The Pagadian TIMES

19/09/2025

BREAKING NEWS‼️

Republic Act No. 12295, which officially converts the Josefina H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) into the Zamboanga del Sur State University (ZDSSU), has lapsed into law.

The newly established university is expected to boost access to quality higher education and further strengthen academic and research development in the province.

Congratulations, Zamboanga del Sur! 🎉

19/09/2025

‎ZDSMC Bags 3 Major Awards from PhilHealth’s 3rd Handog Pasasalamat with Stakeholders
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‎The Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZDSMC) continues to solidify its reputation as a premier LGU-run hospital after receiving three prestigious awards during PhilHealth’s 3rd Handog Pasasalamat with Stakeholders.
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‎The hospital was recognized with the following honors:
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•‎No Balance Billing Compliance Award
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•‎Top Konsulta Implementer Award
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•‎Claims Accuracy Improvement Award
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‎‎ZDSMC Chief Dr. Anatalio Cagampang Jr. expressed pride and gratitude for the recognitions, saying these serve as proof of the hospital’s dedication to quality healthcare.
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‎“These recognitions reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering efficient, accurate, and compassionate health services to the communities we serve. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our healthcare team, the trust of our patients, and the strong partnership with PhilHealth in advancing accessible and equitable healthcare for all,” Dr. Cagampang said.
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‎He also extended his thanks to Governor Divina Grace Yu for her all-out support to the hospital’s programs and services.
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‎The awards highlight ZDSMC’s efforts in ensuring accurate claims processing, effective implementation of PhilHealth’s Konsulta program, and adherence to the No Balance Billing Policy, ensuring that indigent patients receive the medical attention they need without financial burden.

19/09/2025

🚀 Are you ready, Zamboanga Peninsula Youth?

The 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 is happening on 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞! 🌍✨

🎤 Meet our dynamic lineup of 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 who will inspire, challenge, and guide us as we take bold steps for the environment.

This summit is more than just an event—it’s a call to action. 💚

Let’s learn together. Let’s lead together. Let’s make a difference together.

📌 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘵.

19/09/2025

𝗠𝗚𝗕 𝗜𝗫 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗥 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹

𝘔𝘎𝘉 𝘐𝘟 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦-𝘋𝘢𝘺 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘋𝘌𝘕𝘙 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 16, 2025.

𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘴. 𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘓𝘦𝘺𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘯 𝘎. 𝘉𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘦𝘭 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 𝘛𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘋𝘌𝘕𝘙’𝘴 𝘦𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺, 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘴.

#𝘔𝘎𝘉𝘐𝘟 #𝘋𝘌𝘕𝘙𝘐𝘟 #𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 #𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 #𝘖𝘯𝘦𝘋𝘌𝘕𝘙

ᴄʟɪᴄᴋ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪɴᴋ ʙᴇʟᴏᴡ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ 👇...
https://region9.mgb.gov.ph/index.php/news-features/mgb-news/388-2025-09-17-08-44-17

19/09/2025

LOOK | Philippine Army's 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division Awards Exemplary Service in Celebration of Zamboanga del Sur's 73rd Founding Anniversary

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur — On September 17, 2025, in a powerful tribute to duty, sacrifice, and leadership, the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division of the Philippine Army proudly honored its exemplary officers, enlisted personnel, CAFGU members, and key leaders during the awarding ceremonies, as part of the 73rd Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur celebration held at the Mega Gym in Dao, Pagadian City.

The recognition ceremony celebrated individuals who demonstrated unwavering dedication, bravery, and exceptional service in advancing the mission of the Philippine Army to promote peace, security, and development throughout the province. This year's honors extended beyond the ranks of the 1ID, also acknowledging the contributions of other security forces and line agencies, reinforcing a shared commitment to unity and collaborative nation-building.

Awardees were recognized across several categories including Best Company Grade Officer, Best Field Officer, Best Enlisted Personnel, and Best CAA-I and CAA-II. Their integrity, professionalism, and commitment brought pride and distinction not only to their unit but to the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Adding honor to the occasion, COL SAMUEL G YUNQUE INF (GSC) PA, Acting Brigade Commander of the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade, and LTC ROLANDO E VARGAS JR INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion, both under the leadership of MGEN YEGOR REY P BARROQUILLO PA, Commander of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, personally conferred awards, exemplifying the Division's strong leadership and continued pursuit of excellence.

Provincial Governor Hon. Divina Grace C. Yu delivered heartfelt commendations to the awardees, highlighting the selfless efforts of soldiers and civilian auxiliaries in safeguarding the province. "This recognition is a sign of the unwavering courage and sacrifice of our soldiers, CAFGUs, and other agencies working tirelessly for peace and development," she said. "Your commitment continues to inspire us all to work together for a safer and stronger Zamboanga del Sur."

Through these honors, the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army reaffirms its steadfast dedication to professionalism, unity, and service, ensuring that the values of patriotism and peace remain the guiding force for the future of the communities it protects.

19/09/2025

LOOK | 53rd Infantry Battalion Strengthens Youth Awareness Against Violent Extremism and Upholds Sovereignty in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur Symposium

Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur – On September 18, 2025, continuing its strong advocacy for youth empowerment and national awareness, the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army, conducted a School Symposium on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) and Information Dissemination on the West Philippine Sea at Tabuan National High School, Barangay Tabuan, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur. The symposium engaged a total of 103 students and faculty members, with full support from School Head Mrs Realin G. Buco.

This initiative is part of a continuing series of youth-focused symposiums launched by the 53IB, aimed at raising awareness about the deceptive recruitment tactics of violent extremist groups, promoting peace, nationalism, and deepening the youth’s understanding of the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea.

The activity serves as a foundation to the 53rd Infantry Battalion’s unwavering commitment to serving the people and securing the land by empowering the next generation to become active participants in peacebuilding and national development.

19/09/2025

LOOK | Strengthening Community Outreach Partnerships: 53rd Infantry Battalion Joins Juander Radyo 3rd Anniversary Celebration

Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur – On September 18, 2025, the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army, proudly joined the 3rd Anniversary Celebration of Juander Radyo – Zamboanga del Sur Chapter, held at Lower Bagong Tudela Elementary School, Barangay Lower Bagong Tudela, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur.

Spearheaded by Juander Radyo Pagadian, the celebration marked a significant milestone for the station's continued service to the community. The event was attended by key personnel from the station, including Station Manager Ms Mardy D. Libres, Program Director Mr Rogie M. Monera, and News Director Ms Alma A. Tolentino. Also in attendance were School Principal Ms Mae Joy P. Quimson, Barangay Chairman Mr Leonelio I. Tagupa, along with teachers, barangay officials, and students, highlighting the community's strong support for grassroots initiatives. Representing the 53rd Infantry Battalion was LIEUTENANT COLONEL ROLANDO E VARGAS JR INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer, with 2LT DEVORAH FAYE R SOLLER (FS) PA, CMO Officer. The battalion's participation emphasized its ongoing commitment to strengthening sustainment operations partnerships in support of peace and development.

As part of the anniversary celebration, Juander Radyo, in collaboration with the 53IB, launched a community outreach program that featured a feeding activity, distribution of food packs, and free haircut services. These services provided direct, tangible assistance to communities, particularly schoolchildren and their families, while also reinforcing the Philippine Army's active role in humanitarian efforts and community engagement.

In his message, LTC VARGAS highlighted the value of collaboration between the military, media, academe, and local community "Our participation in this celebration goes beyond simply reaching out; it reflects our deep commitment to the well-being and future of our young learners. At the 53rd Infantry Battalion, we believe that pupils are the heart of the next generation, and by creating opportunities that bring them joy and support their education, we are helping to build a brighter future for our nation. Activities like these are not only meant to assist but also to bring smiles to the children's faces and inspire hope. Together with our partners in the media, schools, and local communities, we are committed to nurturing an environment where pupils can grow, dream, and one day become responsible and compassionate leaders of our country"

This meaningful engagement reflects the shared mission of the 53rd Infantry Battalion and Juander Radyo to promote community development, responsible information dissemination, and nation-building across Zamboanga del Sur.

19/09/2025

19/09/2025

𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴-𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼 𝗜𝗔 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 – 𝗡𝗜𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝟱𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗸𝗮

CLARK, PAMPANGA — The Dipolog-Polanco Irrigators Association, Inc. (DPIA) of the Dipolog National Irrigation System brought pride to Zamboanga del Norte after being hailed as one of the Outstanding Rice Clusters – NIS Category in the 50th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda on September 18, 2025. The award comes with a ₱3 million cash prize, recognizing the group’s dedication and excellence in rice farming.

The awarding ceremony, held at the Quest Plus Conference Center, gathered key officials including Engr. Christopher V. Morales, CESO II, Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development; Engr. Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen, NIA Administrator; and Emerson S. Yago, Director for Rice Clustering and Consolidation and Chairperson of the National Technical Committee for Rice Category. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to support farmers and irrigators nationwide.

NIA Regional Office IX, led by Regional Manager Engr. June Nathaniel S. Plaza, proudly celebrated DPIA’s achievement. He emphasized that the recognition is not only a milestone for the association but also a testament to the resilience and hard work of farmers across the region. The award brings honor to Zamboanga del Norte and the entire NIA Region IX, showing how collaboration between farmers, irrigators, and government can strengthen food security and uplift the agriculture sector.

🤝 sa
📣 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒖𝒑𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔!
👍 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 & 𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 NIA Zamboanga Peninsula 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒔.

19/09/2025

LOOK | 53rd Infantry Battalion, 1st CMO Battalion, and LGU Dumingag Open Youth Leadership Summit 2025

Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur — On September 18, 2025, the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army, together with the 1st Civil-Military Operations Battalion, CMOR, PA, and in partnership with the Local Government of Dumingag, formally launched the 3-Day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) at Balay Hayahay, Barangay Dapiwak. With the theme “Compass of Courage: Finding Direction in Leadership,” the summit gathered over 70 youth participants for a transformative experience designed to develop empowered, responsible leaders of the future.

The event was attended and supported by key leaders and stakeholders, including Hon. Gerry T. Paglinawan, Municipal Mayor of Dumingag; LIEUTENANT COLONEL ROLANDO E VARGAS JR INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion; LIEUTENANT COLONEL NAPOLY P CARIAZO (ARM) PA, Executive Officer and Public Affairs Officer of the 1CMO, CMOR, PA; Mr Benjamin Nini, Municipal Youth Development Officer; and Mr Nelvin Calderon, Head Facilitator. Their presence emphasized a shared commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.

Over the course of the summit, participants engaged in interactive lectures, skill-building workshops, and team-building exercises designed to sharpen their leadership potential and inspire them to become agents of peace, unity, and progress within their communities.

In his keynote address, LTC VARGAS emphasized the Philippine Army’s commitment to nurturing young leaders, stating: “Our mission is not only to secure the land but also to invest in our future leaders. With the support of the CMO Battalion and the LGU of Dumingag, we are strengthening leadership, responsibility, and patriotism among our youth, ensuring a brighter and safer future for Zamboanga del Sur.”

This collaborative effort between the 53rd Infantry Battalion, the CMO Battalion, and the LGU of Dumingag reflects a steadfast commitment to serving the people, securing the land, and, most importantly, empowering the youth as tomorrow’s defenders of peace and development in Zamboanga del Sur.

16/09/2025

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝟏-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐃𝐑𝐑𝐌 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬

In a proactive move towards strengthening disaster preparedness and response at the grassroots level, Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) from Pagadian City participated in a one-day Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) training held at Chandler Suites, Pagadian City. This initiative was spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region IX under the leadership and guidance of Regional Director Atty. Ruel S. Halanes, through the Capacity Building and Training Section. The activity aimed to equip frontliners in community information dissemination with vital knowledge and skills in DRRM, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring that timely, accurate, and life-saving information reaches every corner of the barangay during emergencies.

The training was anchored on the understanding that while natural hazards such as earthquakes, heavy rains, and landslides cannot be prevented, their impacts can be minimized through proper preparation and communication. Barangay Information Officers play a vital role in this process by ensuring that communities are well-informed, alert, and guided by accurate and timely advisories before, during, and after any hazard-related event.

Throughout the training, participants engaged in intensive discussions and practical learning sessions that emphasized the importance of community-based DRRM, early warning systems, crisis communication, and post-disaster reporting. The event also fostered a collaborative spirit among the BIOs, encouraging them to serve not only as messengers but also as advocates for disaster resilience in their respective barangays. With continued support from OCD IX and local government partners, initiatives like this aim to build safer, more informed, and more resilient communities across the region.