nga roll-on roll-off port sa Katipunan kini ang haom kaayo sa maong lungsod.

Hinungdan nga iyang gitambagan si Mayor Cris Eguia nga dili na kinahanglan pang hulaton ang PPA alang sa katukoran sa maong proyekto. Kinahanglan nga manghulam ug kuwarta ang lungsod ngadto sa bangko alang sa maong katuyuan gumikan kay ang provincial government ang anaa kanunay magpaluyo.

Ang nahisgutang proyekto kini usa lamang ka damgo kaniadto, apan pinaagi sa pagpaningkamot sa mga kadagkuan sa Katipunan ug sa probinsiya sa Zanorte ug Negros kini ang hinay-hinay karon nga natuman.

Gipahayag ni Governor Yebes nga ang roll-on roll-off port sa Katipunan ang gikinahanglan na pag-ayo karon ilabina nga aduna nay mando si Presidente Arroyo nga anhi mo-agi dinhi sa atong probinsiya ang train gikan sa Davao pinaagi sa Mindanao Railway System.

Bisan ang pantalan sa Dapitan dili na ma-akomodar ang ubang mga sakyanan nga nagdala ug daghanang mga produkto paingon ngadto sa probinsiya sa Negros pinaagi sa Roll-On Roll-Off tungod sa kadaghanan niini nga gikan pa sa General Santos City ug uban pang dapit dinhi sa Mindanao.

Kini timaan lamang sa nakitang kahigayunan nga magmalamboon ang atong probinsiya basta anaa lang ang panaghi-usa ug pagtinabangay. Matod pa ni Governor Yebes nga ang RoRo Port sa Katipunan maoy usa sa mga lugar nga makatabang sa probinsiya nga maoy mag-una diha na sa pagpalambo sa ekonomiya.

Kini maoy usa ka sakyanan nga magdala ug kaayohan ngadto sa probinsiya sa Negros ug balik dinhi sa atong lalawigan. Samtang gipahayag ni Congressman George Arnaiz sa probinsiya sa Negros nga miduyog sa maong ground breaking nga dugay ra kaayo ang maong tinguhang pagtukod ug RoRo Port sa maong lungsod.

Hinungdan nga mismo sila ang apil gayud sa naningkamot nga matuman ang maong proyekto, tungod kay ilang nakita nga apil ang probinsiya sa Negros sa kalambuan nga mahatag sa maong Puerto. Iyang gipasalig nga kutob sa iyang mahimo iya gayud nga paningkamutan nga matabangan ang lungsod sa Katipunan alang sa kahumanan sa maong proyekto.

Samtang gipasabot usab ni Congressman Henry Teves kung unsa ka importanti ang maong proyekto sa Katipunan. Ang Mindanao ang abundo kini sa mga nagkadaiyang produkto nga gikinahanglan sa Visayas ug Luzon. Gani ang factory nga gipanag-iyahan sa ilang pamilya anhi pa sila dinhi sa Mindanao mangumpra ug cassava.

Bisan sa kabahin sa mga torista nakita nga sayon ug dali ra unya ang pagtabok-tabok niini gikan sa Negros paingon dinhi sa Zamboanga del Norte sama sa mga produkto nga dali ra ang pagtumod niini ngadto sa mga merkado sa Visayas gamit ang RoRo Port sa Katipunan.

Gidugang ni Congressman Teves nga atol sa budget hearing sa kongreso sila ni Congressman Arnaiz gi-ayo nila ug sukit-sukit ang kabahin sa pundo sa PPA alang sa RoRo Port sa Siaton ug sa lungsod sa Katipunan sa kantidad nga 60 milyones pesos.

Alang kaniya nga kung anaa ang panaghi-usa sa mga opisyales siguradong maangkon ang kalambuan. Daw sa na e-motional si Congressman Teves sa iyang gipaambit nga mensahe kung unsa ka importanti ang pagserbisyo ngadto sa katawhan mintras anaa pa kita sa kalibutan.

Alang kaniya kariyot ra kaayo ang kinabuhi ug niining atong kinabuhi walay sapayan kung unsa ang atong makuha. Ang pinaka-importanti mao ang mga maayong nabuhat nga ikabilin sa mga katawhan sa dili pa kini mopanaw.

Mahinumduman si Congressman Teves ang biktima kini kaniadto sa nahitabong pagbuto sa bomba sa kongreso nga gikamatay sa iyang staff nga si Maan Bustalino nga taga dinhi sa dakbayan sa Dipolog.

Si Congressman Teves ang nakalingkawas kini sa maong hitabo nga nakaangkon ug pagkadaot sa iyang duha ka mga kamot nga pabilin niya karong gihambin. Pareho usab nga mipabati sa ilang dakong pagpasalamat sila si Mayor Cris Eguia, Vice Mayor Patchi Eguia ug Mayor Vincent Emil Arbolado sa pagpaningkamot ug suporta nga gilugway sa mga nahisgutang opisyal sa Negros ug Zamboanga del Norte alang sa maong proyekto sa Katipunan.

Ang RoRo Port sa Katipunan maoy magdugtong sa probinsiya sa Negros nga diin anaa lamang sa duha ka oras ang biyahe paingon ngadto sa Visayas gikan sa lungsod sa Katipunan.

"CONG LABADLABAD BUGNAW ANG SUPORTA SA RORO PORT"

Daw sa nakita nga walay interest nga motabang karon si 2nd District Cong. Dodoy Labadlabad sa katumanan karon sa RoRo Port sa lungsod sa Katipunan nga gihimo ang ground breaking niini kagahapong adlawa.

Sila si Cong. Teves ug Cong. Arnaiz ang parehong mipabati sa ilang panawagan nga gikinahanglan ang panaghi-usa sa mga opisyales niini dinhi sa Zamboanga del Norte alang sa kaayohan sa katawhan.

Ang maong proyekto ang dugay na kining gipangandoy ug karon hinay-hinay na kining gisugdan.
Sa interview, gipahayag ni Cong. Teves nga kaniadto sa dihang anaa pa siya sa Provincial Board ug gobernador pa si Cong. Arnaiz dugay na na kaayo nilang gitinguha ang maong proyekto nga magdugtong ang Katipunan ug probinsiya sa Negros.

Alang sa kongresista nga ang USA nga pagpaningkamot maoy mas maayo nga buhaton. Sila sa Negros nga human nagkahi-usa sila tanang mga opisyales atubangan sa managlahi nga partido misugod paglambo ang ilang lalawigan.

Giklaro ni Cong. Teves nga ang gusto unta nila nga mahitabo nga naa si Cong. Labadlabad sa panahon nga mo-follow-up sila alang sa maong proyekto ngadto sa DOTC ug ngadto kang Presidente Arroyo tungod kay ang Katipunan nahisulod sa distrito ni Cong. Labadlabad. ( Nonoy E. Lacson )

Dipolog Medical Ceter holds first ever brain surgery in Zamboanga del Norte

DIPOLOG CITY, Philippines - For the first time in the history of Zamboanga del Norte, two cases of brain surgery were performed recently at the operating room of Dipolog Medical Center by neurosurgeon Dr Gaudencio Arseno Tan Ligutom III.

Using DMC’s state-of-the-art neurosurgery equipments, Dr Ligutom operated on a gunshot victim who sustained a through-and-through bullet wound on the front area of the head. The surgery, which lasted just over eight hours, was done to limit the damage in the brain’s frontal lobe and remove bone fragments driven by the impact of the bullet. Prognosis for the case was not very promising due to the initial involvement of the patient’s other body systems which became detrimental factors for recovery and also due to complications expected in major trauma cases.

The second brain operation involved the removal of a meningioma, or a tumor on the brain’s protective sheet-like covering, which started to compress the patient’s brain structures in addition to being outwardly manifested in the head like a horn. The procedure was performed by Dr Ligutom the day after the gunshot case, and was completed after a mind-boggling ten hours. Full recovery was expected for the patient, who was discharged after 8 days; successive check-ups showed no negative signs or symptoms.

Under the vigilant supervision of DMC’s Medical Director, both surgical operations went through without a hitch, serving as a huge milestone in the history of the fast-growing hospital and as a quantum leap in the history of Zamboanga del Norte as well. In both cases, veteran nurses and midwives Maria Lindy Jandug, Doreen Lacay, Marife Divinagracia, Aileen Abapo, Gerry Balladares and a few volunteer student-nurses assisted the neurosurgeon, making him relaxed during the operation and rendering recovery easier for the patients. It was through the marvelous insights and efforts of the Surgical and Nursing Staff that DMC made such history.

Neurosurgery is the most difficult field of specialization in medicine, and there are only less than one hundred doctors in the entire Philippines who are qualified neurosurgeons. Neurosurgery cases usually include those which cannot be treated by any other conventional means, and some of them are trauma cases, such as those due to vehicular accidents that involve the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. Often, brain operations imply that the alternative is irreversible, severe or fatal.
About the Neurosurgeon:

Dr Gaudencio Arseno T. Ligutom III, Dipolog Medical Center’s resident neurosurgeon, is a brilliant specialist whose extraordinary skill is about as rare as it is amazing, given the sensitivity of the body system he deals with.

His career started off with an incredible academic record that was highlighted with his being a two-time Medical Board Topnotcher, one for his pre-med course Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (8th Place, 1996 Pharmacist Licensure Exam), and the other for his Doctor of Medicine degree (7th placer, 2001).

He graduated from the University of San Carlos in his pre-med, and from the Cebu Institute of Medicine for his medical degree; he had his General Surgery Training in the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (Quezon City, Manila) from 2002-2003. He was also appointed as the chief resident of UERMMMC from 2003-2006, during which he was a recipient of the Philippine College of Surgeons, Johnson & Johnson Philippine Surgical Residency Scholarship Program. Dr. Ligutom is now a certified Diplomate in the Philippine Neurosurgery Society.

Dr Ligutom was born in Talisay, Cebu, and it was perhaps because of his roots that he decided to share his expertise not in the medically advanced cities of Manila but in Mindanao. On March of 2007, he came to Ozamis to explore the possibility of practicing neurosurgery in the area, and in the process convince Ozamis doctors to develop their neurosurgery unit. He set foot in Misamis University Medical Center in the morning and was immediately at the operating room in the afternoon, operating on a head trauma patient who had bleeding inside his head. The patient was discharged after 2 weeks.

In the next five weeks, Dr Ligutom performed six neurosurgical operations in Ozamis City. Realizing that neurosurgery is a real need even in areas where people have not really grasped its significance, he decided to look into extending further his service, and later met with Dr. Stephen Yap, Medical Director of Dipolog Medical Center.

Dr Ligutom emphasizes that neurosurgery per se is not just about the procedure, which is not something ordinary people can do itself, but it is also taking care of the patient after the operation. He further states that he looks forward to a revolutionized neurosurgery practice in Zamboanga del Norte, especially looking into the not-so-healthy practice of having to send critical patients to Cebu or Dumaguete due to unavailability of local specialists, increasing the risks of further injury. The need is there, and the neurosurgeon has demonstrated a commitment, in addition to his prodigious skill, to answer to that need.

Dipolog Medical Center is now ready to accept neurosurgical and stroke patients. For particulars, please call (065)212-2555 or cellular phone number 09186304302. (Originally posted http://pulse.dmc.edu.ph/2009/02/1st-ever-brain-surgery-in-zanorte-held-in-dmc)

Huge Welcome Awaits Filipino Solon's Return

DAPITAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 07, 2009) – Residents of this beautiful coastal city in Mindanao are jubilant over reports that Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos may be released soon from prison.

Jalosjos, a known philanthropist in the Philippines, has been in jail the past 16 years after being convicted with raping an eleven-year old girl. His supporters maintained that Jalosjos was innocent and that he had been framed up and that the charges against him were politically motivated.

A court sentenced the politician to serve life in prison, but was granted executive clemency by President Gloria Arroyo in 2007. In prison, Jalosjos showed good conduct and is looked upon by inmates as a model because of his kindness to others and his being generous.

The Bureau of Corrections has already recommended the release of Jalosjos from the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa City.

It was the second time that prison officials recommended his release. In December 2007, Jalosjos was freed, but the order was taken back after his political opponents and women’s rights activists opposed and questioned the order.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said he has received a letter from the prison officials about their recommendation. Friends and relatives were said to be preparing for Jalosjos’ return to Dapitan City in the province.

"We are waiting for the return of our Manong Romy. We love him so much," said Saturnino Co, a local supporter of Jalosjos. (Mindanao Examiner)

Moro rebels burn construction equipment in South RP

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Handuraw 2008: Rendezvous at Dapitan for Rizal’s memoirs

Dapitan City Mayor Dominador G. Jalosjos (left) is being assisted by Councilor Apple Marie Agolong during a recent awarding of drum and lyre competition held at Dapitan's Plaza Rizal, site of many activities of the forthcoming Handuraw 2008. (Photo by Allan Carlos)

DAPITAN CITY, Philippines - Planning has begun in earnest for Dapitan’s Handuraw Festival 2008, when the city commemorates the fruitful stay of the country’s National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, while in exile here following political persecution against him by the Spaniards from 1892 to 1896.

Set to start on the 27th until 29th of December, this year, the City of Dapitan in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region is currently having collaborations with a select set of established institutions to invite talented individuals do their share in art, painting, essay, sculpture, drama, and fashion – just a few of Jose Rizal’s many genial interests and talented skills.

Handuraw Festival is Dapitan’s way of reviving the historical trail of Dr. Jose Rizal, who stayed in Dapitan City for four years, leaving wonderful memories in the lives of the people here.

Handuraw, which is a Visayan term that means recollection or flashback, was started in 2006 by the City Government of Dapitan led by Mayor Dominador G. Jalosjos. Since then, the City Government of Dapitan, together with various civic groups and business organizations, has continued to embark on a plan to better enhance the city's tourism industry by restoring Dr. Jose Rizal's historical heritage.

The plan to restore and promote Rizal's historical trail and legacies in Dapitan included the construction of "Punto de Desembarco de Rizal en Dapitan Landmark or Rizal's Landing Site and Sta. Cruz Marker, which is almost completed.

Rizal landed on the beach of Sta. Cruz, Dapitan, at 7 p.m. on July 17, 1892, to begin the life of an exile in Dapitan. It came to be known as Rizal's Landing Site later. With the help of the townsfolk, Rizal rebuilt the town's Plaza, In front of St. James Church. They also made the "Relief Map of Mindanao" out of stones, soil and grass.

Rizal helped the residents put up the lamp-posts at every corner for Dapitan's first lighting system, which consisted of coconut oil lamps covered with glass.

Among his contributions to Dapitan was the establishment of an association of Dapitan farmers to improve farm products, obtained better harvests, construct more markets for them, collected funds to buy their products, and helped the producers and workers by putting up stores.

Dr. Rizal became the town doctor during his time. Opening a clinic and hospital, he treated non-paying patients as well as those who could pay. He gave away medicine to the poor.

He also opened a school where he taught Spanish, English, Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra and Correct Behavior.

Dapitan City Councilor Apple Marie Agolong said the collaborations for this year’s Handuraw Festival offer another chance to showcase Rizal’s works and memoirs to supplement Filipinos’ knowledge and understanding of the country’s great hero.

“This year’s opening salvo on December 27 is a Parade of Floats, representing the five historical influences of Rizal in Dapitan. It will be followed by a tree planting activity in deference to Rizal’s environmental interest, and, later at the famous Gloria de Dapitan, a fashion show, representing Dapitan’s heritage as a famous and important Filipino settlement during the Spanish and American regimes,” Agolong, chair of the Committee in Tourism, said.

Agolong said the second day (Dec. 28) of the festival will showcase how Dapitanons follow the footsteps of Rizal’s works in the line of painting, sculpture, and also writing through the conduct of an Essay Writing Contest. It will be followed by a conference on Rizal’s works and later with a fluvial parade from the Rizal Shrine to Gloria de Dapitan, apart from the chorale and rondalla invitational contest at the Cultural Center of Dapitan.

This year’s Handuraw will be capped on Dec. 29 by painting and sculpture exhibit and to be highlighted by the launching of the book “Jose Rizal’s Life and Legacies in Dapitan, at the Dapitan City Resort Hotel.

Dapitanons consider Dr. Rizal as a cultural icon during his time because of his deep involvement with the daily affairs of the community around him, expressing his deep-seated love of country and people, and lived out what were to become the last of his adventures. He was said to have expressed his genius in practical, down-to-earth ways here.

Dapitan City holds the Handuraw Festival every year in a bid to also promote its historical heritage and boost its tourism potentials to local and foreign visitors. Dubbed as the Shrine City of the Philippines, Dapitan is envisioned to become an eco-tourism destination and heritage center of the South.

Other plans of the city include the restoration of the official residence and administration building of the politico-military Governor of the District, Gov. Ricardo Carnicero, or the Casa Real, where Rizal lived from July 17, 1982, up to March 1983.

Another restoration project is the Rizal's Shrine, the major historical landmark of the city and the hero's home during his exile. Rizal bought this estate in 1892 from a prize he won in a lottery. It has an area of 16 hectares. It contains Casa Quadra, Casa Redondo, Casitan Hospitales, Casa Redonda Pequeña, the Aqueduct, Mi Retiro Rock and the Amphitheater.

In history, Dapitan was already a famous and important Filipino settlement before the arrival of Legaspi in Dapitan and in the early years of the Spanish domination. In 1607, Fr. Pascual de Acuña, the Jesuit Chaplain of the squadron headed by Juan Juarez Gallinate, stayed two months in Dapitan and converted two hundred natives from panganism to Christianity. The Spanish government was established in Dapitan, where it allowed the same local form of government to continue functioning, with some changes and improvement. It was of course, under the absolute control of the authority.

Dapitan was founded by Boholanos before or after the coming of the first Spaniards. The name Dapitan means a place of rendezvous or meeting place of some 800 families. “Dapit” in Bisayan means “to invite”. Hence, as a continued tradition, Mayor Jalosjos and Vice Mayor Patri Chan, chair of the Committee on Handuraw, and the entire officialdom of Dapitan City invite everyone to come and rendezvous with Dapitanons for the Handuraw Festival.

Philippine Military Agent Shot Dead In Troubled South

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 10, 2008) – A military intelligence agent was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in the southern Philippines, police said on Friday.

Police said the gunmen attacked Ronnie Ebong, 45, while onboard his motorcycle in the town of Baliguian in Zamboanga del Norte province, where rebels are actively operating.

No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but police suspect it was connected to his covert work. The gunmen fled on a jeep after the shooting which occurred at around 9 p.m., police said without giving further details about the soldier's background. (With a report from Erico Rosco)

No Peace Talks With MILF, Arroyo Says

DAPITAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 19, 2008) - Filipino leader Gloria Arroyo on Thursday again campaigned for dialogues and community consultations, focusing on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration as the new peace paradigm in negotiating with insurgents, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Philippines' largest Muslim rebel group.

"We remain committed to the peace process. We have negotiated in good faith with our Muslim brethren to keep the peace these last seven years and also to look for lasting peace for generations to come," Arroyo said during a two-day Local Peace and Security Assembly here.

She accused the MILF of failing to surrender three rogue commanders blamed for last month's deadly attacks in Mindanao. Arroyo suspended the government's peace talks with the MILF because of the attacks in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Sarangani provinces that killed dozens of people.

"We will not negotiate with a gun pointing at our heads," Arroyo said.

The MILF said it will not return to the negotiating table unless Arroyo honors the Muslim homeland deal that peace negotiators initially signed in July.

Arroyo disbanded the government peace panel and scrapped the territorial deal with the MILF. (Mindanao Examiner)

Trader Falls To Assassins' Bullets In Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 13, 2008) – A Filipino businessman was killed in an attack by unidentified gunmen in the Western Mindanao city of Dipolog, police said Saturday.

Police said Arnold Serna, 45, was driving his off-road truck on his way home when shot several times by two motorcycle gunmen late Friday.

The assailants escaped after the killing and police said it is still investigating the motive of the murder.

Police said Serna was shot four times by the gunmen with .45-caliber pistol. Serna, police said, had been receiving death threats in the past, but authorities declined to give further details, saying, it could jeopardize the on going investigations. (Erico Rosco)

Fighting Resumes In Southern Philippines

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 19, 2008) – Fighting between government soldiers and Muslim rebels broke out Tuesday in the southern Philippines as security forces hunted members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front blamed for the series of attacks in the troubled region.

Security spokesmen said one rebel was killed and three more were wounded in the fighting in Kabuntalan town in Maguindanao province. “Rebels attacked patrolling soldiers with mortars and machine guns triggering a firefight that left one gunman dead and three others wounded,” Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, of the 6th Infantry Division, told the Mindanao Examiner.

Ando said the fighting began at around 4 p.m. along Rio Grande de Mindanao after two rebel boats attacked the soldiers, who belonged to the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion. “We sank one boat, but the rest of the rebels were able to escape,” he said.

He said the boats were transporting more than 15 rebels. Ando said rebel reinforcement also attacked the soldiers, but there were no reports of military casualties.

The MILF confirmed the fighting and said troops ambushed the rebels. “They ambushed the rebels and sporadic fighting is still going on,” Mohagher Iqbal, chief MILF peace negotiator, said later on the day.

“Troops are attacking our forces. This is dangerous because the fighting could spread to other areas,” he said by phone from his base in Mindanao.

Rebel forces were also reported to have attacked a village in Sindangan town in Zamboanga del Norte on the other side of Mindanao, but this could not be immediately confirmed. “We are still verifying the reports, we cannot confirm it right now,” said Army Maj. Eugene Batara, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.

Dozens of civilians were killed on Monday after rebel forces attacked villages in the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

Manila is currently negotiating peace with the MILF, but despite a cease-fire accord fighting still continues in many areas in Mindanao with both sides accusing each other of violating the fragile truce. (Mindanao Examiner)

Photo: Kinabayo Festival In Southern Philippines

Subanon indigenous people show their best at the recent Kinabayo Festival in Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte province in the southern Philippines. The annual celebration is being held in honor of Saint James, whom Catholics say defended Christian settlers in Dapitan City during an invasion by Muslim warriors in the 18th century. The festival coincided also with the 1st National Media Summit on Eco-tourism held in Dapitan's Dakak beach resort. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Mark Navales)

Mayor's Bodyguard Killed After Attacking Soldier At Checkpoint

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 27, 2008) – A bodyguard of a southern Philippine town mayor was killed after he attacked and shot a government soldier at a checkpoint in Zamboanga City.

Police said soldiers were manning the checkpoint when they stopped a man who was carrying a pistol before dawn Saturday. The man, identified as Hajan Abubakar, fought off the soldiers who tried to arrest him.

Abubakar, an alleged bodyguard of Sibuco town Mayor Norbi Edding, drew his gun and shot one soldier. Abubakar, who earlier harassed innocent civilian, was later killed by soldiers.

Police and military have imposed a total gun ban in Zamboanga City since last year because of the spate of killings and criminalities. (Mindanao Examiner)

Zamboanga Maid Who Killed Employer To Die By Hanging In Kuwait

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 22, 2008) - A Filipino woman, accused of murdering her employer’s daughter in Kuwait, has been sentenced to death after a court found her guilty of the charges, reports said on Tuesday.

The Kuwaiti newspaper Arab Times said Jakatia Mandon Pawa was found guilty of killing the 20-year old woman at a suburb in Mubarak Al-Kabeer, one of the governorates of Kuwait.

It said the Kuwaiti Court of Appeals Judge Mohammed Bu Slaib upheld the verdict of a lower court. Death sentences in Kuwait are carried out by hanging.

The 31-year old Filipino maid is a native of Zamboanga del Norte province in Mindanao Island.

“In a previous session, Jakatia’s lawyer argued his client had no criminal intent as there is no evidence proving that she intentionally killed the victim. He then requested the court to acquit his client, refer to a committee from the Psychiatric Hospital to check on her mental status or, at least, show maximum leniency towards Jakatia,” the Arab Times reported.

It said Jakatia stabbed and killed her employer on May 14 in Qurain district, south of Kuwait City. The woman was sleeping in her room when Jakatia attacked her. After the killing, Jakatia jumped from the second floor of the house and injured herself. She was rushed to hospital and stayed there for several days.

The verdict was the newspaper’s front page story, but the motive of the killing was unclear. The report did not say why Jakatia attacked the woman.

In December 2007, Filipino maid Marilou Ranario was also sentenced to death for killing her employer, but the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah commuted the sentence to life after President Gloria Arroyo visited the country where more than 73,000 Filipinos work, mostly as housemaids.

It was the third time that a death sentence has been handed down against a Filipino worker in recent months.

In April this year, the Kuwaiti Supreme Court upheld the death sentence against May Vecina for killing the seven-year old son of her Kuwaiti employer and attempting to kill the victim’s elder sister and brother. But the Emir also commuted Vecina’s death conviction to life after the Philippine government appealed to spare her life.

Kuwaiti courts found Vecina guilty of killing her Salem Sulaiman Al-Otaib on January 6, 2007. She also attempted to kill the victim's 13-year old brother Abdulla by slitting the boy's throat and his 17-year old sister Hajer by stabbing her.

At her trial, the Filipino maid claimed that she suffered physical and mental abuse from her employer, which led her to lose her mind. (Mindanao Examiner)

Police Patrol Ambush In Zamboanga Town

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 30, 2008) – Suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels attacked Wednesday a Philippine police patrol, wounding four, on a farming village in the southern province of Zamboanga del Norte, officials said.

Officials said the attacked occurred before dawn near a village called Lakiki in Sibuco town, a known MILF stronghold west of Mindanao island. The attack on police forces sparked a running gun battle in the area.

Troops from the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion on a nearby village were sent to pursue the attackers, but gunmen split into smaller groups and fled to the hinterlands.

“We received reports that several gunmen were wounded in the fighting and troops were sent to pursue the attackers,” Major Eugene Batara, a regional army spokesman, told the Mindanao Examiner.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the local police blamed the MILF for the ambush. The motive of the attack is still unknown, but rebels have previously assaulted security forces patrolling near their camps.

The MILF, which has been fighting the government for almost four decades for a separate Muslim homeland in Mindanao, is currently negotiating peace with Manila. (With a report from Ely Dumaboc)