President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III made headlines during the early part of his tenure as the country’s most powerful man when he decided to make do without the privilege that had been so abused in the past by government officials – the “wangwang” or siren.

But it seems like Dipolog Police did not get the memo from the President!

This after media personality Walter Balisado recently denounced the use of “wangwang” by a PNP pick-up patrol car just for overtaking another car.

According to Balisado, the incident happened just outside his residence in Sta. Filomena at around 4 in the afternoon. (Press Freedom, Vol. XXiI No. 41)

 “This is one treasure Zanorte will soon treasure!”

Eligible bachelor Guardson “Chenboy” Young, together with his closest friends, made such a remark after a trip to the Ikogan Cave in Barangay Sanao in the municipality of Katipunan, Zanorte recently.

Stalagmites and stalactites, millions of Ikogan Bats (short-tailed bats) housed in a ceiling as high as that of the Dipolog Cathedral, an underground River, tidbits that amount to heaven for outdoor aficionados, highlight the two-hour journey from end to end of the said cave. The cave is split into two divisions, namely; the Curtain Cave and the White Cave.

The group, armed their helmets and head lamps, and with local cave guides to help them pass through the arduous yet gratifying terrain, managed to satisfy their quest for adventure. Spick and span upon entry, the friends were muddy and dirty upon exit, but with a smile from cheek to cheek, words need not be uttered that each and everyone had a great time. That in there is the essence of adventure. “We had such a superb experience. I hope more and more people will visit the Ikogan Cave in the future,” Chenboy said.

Ikogan Cave is developed by the Katipunan Municipal government under the administration of Mayor Crisostomo Eguia and is directly under the care of the Tourism Office under Adelaida Eguia. (Press Freedom, Vol. XXiI No. 41)

On September 14-17, three CCS students, accompanied by CCS Vice Dean Jovanie Talaroc, attended the 8^th Philippine Youth Congress in Information Technology Seminar at the University of the Philippines Diliman

The three DMC participants, who joined in the seminar together with close to 15,000 delegates from all over the country, were Philippine Society of Information Technology Students (PSITS) DMC chapter President Roxan Segura; Associate in Computer Technology sophomore student Sheila Dela Rosa, and BSIT freshman Kevin Lester Mutia.

Year in, year out the UP Information Technology Training Center (UPITTC) has been bringing together students, faculty, IT practitioners and enthusiasts, from many parts of the country and the world for eight years already to share and discuss newly discovered and contemporary facts about recent trends in the IT world.

The gathering was an international congress and most participants, guests and speakers were from various countries particularly in Canada, France and Singapore.

The inauguration of the fields of collaboration includes the project Sun Small Programmable Object Technology (Sun SPOT), which is a wireless sensor network developed by Sun Microsystems. It encourages the development of new applications and devices. Sun SPOT uses Java programming language and it allows programmers to interact with the computer. (more on this later)

With over 100 speakers sharing their knowledge and experience on a wide array of IT topics, the seminar continues to provide a venue for experiencing activities and witnessing talks. It continues to be a venue for developing awareness and honing global competitiveness among IT practitioners and enthusiasts.

To ensure easy transportation of products of far-flung barangays of the municipalities of Roxas, Jose Dalman, Sindangan and  Siayan, the Zanorte administration under Governor Rolando Yebes announced the plan to connect these municipalities with municipal and barangay roads.

Reports have it that small-time businesses from far barangays of these municipalities resort to selling their products in nearby “tabo” in near barangays because the road to the municipal proper, aside from the fact that the distance is that far, the travel is considered hard and ardous for them.

Governor Yebes revealed that, initially, he is planning to make a new road from Barangay Tapeza towards the town proper in Panampalay to link the towns of Roxas and Jose Dalman.

Meanwhile, former CDAU head Ronie Pastilan reiterated the governor’s plan saying that this will enable residents of these barangays to easily bring and sell their products in the town proper where prices are higher. (Press Freedom, Vol. XXiI No. 41)

A group of people were about to go on fishing when they happened upon a dead body washed ashore.

The dead body of a certain 60-year-old Teodoro Paipa-Jumawan was found in the sea shore of Purok Bularan in Surf, Barangay Miputak recently.

Jumawan is a resident of Fishermen’s Village in Barangay Miputak.

According to Felecidad Jumawan, the wife of the victim, her husband was last seen the evening before he was found dead. She added that Teoedoro was intoxicated when she last saw him.

In its initial investigation together with the City Health Office, the Dipolog PNP is not discounting foul play as the victim’s family complained of a gash in the forehead of Teodoro. Authorities are yet to release its final report on the matter. (Press Freedom, Vol. XXiI No. 41)

Just minutes away from the Dipolog City Police Station, the Insular Life in the Montaño building in General Luna Street was recently victimized by burglars who got away with approximately half a million pesos in cash.

Police authorities are still conducting their investigation as of press time.

According to initial reports, burglars made their way into the Insular Life office by destroying the padlock of the building’s second floor. The burglars then entered the service office of Insular Life and destroyed the cash bolt in a steel cabinet to take away with them a petty cash worth P492 million and another cash worth P2, 086.

The burglary was only discovered the morning after by employees of Insular Life.

It can be recalled that just this past week, another burglary incident was also reported when a jewelry store, Daniel’s Corner in Ranillo Street in Central Barangay, was also victimized with burglars getting away with almost one million pesos.

As of this writing, police authorities already have in their custody five suspects. But they refuse to name them pending further investigation. They are not writing off the possibility that the burglars in Daniel’s Corner are also the same ones who committed the crime in Insular Life. (Press Freedom, Vol. XXiI No. 41)

Flashing its deadly form just in time for the 15th UniGames, the DMC College Foundation football team captured the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Home and Away championship with a 3-0 win via penalty shootout against the Dapitan team in Pagadian City last September

The DMC Booters, representing Dipolog, bested five other competing teams from all over the region including Sindangan team (representing Zanorte), Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay team, host team Pagadian and the aforementioned Dapitan team.

The DMC team kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 drubbing of the Sindangan squad. The Reginald Jukes Sr.-mentored team followed it with a 2-0 win over the Zamboanga Sibugay before the win in the finals against Dapitan.

“This win is yet another testament to our successful football program here in DMC. This is a great gauge of how our team has improved in time for the UniGames wherein we placed second last year. Coach Jukes wants his revenge against last year’s champs, the West Negros University. I hope he gets his wish,” DMC Sports Coordinator Joelito “Toto” Turno said.

The 15th Philippine Unigames will be held on October 24-30 and will be hosted by Silliman University of Dumaguete City. The said competition, which participation is made via invitation, is expected to have 16 teams from all over the country competing for this year’s title. (Press Freedom, Vol. XXiI No. 41)

It is not everyday do we hear and read the thoughts of our fellow Dipolognons, that’s why in this section, we give you, our readers, the opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas.

“Angayan bang pasakaan ug kaso sa ZANECO ang National Grid Corporation of the Philippines kon NGCP atubangan sa dili maayong sirbisyo nga gilugway niini ngadto sa mga power utilities sama sa atong kooperatiba sa elektrisidad?”

“Kung naa silay makit an nga saktong rason, angay lang gyud nga pasakaan ug kaso, pero kung walay saktong ebidensya ug complain lang na basta basta, mas mayo pa siguro kung makig dialog nalang.” – Rex of Hot FM

“In general, yes. Because people pay their bills in exact but the service they give is not enough.” – Katrina Tulang, DMC SHRIM student

“Sa gipakita karun nga serbisyo sa NGCP, wala gyud malipay ang mga konsumante sa kuryente busa angay lang gyud sila kasuhan.” – Zenaida of Padre Ramon Street

“Kung tinuod nga nagpakabana ang mga opisyales sa Zaneco, angay lang gyud nga ilang hingusgan ang paghatag ug leksyon aning mga taga NGCP.” – Angie Mae of Estaka

Next week’s question is, “In a rate of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest, how would you rate the performance of Dipolog PNP under Police Superintendent Reynaldo Maclang? And why?”

For your answers, you can text a sentence or two including your full name and current position in this contact number, 09077455819, or send it through email in this address, tyrone_shakur2001@yahoo.com or in baby_maui91@yahoo.com. Now is the time to express your thoughts and ideas. (Press Freedom, Vol. XXiI No. 41)

WHILE SURFING THE INTERNET ONE  DAY I CAME ACROSS AN ISSUE ABOUT LOSING A LANGUAGE.   THE FOUNDATION FOR ENDANGERED LANGUAGES (FEL) , A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION REGISTERED AS CHARITY IN ENGLAND AND WEST  WALES IS FOR  SUPPORTING, PROTECTING AND PROMOTING ENDANGERED LANGUAGES..THIS WAS FOUNDED IN 1996.   WHICH MEANS 14 YEARS AGO THERE WAS ALREADY SUCH MOVE TO EXTINGUISH SOME LANGUAGES.  I AM INTRIGUED.

ACCORDING TO OUR SOURCE, ABOUT 6000 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN AROUND THE WORLD. BUT THE FOUNDATION ESTIMATES THAT BETWEEN 500 AND 1000 OF THOSE ARE SPOKEN BY ONLY A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE.  AND EVERY YEAR THE WORLD LOSES 25 MOTHER TONGUES.  THAT EQUATES TO LOSING 250 LANGUAGES OVER A DECADE- A  SAD PROSPECT TO SOME.  WHO COULD BE THE NEXT?  WHAT IS THE CRITERION.

IN THE RECENT MID SEPTEMBER,  A CONFERENCE IN WALES ORGANIZED BY THE FOUNDATION WAS ATTENDED BY 100 ACADEMICS AND DISCUSSED ABOUT INDIGENOUS  LANGUAGES IN IRELAND, CHINA, AUSTRALIA AND SPAIN.   BUT ACCORDING TO PHILIP  HOWARD , A VETERAN WORD-WATCHER AND TIMES COLUMNIST,  MANDARIN THE MOST POPULOUS LANGUAGE IN THE WORLD AND SPANISH THE FASTEST GROWING.  SO WHY WOULD THEY INCLUDE IN THEIR DISCUSSION  CHINA ANG SPAIN.

THE FEL CHAIRMAN NICHOLAS OSTLER  SAYS,  ‘“ WHEN LANGUAGES ARE LOST, MOST OF THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WENT WITH THEM GETS LOST.  PEOPLE  DO CARE ABOUT IDENTITY AS THEY WANT TO BE DIFFERENT.  NOWADAYS WE WANT ACCESS TO EVERYTHING BUT WE DON’T WANT TO BE THOUGHT OF AS NO MORE THAN PEOPLE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD.

AND IN EUROPE,  MR. OSTLER’S VIEW  SEEMS TO COMMAND OFFICIAL .           SUPPORT. THERE IS A EUROPEAN CHARTER FOR REGIONAL LANGUAGES WHICH EVERY E.U. MEMBER SIGNED.  AND THE E.U. HAS A EUROPEAN LANGUAGE DIVERSITY FOR ALL PROGRAMME DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE MOST THREATENED NATIVE TONGUES. AT  THE END OF LAST YEAR THE PROJECT RECEIVED 2.7 MILLION EUROS TO IDENTIFY THOSE LANGUAGES MOST AT RISK.  THE FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN ALSO HAD MENTIONED  THAT  APART FROM ENGLISH,  THE UNITED KINGDOM HAS  A NUMBER OF OTHER LANGUAGES.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO LOSE A LANGUAGE?  BAD OF COURSE-SIMPLY WE DON’T WANT IT TO HAPPEN.

PHILIP HOWARD ARGUES THAT LANGUAGES ARE IN THE HANDS OF PEOPLE, NOT POLITICIANS.  I’M INCLINED TO BELIEVE  THAT SUCH MOVE IS A  CONCEPT BY POLITICIANS.  HOWARD CONTINUES TO SAY THAT “LANGUAGE IS THE ONLY ABSOLUTELY TRUE DEMOCRACY.  IT IS NOT WHAT PROFESSORS OF LINGUISTICS OR ACADEMICS OR JOURNALISTS  SAY, BUT WHAT PEOPLE DO.”  THAT POLITICIANS MAKE A “CATEGORY MISTAKE”  WHEN THEY TRY TO INTERFERE WITH LANGUAGES.    LANGUAGE IS NOT A PLANT THAT  RISES AND  FALLS, LIVES AND DECAYS.  IT’S   A  TOOL  THAT’S PERFECTLY ADAPTED BY THE PEOPLE USING... GET ON LIVIING AND TALKING,  ADVISES HOWARD.

ONE  CRITIC TO THE ISSUE  SAYS   ‘“ IF A LANGUAGE HELPS TO PRESERVE A CULTURE OR TRADITION THERE IS NO REASON NOT TO PROTECT SUCH LANGUAGE.  ...........SOUNDS GOOD.  I AM FOR IT ESPECIALLY THAT WE FILIPINOS ARE TRADITIONALISTS AND  LOVE TO KEEP  OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE.

$$$$$

WHILE WE DON’T EXACTLY KNOW WHAT ARE THE BASES  IN ELIMINATING A LANGUAGE, IT IS GOOD THAT EACH COUNTRY KNOWS HOW TO PROTECT  HER NATIONAL LANGUAGE.

OURS IS PILIPINO OR TAGALOG TO MOST OF US. FROM APARRI TO SULU OUR PEOPLE SPEAK DIFFERENT DIALECTS.  DESPITE SUCH  DIVERSITY IN LOCAL DIALECTS  THE FILIPINOS UNDERSTND EACH OTHER BECAUSE OF OUR COMMON LANGUAGE-  THE FACT THAT PILIPINO IS TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE  AS PART OF THE CURRICULUM

IF MANY OF OUR CITIZENS  IN THE REMOTE PARTS OF THE COUNTRY CAN SPEAK ENGLISH , BROKEN THOUGH, THERE IS NO REASON THAT WE CANNOT MASTER OUR OWN NATIONAL LANGUAGE.

WE MUST SPEAK PILIPINO WHEREVER WE ARE OUTSIDE OUR COUNTRY- .

BUT IT IS GOOD TO BE ETHICAL ON THE OTHER HAND NOT TO  BE USING OUR TONGUE WHEN WE ARE AMONGST  NON-FILIPINOS.  WHAT I”M SAYING HERE IS FOR US TO SPEAK IT AT HOME OR IN  EXCLUSIVE FILIPINO GATHERINGS.   TEACH IT TO CHILDREN WHO WERE  BORN OUTSIDE THE PHILIPPINES , SO THAT WHILE THEY ARE PROFFICIENT IN ENGLISH  OR WHATEVER YOU HAVE  IN A  CERTAIN COUNTRY,  OUR MOTHER TONGUE REMAINS TO BE PRESERVED IN THE FAMILY.

AS LONG AS YOU CAME TO OTHER COUNTRIES ALREADY IN YOUR ADULT AGE, I DON’T BELIEVE THAT YOU NOW FORGET YOUR NATIONAL LANGUAGE.  NOT EVEN WHEN  YOU ARE MARRIED TO  A CITIZEN OF CERTAIN COUNTRY YOU ARE IN.  YOU SHOULD BETTER TEACH YOUR SPOUSE AND CHILDREN TO SPEAK OUR LANGUAGE. BY DOING THIS, THEY WILL HAVE RESPECT FOR OUR COUNTRY, BECAUSE TO ME, SPEAKING OUR LANGUAGE WHICH IS A RECOGNITION OF OUR CULTURE IS  RESPECT  FOR OUR COUNRY, CORRECT?

$$$$$

I MET NEW FRIENDS HERE-FILIPINOS WHO HAVE BECOME CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTRY AND I FIND THEM SPEAKING OUR LANGUAGE  WHEN I CAME  TO THEIR HOMES AND  WHEN WE WERE TOGETHER ON PICNICS.   OF  COURSE,  NO NON-FILIPINOS WITH US. AND IT’S FUN TO BE TALKING IN OUR  OWN TONGUE, TELLING STORIES, JOKING AND LAUGHING THE FILIPINO  MANNER.  i FEEL BEING AT HOME WITH THEM BECAUSE THE ATMOSPHERE IS INDEED FILIPINO.

ONE OF THESE WOMEN I MET  TOLD ME  SHE TAUGHT  THEIR ONLY CHILD IN THE FAMILY TO SPEAK TAGALOG WHEN THEY CAME TO  AMERICA  SOME 35 YEARS AGO AND THE DAUGHTER WAS ONLY FIVE YEARS OLD. THE  CHILD GREW UP IN THE ENGLISH SPEAKING COMMUNITY  BUT WHEN SHE’S HOME THE FAMILY TALK IN TAGALOG.  THAT’S HOW HER  FAMILY VALUES THE TAGALOG  LANGUAGE TO PROVE  THEY ARE FILIPINOS ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE NOW ACQUIRED THE CITIZENSHIP  OF THIS COUNTRY.

I ALSO GOT THIS  SLIGHT “TSISMIS”  FROM THEM THAT THERE ARE FILIPINOS HERE WHO APPEAR INDIFFERENT TO OTHER FILIPINOS.   “NADALA PA ANG BATASAN SA PAGPA KA ARON-INGNON  ILABINA KUN MAMINYO NA  SA DILI “INGON NATO”  GET ME?  AY KINABUHI- UNSAON NA LANG.    WELL, WELL,  I SHOULD MIND MY OWN BUSINESS NA LANG KAHA NO?

UNTIL NEXT TIME.......

OUR QUOTE FOR THE WEEK: “SPEAK FILIPINO” (MONICA “nenen” BALORIA EDRALIN)

CONTACT MEANS    :  093973345090

EMAIL                                  :  sally_elia@yahoo.com

MIZPAH                                    :  “auntie sally” (Press Freedom, Vol. XXiI No. 41)

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), operator of the country’s transmission system, plans to spend about P35.83 billion for the upgrade of the transmission assets over the next five years.

Documents from NGCP showed that it has lined up 21 priority projects costing P35.83 billion from 2011 to 2015.

Of these, P26.52 billion would be spent ffor the upgrade of its assets in the Luzon grid. For the Luzon grid, the projects include the Tayabas Substation Upgrade and the San Jose-Balintawak Transmission Line Upgrade Project.

The company has set P6.69 billion for 11 facility upgrade projects in the Visayas and P2.63 billion for four upgrade of projects in Mindanao.

Rex Corpuz, NGCP’s senior technical adviser to the president, earlier said that the company plans to spend P8.9 billion for the upgrade of its transmission assets.

NGCP earlier this month completed a P1.56 billion project for the upgrade of power transformers at its San Jose Substation.

The upgrade program has increased San Jose substation’s total capacity from 2,400 megavolt ampere (MVA) to 3,000 MVA.

ERC Okays NGCP Visayas Expansion

September 23, 2010, 8:02pm

MANILA, Philippines – The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Regulators has approved the P419 million expansion of the transmission facilities of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in the Visayas to help improve the region’s power situation.

The project involves the expansion and upgrading of NGCP’s Talavera, Ormoc and Kabankalan substations, which is intended to address the projected growth in power demand pushedin major load centers in Cebu, Leyte and Negros islands.

“Moreover, the proposed additional transformers at the said substations will provide single outage contingency at the substation level, thus, prevent power interruption to the customers should any of the transformers malfunctions,” NGCP said.

The Visayas grid has been suffering from tight power supply because of transmission line constraints, the lack of new power plants amid growing demand.

Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said that there is pressure to improve the grid’s power infras-tructure as consumption of electricity increases at a faster pace than the economic growth of 5.4 percent annually.

At present, the dependable power gene-rating capacity in the Visayas is at 1,505 megawatts while peak demand is at 1,430 megawatts, with a required reserve margin of 335 megawatts.

“[The Visayas] may be experiencing brownouts simply because of that limited reserve. By the year 2018-2030, the peak demand is targeted at 2,150 mega-watts,” Almendras said.

He noted that, “clearly, this growing need for energy only means more opportunity for our partners in the private sector. We must continue to invest in exploration, development and production – while at the same time maintaining high standards of management and minimizing environmental impact.”

(Press Freedom, Vol. XXiI No. 41)

PRESS FREEDOM:

With all the hullabaloo of the Senate inquiry and the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC) report, the Philippine National Police is not by its lonesome in the blameful eye of concerned citizens of the Republic.

Also in the hot seat is the media especially with critics quick to draw their blame pistol upon broadcasters who were able to talk live with hostage-taker-turned-mass-murderer, Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, instead of authorized negotiators. The people’s mistrust and distrust is echoed by no less than President Noynoy Aquino who asked this question, “why should the negotiator be hampered in his ability to communicate with the hostage-taker that he is trying to talk down because he has to wait in line to other parties who are communicating with him who are not trained in negotiations?”

Why, indeed?

These broadcasters, vying to outscoop each other, were the ones talking sweet nothings to Mendoza instead of police negotiators – bad. These broadcasters, all in the name of the ratings competition most definitely did and say just about anything to squeeze any detail or information out of the hostage-taker all made without any training with regard dealing with the said suspect’s emotional state – real bad. And right after the incident, when all 13 hostages are already dead, media people were the first ones on the scene to contaminate the crime scene – that’s worse, that’s ugly.

Realize that freedom of speech bestowed upon the media is built around the ultimate goal of common good and anything beyond the aim of national interest is not covered by such freedom. P-Noy emphasized such by quipping that “the most common example is that there is freedom of speech, but you also cannot shout ‘Fire!’ inside a movie house just because you want to do so.”

Well said Mister President. Just because you are cloaked with the freedom of speech does not give you the right to endanger the lives of your fellow citizens.

To regulate or not said freedom of speech is beside the point because I believe that ultimately, everything still comes down to the type of media people running these media agencies all over the country. In P-Noy’s “Fire” soliloquy, the capability of a media man will enable him to create different ways and means to save lives other than shouting “fire” inside the movie house, while his principles and ideals will most definitely hold him back from shouting since this would lead to chaotic atmosphere inside the theater.

In a word, (but literally in a sentence) we need more capable and principled journalists and broadcasters.

I’ve been imploring this for a good ten year stretch already and still, there seems to be no ray of hope in sight. I sincerely believe that we most definitely need a professionalized media in the country. Unlike in the mainstream media which actually have professionals with degrees in mass communication running their organization, here in Zanorte and Dipolog, anybody with a sharp tongue, loud mouth and the balls to be politicians’ PR men can masquerade as media men. Let us not be hypocrites because that’s the sad truth.

Press releases are so one-sided that it is not enough for a reader to buy one local newspaper alone, said reader must also buy another paper to hear the other side!!! That’s reality here in our locality.

That is why here in Press Freedom, I try to make it a point to have a balanced news reporting. I make sure that we publish press releases both from the city and the provincial government. If given time, I always make it a point to get the other side of the coin.

Back to my point of professionalizing our media. This is not to malign the current crop of media people roaming around Zanorte because more than a few are really knowledgeable of their craft with only a handful not really trained and educated in such field. I have utmost respect for every single media person in Zanorte, what I mean is for our students to realize the opportunity to be of service for the greater good of the society by becoming a mass communicator someday. What I mean is for these students to be given the chance to hone their skills in writing and broadcasting. What I mean is for mass communication graduates to be given their chance to handle the fourth estate in the government, the media.

First of all, aside from all the technical knowledge, mass communication graduates are given ample training to abide by the Journalist's Code of Ethics as adopted by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP). It is far-fetched to have a mass comm graduate set aside his ideals and principles inculcated by a four-year study just to become a writer mercenary for a certain politician.

If we want to have a media be literally a “watchdog of the government,” we should put a premium in developing our young and encouraging budding high school writers to pursue mass communications study. I believe that our country already has enough nursing and business graduates, why not have young high school students with innate passion for writing be given the chance to make it either as a journalist or a broadcaster?

This campaign to encourage more students to pursue a career as a mass communicator is just the ripple of the tide for change, and if we are to make a wave out of it, we need media empires in the country, here in Zanorte, in Dipolog City to employ mass communication graduates in their FM stations and news papers. The owners need to realize that these graduates have honed their skills in this field for a good four years in college. And just like in a court room wherein no judge will allow an engineer to act as a counsel other than for himself, while no hospital will allow a lawyer to consult and operate on its patients, just the same, no radio station owner should also allow an elementary graduate carry a radio program! This duty to have qualified mass communicators as media men will more likely increase the perception of people with the media.

With qualified individuals, envelopmental journalism, biased reporting by politicians’ PR, and mercenary broadcasters and writers for hire will gradually fade away. With qualified individuals, balanced reporting, and quality writing and broadcasting will highlight Zanorte and Dipolog media.

Furthermore, talking about the need to professionalize our media, I am reprinting herein the Journalist's Code of Ethics word for word to remind my fellow journalists of our sacred code.

I. I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts nor to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognize the duty to air the other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly.

II. I shall not violate confidential information on material given me in the exercise of my calling.

III. I shall resort only to fair and honest methods in my effort to obtain news, photographs and/or documents, and shall properly identify myself as a representative of the press when obtaining any personal interview intended for publication.

IV. I shall refrain from writing reports that will adversely affect a private reputation unless the public interest justifies it. At the same time, I shall fight vigorously for public access to information.

V. I shall not let personal motives or interests influence me in the performance of my duties, nor shall I accept or offer any present, gift or other consideration of a nature that may cast doubt on my professional integrity.

VI. I shall not commit any act of plagiarism.

VII. I shall not, in any manner, ridicule, cast aspersions on, or degrade any person by reason of sex, creed, religious belief, political conviction, cultural and ethnic origin.

VIII. I shall presume persons accused of crime of being innocent until proven otherwise. I shall exercise caution in publishing names of minors and women involved in criminal cases so that they may not unjustly lose their standing in society.

IX. I shall not take unfair advantage of a fellow journalist.

X. I shall accept only such tasks as are compatible with the integrity and dignity of my profession, invoking the “conscience clause” when duties imposed on me conflict with the voice of my conscience.

XI. I shall conduct myself in public or while performing my duties as journalist in such manner as to maintain the dignity of my profession. When in doubt, decency should be my watchword.

Finally, other than this code, we also need the Senate to finally put into writing the need for media to know its place during specific crimes which involves life and death situations, just like the hostage taking in Manila. We need to cloak our officers with the power to really prohibit live, minute by minute coverage so as not to pre-empt any rescue attempt and allow officials and negotiators to do their job.

Our responsibility is to report and inform the populace sans bias and the only limitation of such is when we are stepping beyond the boundary of decency and morality, and when we endanger lives of our fellowman.

*****

For those looking for rooms for rent just near the Saint Vincent’s College, you can contact NN in her mobile phone number 09293971985 for more inquiries.

The Word of God written in the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1 says “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”, banking on its wisdom, at this juncture we’ll grab the special opportunity, of the time and season of joy and happiness, for the coming birthday of Governor E. Yebes to be celebrated on September 19-20 thru a “Consultative Dialogue” at Sitio Tapeza, Brgy. Panampalay, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte by greeting him advance Happy, Happy Birthday to you our beloved Governor. May the Almighty God shower you with many, many more birthdays to come even as you have become a great blessings for us, our dear families and of course for many people, especially the poor and underprivileged, sector in Zamboanga del Norte.

On such occasion all the Governor’s “Generals” with their battalions and arsenals of public services or the working force of the Provincial Government will be marshaled with the following liners:

1.The Provincial Welfare & Development Office headed by PSWDO Grace Marylen B. Sabbal and staff to deliver the various services to the poor, indigents and other deserving residents in the area, including the distribution of collected used clothings.

2.The Provincial Health Office headed by Dr. Eduardo M. Luayon together with all Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Medical staff once again to conduct medical/dental outreach/consultations and distributions of medicines for the populace therein.

3.The Provincial Nutrition Office headed by Leila Realiza and staff will conduct milk feeding, lecture on pre-schoolers, other services including distribution of rubber slippers, soaps, etc.

4.The Provincial Agriculture Office headed by Maybell Bustaliño will also be there to provide assistance and distribution of agriculture products such as rubber seedling, vegetable seeds and other agricultural inputs and products.

5.The Provincial Veterinarian Office headed by Dr, Vic Sanchez and staff for the program on “animal dispersal”, distribution of boiled eggs, etc.

6.The Provincial Engineering Office headed by OIC Provincial Engineer Lane John R. Lim, OIC Assistant Provincial Engineer Leodegaria P. Janolino and some PEO personnel to take charge of the preparation of the site, the temporary structures, electrical, sound and water system for the said affair.

7.The Provincial Planning and Development Office with OIC ZMC Hospital Administrator Rosevic L. Ocampo and staff for the invitation, the consultative meeting and the program proper.

8.The Provincial Budget Officer Joy Y. Abitona and Staff assisting  in the preparations of the work & financial plans & coordination.

9.The Provincial Accountant Marivic SU. Carpitanos for the accounting services.

10.The Provincial Attorney Jess Gal R. Sarmiento, Jr. and staff for the legal services and as Over-All Coordinator for the 9-19-20 activity.

11.The Provincial Assessor Atty. Lester Patay and Staff for assessment services.

12.The Management Information System Office (MISO) and Staff headed by Mr. Gereo Patrimonio for the documentations and recordings.

13.The Human Resource Personnel Officer Aurelia H. Barrios and Staff for the supervision of all activities.

14.The Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC) headed by Mr. Climaco Villanueva and staff for the distribution of the technologies, video showing, giveaways, etc.

15.The Provincial Indigenous Peoples Community Unit (PIPCU) for various indigenous people’s activities such as Kasalan sa Barangay, Live-Birth Registration, and rituals.

16.The Community Development Assistant Unit (CDAU) headed by Mr. Joseph Pacilan for the necessary barangays.

17.The Security group headed by Executive Assistant Senen Ladera and Engr. Dennis C. Tenorio with the Provincial Security Group (PSG) for security.

18.The ZANEMO for the environmental concern.

19.The Executives Assistants led Brod Jay C. Adraincem for coordination & assistance.

20.The Provincial Treasurer’s Office headed by Brod Jessie Concepcion and Staff in assisting all activities.

21.The Provincial Tourism Office headed by Atty. Ivan Ang for the tourism potentials of the area.

22.The Provincial General Services Office headed by Mr. Emmanuel Ladera and Staff in assisting all activities.

23.The Provincial Library headed by Mrs. Erlinda Nunag in assisting activities of office implementors.

24. And finally, my mentor the Provincial Administrator Atty. Rafael Z. Cabanlit and staff for the general supervision of all the activities.

And of course we anticipate the wholehearted support and cooperation of the newly elected Mayor of Roxas Engr. Ed Yebes and other officials in the said municipality. Congrats to you all beneficiaries of Governor Yebes’ birthday bash thereat.

As mentioned earlier being “the season of joy” for all of us, we might as well present the birthday gifts (Ang mga handog) of Governor Yebes for the people of ZaNorte. And here are some of them the just completed projects of Governor Yebes undertaken thru the Provincial Engineering Office which shall be scheduled for official turn-overs, in due time, according to OIC Provincial Engineer Lane John R. Lim, to wit:

Of course we would also give credence to all the Area Engineers and working crew accomplishing those developmental projects for our province by mentioning them:

For the PEO Sub Office Districts: I-A at Obay Polanco, led by Area Engineer Ambrocito E. Agura; District 1-B Area Engineer Jennifer C. Viernes, District, District II-A Area Engineer Manuelito B. Tambolero; District II-B Area Engineer Ladislao M. Vidal III; District III-A Area Engineer Rodolfo G. Enriquez; District III-B Area Engineer Belen A. Sumatra; and District III-B Area Engineer Arnel E. Tagbac, kudos to you all and again keep up the good work. God bless you always.

Finally, for our word of wisdom:

“The plan of the mind belongs to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord. And your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16: 1-3

Once again Advance Happy Birthday Greetings to you Governor Rolando E. Yebes!- from all PEO Personnel & Staff! (The New Nandau, Vol. XX No.10)

It’s just a matter of months since our country held it’s National Elections, and the upcoming SK and Barangay Elections is coming. Another preparation, another expense for the ballot papers, etc. Our country, as of this time, has been trimming down on budgets allocated for the different sectors of our government.

Let’s do some assessment on some of the beneficiaries of the government funds. First, is the SK Federation.  As far as I know, this are the group of youth, in their teens, who are given opportunity to be part of a Barangay, Municipal, City as well as Provincial Administration. Well, as far the principle are concern, it is for the utmost concern for the youth to have a voice in our country. But where’s the loophole here? Its when, in almost all place I’ve been, seeing or hearing reports from different places, there have been no major contribution these organization has done. In fact, this has been the training ground for corruption. Some of us may have silent our mouths on how people run The SK Elections. The vote buying and even taking the voters out from their houses, entertaining them to amusement parks, are part of it. A concrete example of how youth officials have followed the footsteps of some politicians.

The big question here is, what have they done to our country that proved them worthy of the allowance they get, of their luxurious “lakbay-aral cum vacation trip” to Boracay, Palawan, and stay in prestigious hotels? I’m sorry but as far as I can see it, the money spent on them, has gone to waste. In fact, these officials are already affluent, they parents may be politicians themselves, training their children to follow the path they have taken.

But as far as I can see it, things will remain, and I hope that change will also be present. Not just during election, but after it. The development of our country, depends on every youth, especially those given the opportunity to serve our nation at their youth. It is a blessing, not a business, it is an opportunity to serve, not to take back their expenses during election. I am leaving a room for positive outcomes this year, the 2010 National Elections marked a changed in the heritage of our country, and so, I fervently pray, are the SK Elections. That as what, Rizal called us, The hope of our Nation. And let our light shine, at the darkness of the world.

Well then, I hope someone will see this problem and do something. Well, we are not tolerating some organizations that are not giving any good to our country. It’s may not yet be too late, we can still do something, for a change. (Press Freedom, Vol. XXiI No. 41)

Jesus Christ loves man, therefore, He gave His life for man, man deserves to die and to be separated from God, for he is unjust and sinful.  But Christ loves us, therefore He has become our substitute borne our sin and judgment, condemnation and punishment.

In Christ we become acceptable to God.  But we are must always remember, why it is because Christ died for us, the righteous one died for the unrighteous.  He sacrificed and substituted His life for us.

This is the reason the death of Christ never has to be repeated.  Christ never has to die again because He is the perfect and ideal man.  He has made the perfect sacrifice once for all.

In 2 Corinthians 5:15, says, and He died for all, that those who live should no longer life for themselves but for Him, who died for them and was raised again.  It is our sin that separates and alienates us from God.  It is sin that makes us imperfect and unacceptable to God.  When Jesus Christ took our sin upon Himself, sin was removed from us.  Therefore, we stand before God in the righteousness and sinlessness of Christ.  When Jesus Christ took the guilt of our sin and died fro us, our death penalty was paid.  In Christ, we no longer have to die or be separated from God.

We must believe with our whole heart that Jesus Christ, has died for our sins.  When we genuinely  believe, God accepts us in Christ , covering us in His righteousness and death.  But not everyone is in Christ.  Not everyone believes in Christ.  In fact, most people curse and reject Christ either by word or act.  Few obey God and His word, few trust Christ, few have given their lives to follow Christ fully and completely.  Therefore, few people are covered by the death of Christ, few sins have been forgive.  Most people continue to bear their sins and the guilt of them.

In Romans 5:1, says, therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

BIBLE BITES!!

WALKING WITH God is the best adventure.  Finding God is the best achievements and having God as companion is the best source of happiness. (Press Freedom, Vol. XXiI No. 41)

Twenty Probationers and Parolees from Dapitan City PPO Attended Therapeutic Community Modality Training

A total of twenty (20) probationers and parolees from Dapitan City, Rizal and Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte, under the supervision of Dapitan City Parole and Probation Office, successfully completed the Therapeutic Community Modality (Phase 1) Training, at the  Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Barcelona, Dapitan City, on September 6-9, 2010.

Therapeutic Community Program, which is the treatment program of Parole and Probation Administration (PPA-DOJ), is a community-based self-help social learning treatment model, where clients receive information and impetus to change from being a part of the community. It is learning laboratory where clients learn and practice values, and skills and responsibilities that they will transfer to their respective home and community. In short, Therapeutic Community Modality will serve as their vehicle for the transformation, from “wrong-living to right-living”.

The said live-in training was a joint undertaking of Parole and Probation Administration Regional Office No. 9, under the able leadership of RD Rosa H. Lacanglacang; through Dapitan City Parole and Probation Office, composed of CPPO Jose Alan B. Santillana, SPPO Josilyn S. Bael, and AAIV Judito G. Abitona; and the Dapitan Shrine Volunteer Probation Aide (VPA) Association, with VPA Margarito T. Pacilan as its President. The VPAs, especially from Barangays of Liyang, Owaon, San Pedro, Polo, Opao, Dampalan and Potungan, all of Dapitan City, offered their precious time, personal funds and talents, as they did the leg work in the solicitation of additional funds, in the coordination with Our Lady of Mercy Parish, with the Local Government Unit of Dapitan City, and in serving as facilitators/resource persons in the training.

The said training was supported by Our Lady of Mercy Parish, through Rev. Fr. Elmer Jamarolin, who offered the free use of Parish facilities, such as, the function hall, living quarters, kitchen, lights and water; the Local Government Unit of Dapitan City, through the office of the City Mayor, Hon. Dominador G. Jalosjos, Jr., the Office of the City Vice Mayor, Hon. Patri “Jing” Chan, and the Office of the City Administrator, Hon. Rodalica Adraincem, who offered financial support for food and logistics; the Department of Education (DepEd),  through the Office of the Schools Division Superintendent, RD Walter Albos (in concurrent capacity), and the Office of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Division Supervisor, OIC Supervisor Perga Cadiente, who granted the request of Dapitan City Parole and Probation Office, for ALS Coordinators VPA Grace S. Bulagao, VPA Felisa T. Gahuman and Mobile Teacher VPA Siony Enoy, to serve as facilitators/resource persons in the training grogram.

The Opening Program was graced by Rev. Fr. Elmer Jamarolin, as its Guest Speaker, while City Councilor, Hon. Randy Cabasag, gave his Inspirational Mesage during the Closing Program. Both Rev. Fr. Elmer Jamarolin and Hon. Randy Cabasag expressed their appreciation for the joint effort of the Government and the Community, in its effort towards the reformation and rehabilitation of the probationers, parolees and pardonees.

CPPO Santillana is pleased to disclose, that the client-participants reciprocated the sincere effort made by their Agency, the Community (represented by the VPAs), and the Local Government Officials, as they showed intertest and wholehearted cooperation during the training, and as they made manifest to live by the Philosophies and tenets of the Therapeutic Community Modality in their respective family and community. (The New Nandau, Vol. XX No.10)

Press Freedom Editorial
   Power Curtailment, again?