For The Record
BONG BUE, former president of Zamboanga Press Club

‘Vinta City’, not Latin

Why did typhoon “Guaping” didn’t proceed to the Philippines? Find the answer elsewhere in this corner.

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Speaking of typhoons, Zamboanga City was fortunate that Milenyo and Neneng didn’t show its battering power here. Weather experts said what we had was ITCZ (inter tropical convergence zone). I don’t know how they simplify that term, which the ancianos simply describe it as habagat.

Many areas in Zamboanga City came under water as a result of the ITCZ. Had the typhoons hit us… only God knows what would happen to us.

In the STATFACTS WMSU MPA survey the inadequacy of drainage that led to the flooded streets in downtown Zamboanga lately is ranked number sixth most serious problem in La Bella.

Fellow columnist Rey Banagudos wanted to call Zambo as Asia’s “Venice City” than “Latin City.” But I prefer it to be the “Vinta City.” I think the giving of vinta miniatures to our visitors is justified as we can start preparing small vintas for our flooded streets everytime rains come.

But on a second thought --- I said why vinta? How about “Saguan City”? Saguan is more accurate because that’s where Zamboanga’s name came from if we trace back from the ancient times.

Really, Zamboanga City is having a hard time now in its identity crisis. We do not know what we should call our city. The moniker “City of Flowers” is apparently not a favorite theme anymore as there are not much flowers to talk about.

I find Prof. Clem Bascar’s claim of naming Zambo as a “City of Tarpaulines” to be accurate. But again it’s not only in Zambo where tarpaulines of politicians are displayed all over the places. We have a lot of competitors because politicians of other cities and local government units are also doing the same.

How about “Sardine Capital of the Philippines”? It’s fine. But the problem many of the canning factories here do not operate regularly. Some have to layoff their workers because of low productions.

I remember former Vice Mayor Susan delos Reyes was one time vouching to make lokot-lokot as Zambo’s delicacy like Cebu’s otap, danguit or Davao’s durian, the sweet mangoes of Guimaras, the lansones and buko pie of Laguna and so on and so forth. But then it sounds uncomfortable if we call Zambo as “City of Lokot-Lokot.” (But I like the delicacy and actually ate plenty during Councilor Asbi Edding’s hariraya celebration recently.)

Legendary Mayor Cesar Climaco at one time called Zambo as the “City of Armalites” at the time when killings and brandishing of weapons (particularly armalites) was rampant in La Bella.

In another point, I am thinking that we may also call Zambo as the “City of Smugglers.” There are plenty of smuggling activities around. One of them is the rampant smuggling of rice passing through the backdoor and authorities concerned particularly the National Food Authority is doing nothing about it. (Watch for another expose on the NFA issue here in For The Record soon).

How about calling Zambo as “City of Badjaos” as there are so many of them roaming the road intersections posing dangers not only to themselves but to the motorists as well.

Or we can also name Zambo as “City of Beggars” for there are many streetchildren and other forms of beggars (professional and the unprofessional). Try to visit the Guardia Nacional in the evening and early morning they are there sleeping along the sidewalks. Go to the place in front of Master’s Bakery at night and there are bountiful of them.

What else do we fight for Zambo’s identity? We can have many titles if we want!

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Typhoon “Guaping” was supposed to come to Metro Manila but changed its mind because the weather was bad.

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Headline: “Celso still confident on Cristobal”

That’s really something! For a City Mayor to have so much confidence on our city police chief amidst the series of crimes happening in the city for the past months is something unusual.

For The Record learned that the city police chief himself already wanted to be transferred elsewhere but something is keeping him. Why? And why?

Zamboangueno police officer Supt. Jose Bayani Gucela, the current deputy of the city police chief, is to my mind a best choice to be the next police director even in an acting capacity.

What we need now is somebody who knows what’s happening in Zambo with all the killings going around. Who else is safe that even policemen are being killed?

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “A happy marriage is a union of two good forgivers.”

WESTMINCOM receives Sultan De Rossi's 5 donated ambulances

Commander of Western Mindanao Command, Lt. Gen. Eugenio Cedo, formally received five (5) ambulances with a simple turn – over ceremony in front of the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) headquarters on Wednesday morning, October 25, 2006.

The five (5) ambulances were donated by the Promotion of Peace and Prosperity (3P) Foundation of the United States, a non – government organization, thru the effort of chairman and co – founder, Sultan Andy De Rossi. It was also part of the Project Handclasp of the US Navy; a partnership program convened by US military forces, government and private organizations.

De Rossi, together with the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines (JSOTF – P) personnel headed by Maj. Redfield, formally turned – over the donated ambulances to Cedo.

The second – hand ambulances came all the way from Massachusetts to Manila then later ferried to Zamboanga City on board the USS Harpers Ferry.

Cedo expressed thankfulness and acknowledged De Rossi’s benevolence in his brief speech during the ceremony saying that the donation of the ambulances “is a manifestation of brotherly love” among people of the south.

The ambulances were conferred to government sectors in Southern Mindanao namely Zamboanga City Fire Station, Jolo Red Cross, Jolo Rescue Network, Camp Asturias Hospital and a clinic in Tawi – Tawi.

In an interview, De Rossi said that the ambulances were donated “for the benefit and good of the people in the south, especially the indigents.”

Asked why they chose Mindanao, De Rossi simply replied, “People from United States love Mindanao.”

Accordingly, the ambulances will soon be transported to the location of the respective recipient sectors. (PRESS RELEASE)

October 23 is declared Eidl Fitr holiday in ARMM

ARMM Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan has declared October 23, 2006 as a special non-working holiday in the entire autonomous region in meaningful observance of the Eidl Fitr or the Feast of Fast-Breaking.

Eidl Fitr, one of the two major Islamic holidays (Eid), marks the end of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan. It is signaled with the sighting of the new moon.

“The regional government joins the entire Muslim world in the celebration of this blessed day,” said Gov. Ampatuan.

On this day, Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) enjoin Muslims to take part in a communal prayer in the early morning in an open space in their community. (BPI-ARMM)

Ampatuan appoints new ARMM Social Fund chief

Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has appointed another lawyer as new Project Manager of the ARMM Social Fund Project for Peace and Development, replacing the erstwhile project manager, the slain Atty. Arnel Datukon.

Gov. Ampatuan appointed lawyer Mustapha Sambolawan, a native resident of Maguindanao province, to head the multi-million dollar World Bank funded project because of his wide and long experiences not only in the field of legal matters but as well as public administration and project implementation.

“I was surprised with my appointment because I did not expect the Hon. Regional Governor to place me here. But never the less, I thank him for his trust and confidence in me. We will do our best to cope up with his expectations in the proper and fast implementation of all the programs and projects of the ASFP. What we need here is a strong determination to implement the projects for the benefit of our people,” Sambolawan said.

The position of project manager of the ASFP was vacant for few weeks following the ambush to death in Cotabato City of Datukon, who was also credited for his expertise in the field of project implementation and public administration. As good public servant, he was a great lose to ARMM and to the peace loving people of the Region.

Before joining ARMM, Sambolawan was a trial attorney in the Citizens’ Legal Assistance Office (CLAO), Cotabato City District Office from 1978-1980; Acting Regional Director of the then Ministry of Muslim Affairs in Region 12 from 1980-1987; Director, Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs, Office on Muslim Affairs from 1988 -1989; Amerul Haj (Head of Mission of Filipino Muslims Pilgrims to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1995; a Provincial Attorney of Sultan Kudarat province; Asst. Provincial Prosecutor of Sultan Kudarat.

He was also detailed at the Bureau of Immigration as Chief Immigration Officer in Glan, Sarangani Province and hearing officer at the Port of Davao.Upon his assumption to Office in September 2005, Regional Governor Ampatuan appointed Sambolawan as his Regional Cabinet Secretary until his appointment as ASFP Project Manager on October 12,2006.

Meanwhile, Governor Ampatuan appointed Asst. Cabinet Secretary Nurodin Mamaluba as full pledge Regional Cabinet Secretary, replacing Sambolawan.

Likewise, Mamaluba has also a wide range of experiences in governance and public administration.He was a Kabataang Barangay Regional President in Region 12 from 1976 – 1978; Assemblyman of the Interim Batasan Pambansa from 1978 – 1984; Asst. Regional Manager of the KB Regional Office 12 in Cotabato City from 1985 – 1986; Provincial Board Member of Maguindanao Second District for three consecutive terms from 1992 – 2001; Political Consultant of the provincial government of Maguindanao from 2001 – 2004; Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan of Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao from 2005 – 2006.

Another appointees are Atty. Norodin Kasim as head of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) in a concurrent capacity, being the Deputy Executive Secretary and Haron Felmin as Assistant Secretary of the Region’s Department of Tourism. Felmin was former Executive Director of the Bureau on Cultural Heritage-ARMM. Before he joined ARMM, Felim was a City Councilor of Cotabato City. (BPI-ARMM)

WMSU conducts survey on 24 vote-rich villages

The STATFACTS-WMSU MPA has partially released its latest results on opinion surveys conducted in twenty four vote-rich barangays in Zamboanga City from October 7 to 15.

The partial results covered 12 barangays in District 1 (city proper towards west coast) which included Sinunuc, Recodo and Ayala. The results of the other 12 barangays in District 2 will be out anytime next week.

Prof. Bien Fernandez, STATFACTS director and professor of the Masters of Public Administration (MPA) program of the Western Mindanao State University’s College of Public Administration and Development Studies (CPADS), said that 30 MPA students undertook the survey covering 460 household respondents, 60 barangay officials who are all registered voters of the city.

Fernandez said this is the sixth year STATFACTS-WMSU has been conducting the opinion survey since 2000. At least two surveys are conducted every year by STATFACTS-WMSU on political, social and economic issues.

The survey group bolstered the integrity of STATFACTS-WMSU when it came out with accurate predictive results of the 2001 and 2004 national and local elections.

The results of the survey in District 1 (west coast) showed that Congressman Erbie Fabian, Mayor Celso Lobregat and Vice-Mayor Beng Climaco obtained high satisfaction ratings in their performance for the last six months.

City Councilors Mannix Dalipe, Mila Velasquez and Asbi Edding emerged as the top three best performing city councilors during the same period.

Topping the list of probable candidates for City Councilor in the May 2007 election are former City Councilors Charlie Mariano, Jimmy Cabato and former Vice-Mayor Bong Ko.

Vice-Mayor Beng Climaco is highly recommended to run for Congressman in the newly-created District 1 followed by City Councilor Sang Jimenez.

The following questions were asked of the 460 household respondents (in District 1):

1. Are you satisfied or not satisfied with the performance of our top local government officials in the last six month? Congressman Erbie Fabian: Satisfied (70%), not satisfied (15%), not sure (15%). Mayor Celso Lobregat: Satisfied (69%), not satisfied (19%), not sure (12%). Vice-Mayor Beng Climaco: Satisfied (76%), not satisfied (10%), not sure (14%).

2. Who do you think are the five (5) City Councilors who performed best in the last six months? Cited in rank order are: Mannix Dalipe(56%), Mila Velasquez(53%), Asbi Edding(41%), Sang Jimenez(33%), Kim Elago(33%), Luis Climaco(28%), Elong Natividad(28%), Rey Candido(28%), Nonong Guingona(26%), Ely Enriquez{24%), Cesar Ituralde(20%), Rudy Lim(19%), Aman Nuno(11%), and John Dalipe(11%). Respondents who selected no one as best performing city councilors constituted 12%. Those who selected less than five constituted 9%.

3. In the May 2007 election, who do you want to run for Congressman in your newly-created District 1? Beng Climaco (52%), Sang Jimenez (20%), Vic Solis (6%), Jomar Lobregat (6%), and other names: WMSU president Dr. Eldy Gonzales, Vit Agan, Asbi Edding and. those with no choice constituted 16%.

4. Other than Mayor Celso Lobregat, who do you want to run for Mayor in May 2007 election? Mannix Dalipe (30%), Monsi Cris dela Cruz (21%), others (6%) are: Erbie Fabian, Beng Climaco, Le Peng Wee and Vit Agan. Significantly, no choice constituted 43%.

5. Other than Vice Mayor Beng Climaco, who do you want to run for Vice Mayor in May 2007 election? Mila Velasquez (32%), Mannix Dalipe (22%), Nonong Guingona (13%), Kim Elago (8%). Asbi Edding and Sang Jimenez with 1%. Those with no choice constituted 24%.

6. In the May 2007 election , who do you want to run for City Councilors in your newly-created District 1? Can you name five (5)? Cited in rank order are: Charlie Mariano (52%), Jimmy Cabato (52%), Bong Ko (40%), Max Enriquez ( 35%), Vic Alvarez (32%), Ric Baban (32%), Bong Bue (31%), Jun Orendain (30%), Rudy Bayot (25%), Litong Lacandalo (25%), Mel Sadain (23%), Mike Apostol (23%), Gerky Valesco (23%), Manny Luna (20%), Jun Arquiza (18%), Rosendo Castillo (18%), Rolly Gregorio (18%), Vic Liozo Jr. (15%), Lynette Abarro (15%), and Mario Roca (113%).

7. Are you satisfied or not satisfied with the performance of your barangay officials in the last six months? Barangay chairmen: satisfied (59%), Not Satisfied (30%), Not Sure (11%). Barangay Kagawad: Satisfied (55%), Not Satisfied (29%), Not Sure (16%).

8. Are you satisfied or not satisfied with the performance of our local police in the last six months? Satisfied (30%), not satisfied (54%), not sure (16%).

9. Are you in favor or not in favor of the proposed Charter Change or CHA-CHA? In favor (20%), not in favor (59%), not sure (21%).

10. Are you in favor or not in favor of having election in May 2007? In favor (87%), not in favor (7%), not sure (6%).

11. Are you in favor or not in favor of the proposal to convert part of Zamboanga City into a province? In favor (18%), not in favor (70%), not sure (12%).

12. Can you name five most urgent and serious problems the city is facing at present? Drugs (72%), unemployment (70%), garbage collection (64%), high prices (62%), traffic congestion (46%), inadequate drainage (46%), increasing number of crimes (39%), sanitation (31%), bomb threats (27%), and water shortage (18%). Other problems cited are noise pollution (videoke), prostitution, mendicancy, street children, and inadequate traffic lights, among others.

Meanwhile, Fernandez stressed that careful planning was made for the survey to come up with the right mixture of socio-demographic characteristics of respondents like ethnicity, sex, age and income.

Strong winds injure 2 people; destroy over 200 houses in Basilan

At least two people were injured and hundreds of people left homeless after Muslim communities in Maluso, Basilan Province were hit by strong winds, officials said Wednesday.

The strong winds, which struck in 14 barangays (villages) in Maluso, have destroyed more than 200 houses, officials said.

They called on the Office of Civil Defense and other government agencies to provide emergency relief to those affected.

“Strong winds hit many parts of Maluso causing extensive damage to houses… So they (affected families) need humanitarian assistance urgently,” Basilan DPWH District Engineer Madsmo Hasim told Zamboanga Southwall.

The winds blew away roofing and caused complete destruction. Seaweed farms in some coastal areas and several fishing boats were also destroyed, according to Hasim.

Typhoon Milenyo, the strongest to hit in Metro Manila in a decade, displaced 1.33 million people and blacked out Luzon, leaving 43 million people in the dark.

The storm wrecked 146,000 houses and tens of thousands of hectares of farmland. Some 171,000 people displaced by floods and gales remained in evacuation centers. (HADER GLANG)

Top world negotiators studying option - Dureza

Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza on Monday said “new perspectives” are being studied and crafted as a way forward in the ongoing impasse on ancestral domain with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels.

Speaking from Madrid where he is meeting with other international peace negotiators, Dureza told reporters in the sidelines of a forum that although the impasse is “serious”, there is always a way forward.

He pointed out that "just like in the many more problematic situations the world, a peaceful settlement can be achieved provided both sides are determined to mutually seek peace."

Dureza said: “I know the Moro Islamic Liberation Front wants peace for the bangsamoro people in the south. We in government and the rest of the people who are tired of conflict also aspire for peace. Looking for the way is what this is all about. It may not be easy. But President Arroyo and the whole nation are determined to seek the path to peace”.

The Philippine official sounded off to the top negotiators convened in Spain on possible options that can be studied for the Philippine case that other nations are able to adopt successfully. Dureza however said the Philippine case may be unique in its own way but lessons learned in other parts of the world can be “insightful”.

About a dozen top government negotiators were invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development of Spain in a 3-day forum in Madrid.

Aside from Dureza, the Philippines is represented by government panel negotiator Anabelle Abaya, a conflict resolution expert who sits in the negotiations with the communist party.

Peace talks with the Filipino Maoist rebels are also on standstill at the moment. The University of Culture of Peace in Barcelona facilitated the closed door marathon sessions.

Discussed during the forum aside from the Philippine peace process were Columbia, Darfur, Congo, Burundi, Azerbaijan, Aceh Indonesia, Sahara, Pakistan and others.

The Philippine official said a panel headed by Secretary Silvestre Afable is now back to the drawing boards to study options upon orders by the Philippine president.

What is significant in the Philippine talks is that in spite of the impasse in the table, the ceasefire is holding with the assistance of international monitors led by Malaysia. Also development initiatives with the moro rebels’ designated agency are underway with the donor community’s support even before a final peace accord is forged.

While in Madrid, the Spanish State Foreign Minister Leon Bernardo informed Dureza that a seasoned Spanish diplomat had already been chosen to lead a team of human rights monitors who will assist to look into the human rights situation in the country upon invitation of President Arroyo during her June visit this year. (PRESS RELEASE)