CONG. DIVINA GRACE YU SPEAKS BEFORE ASIAN PARLIAMENTS IN TURKEY

Cong. Divina Grace Yu of the 1st District of Zamboanga del Sur proudly represented the Philippines during the Asian Parliamentary Assembly  held in Antalya, Turkey from December 13 to December 18. 

Cong. Yu, Chairperson of the Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy of the 18th Congress, was among the representatives who spoke before the 42 APA member states and 16 observer countries during the 12th Plenary Session on December 15.

She was with Cong. Maria Theresa Collantes, Vice Chair for the same committee.

In her privilege speech, Yu emphasized the growing importance of interdependence and regional cooperation as keys to achieving peace and development in Asia.

She said that the assembly has built a strategic position wherein Asian governments can actively engage in its own affairs and make crucial decisions on strictly Asian matters.

“We continue to develop an order defined by equality, cooperation, mutual benefit and mutual assistance on the basis of our common interests,” the legislator added.

In the end, the Zamboanga del Sur representative challenged the member parliaments to harmonize their different interests through diplomatic interactions, where tensions can be ironed out and agreements are forged leading to the gaining of valuable insights.  

This year, the assembly carried the theme “The Role of Multilateral Cooperation Among Asian Parliaments” which highlighted its long term perspective of attaining the status of an Asian common legislative mechanism.

  

The Asian Parliamentary Assembly was established in 2006 which focuses in coordinating national parliaments’ efforts to address modern challenges through enhancing their role in promoting peace in the Asian region.

Each APA member parliament has a specific number of seats in the Assembly based on the size of their population. Members of the APA Plenary are elected by members of member parliaments, according to its official webpage.

INTER-AGENCY SERBISYO CARAVAN, GIHUGUPAN SA KATAWHAN SA BAYOG, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

Zamboanga del Sur (Disyembre 17, 2019) - Gatusan ka mga katawhan ang nakapahimulos sa nagkalain-laing serbisyo sa gipahigayong launching sa Provincial Task Force ELCAC (end local communist armed conflict) adlawng Lunes sa Brgy. Dimalinao sa lungsod sa Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur isip kabahin sa Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) nga usa ka national program aron tapuson ang pagkuyanap sa impluwensyang komunista sa nasud.

Atol sa maong aktibidad, gipangunahan ni Gov. Victor Yu ang ground breaking ceremony sa pag-construct ug pag-rehabilitate sa usa ka dakong farm-to-market road sa munisipyo sa Bayog. Ang maong kadalanan nga nagkantidad ug P21Million ang magkutay sa mga dalan sa Pulangbato, Dimalinao, ug Bantal.

Sa pamahayag ni Gov. Yu, iyang gikonsiderar nga usa ka prioridad nga proyekto ang pag-semento sa kadalanan tungod kay dako kini ug tabang aron mapadali ang pag-transport sa mga produkto sa kabukiran.

Iyang gidasig ang mga rebelde sa kabukiran nga tagamtamon ang mga benepisyo nga naangkon sa mga mibalik na sa sabakan sa gobyerno sama sa mga programa sa edukasyon ug panginabuhian alang sa mga rebel returness.

Giawhag usab niya ang ang mga barangay officials nga magsusi sa mga programa nga gitagana sa kagamhanan nga pwede nilang ipatuman sa ilang mga dapit aron makasinati sila ug kalambuan.

Ang maong inter-agency “serbisyo caravan” nga gihimo sa Dimalinao barangay center gitambongan sa nagkalain-laing national agencies sama sa DILG, NCIP, DOST, TESDA, DSWD, PNP, AFP ug mga division offices sa kagamhanang probinsyal sa Zamboanga del Sur nga midalit ug free medical services, livelihood orientation, skills training ug uban pang klase sa pagpangalagad.

Tumong sa maong kalihukan ang pag-edukar ug pagpahibalo sa komunidad mahitungod sa mga programa sa gobyerno aron paghatag kanila ug oportunidad

nga mapadangat ang ilang mga panginahanglan.

Matud pa ni Provincial Administrator Joefe Suson, mokabat sa P750million ang pondo nga nalikom sa probinsya gikan sa pledge of support nga nakuha niini gikan sa mga national ug local agencies. Ang nasampit nga pondo mao ang iapod-apod sa mga conflict-affected areas sa tibuok probinsya pinaagi sa mga serbisyo nga dad-on usab ngadto kanila. 

Sa katapusan, giawhag sa gobernador ang kooperasyon sa katawhan aron mas mahimong  hapsay uf mabungahon pag-implementar sa mga proyekto niini sa lalawigan.

Sigon pa niya nga isip lider sa probinsya, bisan pag nindot ang programa ug ang katawhan di molihok dili gihapon magmalampuson ang pagpatuman niini.

MEGAYON CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS OPENS IN ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

Pagadian City - For the first time in many years, a spectacular array of lights drew huge crowd of visitors at the Provincial Government Complex of Zamboanga del Sur to mark the start of the Christmas month.

Dubbed as "A December to Remember: Megayon Celebration of Lights and Colors", the activity officially kicked off on Sunday night witnessed by Zambosurians and by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa who served as the guest of honor during the Lights On Ceremony.

With just limited time of preparation, the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur was able to pull off the opening night through the concerted efforts of agencies and volunteers with the support of Governor Victor J. Yu, Congw. Divina Grace Yu and Cong. Leonardo Babasa, making the local Christmas destination the first of its kind in the province.  

Hours before the lights on ceremony began, traffic came to a stand still on the main street leading to the Provincial Government Complex due to thousands of spectators rushing to the venue. 

Various attractions can be seen throughout the complex in Brgy. Dao, Pagadian City - from dazzling lights to colorful decors - everything will surely satisfy the eyes of the public. While entering the site, a giant Christmas tree will welcome you as angelic structures complemented with bright lights on trees made the surroundings even more glowing. Colorful arches are also a highlight of the place, a perfect spot for selfies and group photos.

Leading to the Megayon stage, more attractions are displayed along the way designed by participating municipalities and government agencies.

Meanwhile, replicas of movie-inspired structures are housed at the Governor's Garden. Visitors can have a free tour to the displays created by participating establishments and groups such as Game of Thrones, Legoland, Moana, Mickey Mouse, Jurassic Park, Aladdin, Minions, Pirates of the Caribbean, and a whole lot more. Carnival attractions are also available at the complex where everyone can experience the thrill of the Viking, carousel and other amusement rides.

After the program, the switch on ceremony was capped off with fireworks display lighting up the skies at the Unity Park monument.

The Megayon Christmas Lights Display is open to all visitors on weeknights and weekends. 

HALFWAY HOUSE FOR FORMER REBELS TO RISE IN ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 27, 2019) - Former rebels (FRs) in Zamboanga del Sur will soon have a temporary shelter as they prepare to return to the mainstream of society.

Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Victor J. Yu along with officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine Army, led the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for the P5million facility for ex-rebels inside the 53^rd Infantry Battalion Headquarters, Camp Sabido, Poblacion, Guipos town.

The halfway house will serve as temporary dwelling for former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels while their documents are being processed. It will also become a venue for livelihood education and training for surrenderers.

In a speech, Gov. Yu reiterated the significance of peace and the cooperation of every people in order to attain progress in the province.

He also expressed his pleasure upon seeing the former rebels back to the fold of law.

“The halfway house is where you will stay to let you feel that the government is concerned to do projects for the people,” he said.

The governor also vouched that he will offer incentives to the FR’s if they can convince those who are still operating in the hinterlands to surrender to the government.

Meanwhile, USEC Rene Glen Paje, DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, said he is optimistic that those rebels who are still in the mountains will have second thoughts once they learned of their comrades coming back to the government in peaceful means.

“Ako’y nananawagan na mag-isip-isip sila dahil yung mga pinaglalaban nila ay patuloy namang tinutugunan ng gobyerno,” Paje said.

The P5 million fund was sourced out from the E-CLIP, a reintegration program of the government formed to help former rebels to encourage those who have remained in the revolutionary work to avail the services that the government has offered.

DDB, Zambosur gov’t inks agreement for P5Million drug treatment facility renovation

Pagadian City (Nov. 25, 2019) – The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the local government of Zamboanga del Sur recently signed a memorandum of agreement granting financial assistance worth P5Million for the renovation of the drug treatment center in Aurora town.

On Wednesday, November 20, the MOA signing was made between DDB officials led by Secretary Catalino S. Uy and Governor Victor J. Yu of Zamboanga del Sur.

Pursuant to Board Resolution No. 2 Series of 2019, the financial aid from DDB will be fully spent for the renovation of the drug treatment and rehab facility located in Brgy. Anonang, Aurora town, Zamboanga del Sur.

Under the said MOA, portion of the facility will also be used for the implementation of its community-based treatment and rehabilitation efforts for individuals with substance use disorders.

The memorandum also states that DDB will monitor the utilization recommendations to the local government of Zamboanga del Sur and Municipality of Aurora.

In his official statement, DDB Chairman Catalino S. Cuy shared that they are hopeful that the support they extend will get to improve the services of local treatment and rehabilitation centers and ensure that effective interventions are provided to individuals who once fell into the trap of addiction.

Meanwhile, Governor Victor J. Yu thanked DDB for the support to the province especially in treatment and rehabilitation programs.

“This financial assistance that you gave us is a huge help in order to renovate some facilities that are already old and unrepaired,” he said.

The Province of Zamboanga del Sur thru the leadership of Governor Victor Yu had manifested its intention to operate the aforesaid drug treatment and rehab facility to support the campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte and the national government against illegal drug trafficking and abuse.

GOV. YU LEADS SYNCHRONIZED POLIO VACCINATION CEREMONIAL LAUNCHING

PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 25, 2019)– Governor Victor J. Yu led on Monday the ceremonial launching of “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio” in Zamboanga del Sur, as part of the Department of Health’s (DOH) campaign against the contagious disease.

The kickoff ceremony sought everyone’s support in ensuring that no child misses out on polio vaccines. The first round of the Mindanao-wide campaign begins November 25, 2019 up to December 7, 2019 and the next round on January 6-18, 2020.

During Monday’s flag raising ceremony, Gov. Yu urged parents and caregivers in the province to submit their children under five years old for oral polio drops to safeguard them from the infection.

“Let us support this not just by letting our own children and relatives to undergo the vaccination but also inform the whole community that DOH is having this campaign in order to protect our children”, Gov. Yu said.

On the same day, 1^st District Congresswoman Divina Grace Yu and Gov. Yu joined health personnel in giving of oral polio vaccine to children at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center.

Mrs. Dahlia Aseniero, Provincial Health Education and Promotion Officer, said aside from barangay health centers, hospitals and schools, there will be vaccination teams who will conduct door-to-door visitations to give OPV’s to children.  

Polio is a highly communicable disease spread through fecal-oral transmission. It is caused by the poliovirus and may result in permanent paralysis and even death. However, the disease can be prevented by vaccine.

The Synchronized Polio Vaccination Campaign aims to boost immunization coverage against polio by giving three doses of the oral polio vaccine to all children five years old and below, regardless of their immunization status. DOH said full vaccination against the poliovirus is the best way to prevent the transmission of the disease.

Zambosur PCCB convenes for national census 2020

Pagadian City – Presided by Governor Victor J. Yu, the convening of Provincial Census Coordinator Board (PCCB) – Zamboanga del Sur regarding the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) was successfully conducted Tuesday, November 12 at Four Queens Resort, participated by 28 representatives from various coordinating offices in the province.

The Philippine National Statistics Authority (PSA) – Zamboanga del Sur spearheaded the first ever board assembly under the Yu administration with its objective of gathering all coordinating boards who will assist in the conduct of national census, come May 2020.

The Provincial Census Coordinating Board includes: 1. Provincial Governor (Chairperson) 2. Schools Division Superintendent – DepEd (Vice Chairperson) 3. DPWH District Engineer 4. Provincial Commander of the Philippine National Police (PNP) 5. Military Camp Commander, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 6. District Commander/Station Commander, Philippine Coast Guard 7. Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator 8. Provincial Assessor 9. Provincial Agriculturist 10. Provincial Population Officer 11. Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer 12. Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer 13. Provincial Information Officer 14. Provincial Officer (NCIP) 15. Provincial Director (DILG) 16. Provincial Health Officer 17. Provincial Public Attorney 18. Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer 19. Private Sector Representatives (3) 20. Chief Statistical Specialist, Provincial Statistical Office – PSA (Executive Officer).

As presented by Dimna P. Bienes, the 2020 CPH Focal Person of PSA – Zamboanga del Sur, the 2020 Census Population and Housing, taglined “Sama na, Census na!”, aims to provide government executives, policy and decision makers, and planners with update population and housing data as bases to their social and economic development plans, policies and programs.

Moreover, the 2020 CPH will be the 15th census of population and 7th census of housing to be undertaken in the country since the first census in 1903.

Together with Dr. Ma. Luza R. Tabilon, CESO VI, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent, the coordinating board has also discussed the huge role of the public school teachers as they will be the enumerators for the census.

With the responsibility set, the Division Superintendent probed for assurance that the teachers will be rightfully compensated during Summer time. According to the Provincial Statistics Officer, Bernardo C. Martinez, the national-paid public school teachers shall receive P13,000 each worth of cash allowance during their 15-day conduct of 2020 national census.

According to the Provincial Statistics Officer, Bernardo C. Martinez, the information that will be gathered from 2020 CPH will also be used as validation to the data needed for the implementation of the Philippine ID Sytem (PhilID) on 2022, which will start soon after the said census.

“The 2020 CPH is very important because our planning for the future relies on census. With that, as the governor of the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur, I pledge full support and commitment to this undertaking,” said PCCB Chairman Governor Victor J. Yu.

It is expected that Census coordinating Boarding Meetings will follow at the municipal and city levels.

DTI TURNS OVER DARK CHOCOLATE PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO ZAMBOSUR TOWN COOPERATIVE

Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur (November 7, 2019) – With the government’s move to revitalize the cacao industry, the Department of Trade and Industry on Wednesday turned over a set of processing equipment to a town cooperative in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur to help farmers produce dark chocolate, tablea, and other cacao-based products.

DTI-9 Regional Director Sitti Amina M. Jain said the Midsalip Farmers’ Cooperative (MIFAMCO) received a P2.1million dark chocolate processing facility that they can use for free, provided that they can yield cacao-based products within 6 consecutive months and will be permanently owned by the cooperative if properly managed within 2 years.

Jain said that the project is aligned to the priorities of DTI where cacao is one of the priority clusters and is included in the rapid growth programs of the department.

The project is open to other cacao farmers in the province according to the DTI regional chief.

“There will be lots of assistance and activities in store for the cacao industry in Zamboanga del Sur considering it as one of the leading cacao-producing provinces in the region”, the director added.

Giving of free cacao seedlings to farmers has been a major agricultural program of Gov. Victor J. Yu since his congressional years which complemented to the programs of the national government and benefited municipalities as they now enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Development coordinators formed by the provincial government are continually conducting Pananom Program Orientation in villages to assist farmers in propagating the seedlings given to them.

Aside from providing facilities to farmers and their cooperatives, DTI also offers training on project management, access to market and packaging for cacao products.

(Photo Courtesy: DTI Region 9)

GOV. YU RENEWS SUPPORT TO STUDENT ATHLETES ON PROVINCIAL MEET OPENING

Pagadian City (October 28, 2019) - Gov. Victor J. Yu renewed his full support to student athletes and the sports program of the province during the opening ceremony of the Palarong Panlalawigan held at the Blue Oval, Provincial Government Complex on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking to around 2,700 athletes from all over Zamboanga del Sur, the governor emphasized to the players the values they can get from sports such as discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork, self-awareness and “never surrender” attitude, as  takeaway for this year’s theme “Shaping the Future Through Sports”.

In his brief keynote message, Gov. Yu reiterated the reason behind the closure of the sports academy saying the new administration is only expanding the opportunity for athletes in the province to excel in the field of sports.

“Today’s provincial meet is an opportunity to all athletes and this is a big challenge for the new administration to prove that we are not wrong in closing the (sports) academy to give chance to others," the governor said. 

It can be recalled that the academy, an extension of Locuban National High School in Dumalinao town, entirely consumed the Special Education Fund (SEF) which catered only to few scholar athletes. 

Gov. Yu disclosed that he has entrusted the full control, supervision and monitoring of the sports activities in the province to the Department of Education (DepEd).  

He also assured that athletes in the province will receive training assistance and other privileges to further develop their potentials.

“I will commit to you, don’t worry, we are here to give full support to our athletes,” the governor said.

Gov. Yu concluded his message with a simple inspirational thought to the players.

“If you make this challenge a lesson for you in the future, eventually you are already a winner for yourself,” he said.

This year’s Provincial Meet is participated by five (5) zones that will compete in more than 20 sports events including the paralympics category for physically-challenged athletes from October 27 to October 30.

The competing zones include Zone 1 or Yellow Buffalos (Dumingag, Josefina, Mahayag, Molave, Tambulig), Zone 2 or Blue Hunters (Aurora, Midsalip, Sominot, RM, Labangan, Tukuran), Zone 3 or Red Warriors (Bayog, Dumalinao, Kumalarang, Tigbao, Lakewood), Zone 4 or Orange Troopers (Margosatubig, V. Sagun, Guipos. Lapuyan, San Miguel) and Zone 5 or Green Archers (Dinas, Dimataling, Tabina, San Pablo, Pitogo).

GATUSAN KA MGA PAMILYANG NASUNUGAN SA DUMAGOC, MIDAWAT UG AYUDA GIKAN SA PROBINSYA

Pagadian City (Oktubre 25, 2019) - Gatusan ka mga pamilya nga nasunugan sa Brgy. Dumagoc ang midawat ug ayuda nga gisaad sa kagamhanang probinsyal pinaagi ni Gov. Victor J. Yu kauban sa mga kawani sa DSWD sa Provincial Covered Court, adlawng Biyernes.

Mahinumduman nga nakadawat ug tagsa ka sakong bugas ang mga biktima sa sunog nga gihatag usab sa probinsya sa nakalabayng bulan.

Sa iyang hamubong pakighinabi sa mga pamilya gipahayag ni Gov. Victor Yu nga nalangan ug gamay ang cash assistance tungod sa pag-verify sa listahan sa mga nasunugan.

Ang matag pamilya midawat ug P10,000 sumala sa saad ni Gov. Yu sa iyang pagbisita sa mga nasunugan sa Balangasan Gymnasium niadtong September 2.

Sigon pa sa gobernador nga bisan sa gamay nga kantidad, iyang gituman ang iyang saad aron matabangan ang mga pamilyang nasunugan sa ilang panginabuhian ug padayon nga mobangon bisan pa man sa ilang kahimtang.

Mapasalamaton usab ang mga pamilya nga midawat sa ayuda tungod kay makatabang kini sa ilang mga panginahanglan. 

3 widows of Marawi siege heroes join PH army

Pagadian City (October 24, 2019) - After four months of training, three widows of the Marawi heroes who died during the Marawi siege capped off the Candidate Soldier Course conducted by the 1st Infantry Division in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

By virtue of President Rodrigo Duterte’s authority, Private Grace P. Allaga, Private Merzie G. Rogador and Private Christine Mary E. Montero are now considered military enlisted personnel and were among the 649 newly ranked privates who took their oath during the Closing Ceremony and Entrustment of Firearms held at the TABAK Grandstand on Wednesday, October 23.

Private Allaga is the widow of late Corporal Ardnie R. Allaga who is assigned at the 10th Infantry Battalion. The corporal died on August 2017 when the government troops were gaining grounds in Marawi and captured the strategic locations of Maute group.

Private Rogador is the widow of Private 1st Class Eldon C. Rogador, who belonged to the 51st Infantry Battalion. Male Rogador was the cousin of late PFC Bayot, the fallen soldier who called his commanding officer to bomb his location.

Meanwhile, Private Montero is the wife of late Corporal Marjone G. Montero who also belonged to the 51st IB who died on Father’s Day.

The women were emotional after attending the graduation ceremony, as they tried to remain strong after losing their husbands in the armed conflict between the military and the Maute group in the 2017 Marawi siege.

Trained and equipped, they are now ready to continue the legacy left by their husbands, that is to serve the people and country.

Closing Ceremony and Entrustment of Firearms gipahigayon alang sa 649 ka mga bag-ong miembro sa Philippine Army

Pagadian City (Oktubre 23, 2019) – Pormal ng mihural sa ilang katungdanan isip mga lehitimong miembro sa Philippine Army ang 649 ka mga bag-ong sundalo nga andam ng moserbisyo sa nasud human sila migradwar sa ilang Candidate Soldier Course nga gipahigayon sa Tabak Grandstand, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, adlawng Miyerkules, Oktubre 23.

Ang 649 newly ranked privates naggikan sa CSC classes 592, 593 ug 594 sa 1^st Infantry Division, Classes 595 ug 596 gikan sa 11^th Infantry Division samtang 25 ka mga sundalo ang gikan sa 54^th Engineering Brigade nga naka-base sa Zamboanga City.

Pinangunahan sa mga civilian stakeholders, ang Closing Ceremony and Entrustment of Firearms gitambungan sa mga pinasidunggang bisita nga sila Gov. Victor J. Yu sa Zamboanga del Sur ug Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan sa probinsya sa Sulu.

Sa iyang mensahe, gihatagan ug dakong gibug-aton ni Gov. Yu ang importansya sa mga gipiyal nga armas ngadto sa mga bag-ong sundalo isip timaan sa ilang dakong responsibilidad sa pagprotektar sa katawhan ug sa nasud. 

Giisip usab ni Gov. Tan sa Sulu nga ang maong kalihukan usa ka pagpamatuod nga ang kalinaw dili lamang makab-ot pinaagi sa nag-inusarang pundok apan gikinahanglan usab ang dakong suporta sa mga sibilyan ug mga ahensya sa gobyerno aron matuman ang tinguha sa matag usa.

Sa laing bahin, gipasalamatan usab ni Major General Roberto T Ancan, ang commander sa 1^st Infantry Division ang tanang personahe sa Division Training School nga migahin sa ilang oras ug kusog aron maumol ug maporma ang mga sundalo sa pagkahimong takus ug andam nga mga miembro sa nasudnong kasundalohan.

Giila usab ni Ancan ang gihatag nga inspirasyon sa mga ginikanan ngadto sa mga bag-ong sundalo ug sa ilang padayon nga pagsalig ug suporta sa Philippine Army.

Sa katapusan, gidasig ni Ancan ang mga sundalo nga sila nag-atubang sa bag-ong hagit sa ilang kinabuhi nga mao ang pag-una sa kaayuhan sa nasud sa dili pa ang ilang kaugalingon uban ang masaligan ug komitado nga pag-alagad sa katawhan.  

Moagi pa sa mandatory Infantry Operations Course ang mga bag-ong sundalo aron madugangan ang ilang kahibalo ug kahanas sa dili pa sila i-deploy sa mahagiton nga katungdanan.

Samtang tulo usab ka mga asawa sa mga bayani sa Marawi siege ang pormal nga nahilakip isip enlisted personnel sa Philippine Army atol sa maong kalihukan. Naila ang mga nasampit nga babaye nga sila Private Grace P. Allaga, Private Merzie G. Rogador ug Private Christine Mary E. Montero.

Pinasikad sa otoridad ni President Rodrigo Duterte, ang 3 ka mga balo boluntaryong miapil sa kasundalohan pinaagi sa special enlistment.

Dumingag strictly implements “Balik-Bayong, Balik-Basket Program”

Pagadian City (October 22, 2019)– Being dubbed as the “Organic Municipality” of Zamboanga del Sur, the town of Dumingag continues to embrace eco-friendly steps in order to preserve and protect its environment.

Aside from organic way of farming, the municipality is strictly implementing the ban on the use of plastic bags by adopting the “Balik-Bayong, Balik-Basket Program” under the Genuine People’s Agenda of Mayor Joan Pacalioga-Abejuela.

The program is backed by the Municipal Ordinance No. 4 Series of 2014 known as Dumingag Environment Code which seeks to halt the use of plastic bags as packaging materials and for carrying away goods in the entire municipality.

In the said the ordinance, all commercial establishments are prohibited to use and sell all types of plastic, either regular or degradable, of thin film, single use, or plastic bags for carrying away goods. Plastic waste will not also be collected unless they are cleaned and dried before submitting it to their respective barangay MRF or materials recovery facility.

Section 83 of the same ordinance encourages its residents to use alternatives that are recyclable, reusable and biodegradable materials when buying or selling. These includes woven bags (bayong), cloth bags, baskets, shopping bags made of recycled waste paper and other biodegradable options such as banana leaves.

Meanwhile, to promote the use of reusable bags, stores and shops in Dumingag are motivated to formulate appropriate incentives to buyers and consumers such as the point system scheme where regular customers who use regular shopping bags can enjoy additional points. The local government also encourages stores to provide special counters called “green lane” to cater to customers who bring their own reusable bags.

Ambulant vendors, sari-sari stores, restaurants, bakeries, department stores, public market stalls and other business establishment owners proven to be violators of any of the provisions of the ordinance shall fined P500 and one (1) day community service for the first offense; P1,000 and imprisonment of not less than 5 days but not more than 10 days for the second offense; and P2,000 and imprisonment of not less than 10 days for the third and succeeding offenses.

For the past year, a growing number of LGU’s here in Zamboanga del Sur have already acted to ban the use of plastic in their respective municipalities. Dumingag, as one of the pioneers of the movement, find it essential to really adopt the measure to help out in waste reduction and as a reflection of their true endeavor of becoming a full-fledged organic municipality.