Zamboanga City Government News Bits – May 13, 2015

The Interruptible Load Program (ILP) will officially kick off Thursday, May 14 with the ceremonial switch-on of generator sets of four industrial companies that is expected to save at least 4-5 megawatts power which means a reduction in the duration of blackouts by one hour. The decision to jumpstart the ILP scheme, a short term or immediate solution to the present power crisis besetting the city and other parts of Mindanao, came about during a meeting Wednesday afternoon between Mayor Beng Climaco, Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative personnel led by Board President Omar Sahi, business groups and Ecozone and other city officials. The initial enrollees to the ILP are Permex Producer and Exporter Corp., Philippine International Development Inc., Mega Fishing Corp. and Ayala Sea Foods Corp.

The 1^st City AIDS Congress is set to start at 8am Thursday, May 14 at the Cecille’s Catering and Pension House in Tumaga in line with the strengthened advocacy on HIV-AIDS. The AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015 parade will follow at 4pm from the Cecille’s pension house to the Forest Lake Memorial Park, in commemoration of those who died of AIDS.

Mayor Beng Climaco has a stern warning for individuals seeking job opportunities abroad – be careful and always utilize legitimate avenues. The mayor issued the words of caution in response to questions regarding the status of Overseas Filipino Workers – couple Timhar and Nurrie Ong – who have been sentenced to death in Malaysia for drug trafficking charges.

The Senate Committee on Local Government chaired by Sen. Bongbong Marcos holds Thursday, May 14 a public hearing on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law at the Royce Convention Hall in Astoria Hotel. The City Government, headed by Mayor Beng Climaco is expected to present its joint statement and position paper on Senate Bill 2408 and House Bill 4994 or the BBL.

The Soroptimist International Philippine Region will hold its Biennial Conference in Zamboanga City May 14-16 at the Garden Orchid Hotel. The activity will draw women representing all sectors from different parts of the country and other parts of the globe to Zamboanga City.