Dipolog

The Unsung Heroes of the Reef: Why Parrotfish Matter

Published

1 year ago

March 27, 2024

Photo by National Geographic

Parrotfish may not be the most glamorous creatures of the ocean, but their role in maintaining the health of coral reefs is nothing short of remarkable. These colorful fish spend a staggering 90% of their day munching on algae and dead coral, effectively cleaning our reefs and preventing the overgrowth of algae. Yet, despite their crucial role, parrotfish populations are under threat due to overfishing.

Photo by National Geographic

Did you know that parrotfish play a vital role in shaping the sandy beaches of the South Pacific?

Through their unique digestive system, which includes teeth inside their throats, parrotfish break down coral bits into the fine white sands that adorn our beaches. This process, known as bioerosion, not only helps control algae populations but also creates new surfaces for baby corals to attach to and grow.

Photo by National Geographic

The sheer volume of sand produced by parrotfish is astounding. Scientists estimate that a single parrotfish can produce over 2,000 pounds of sand annually! However, despite their ecological importance, parrotfish continue to be caught for consumption, posing a threat to their populations and the health of coral reefs.

As responsible stewards of the ocean, it’s essential to raise awareness about the importance of preserving parrotfish populations. By avoiding consuming parrotfish and educating friends and family about their significance, we can contribute to the conservation of these vital reef inhabitants. While there may be no official national ban on catching parrotfish in the Philippines, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of protecting these unsung heroes of the reef for the health of our oceans and beaches.

Dipolog

Php340K Worth of Illegal Drugs Seized from a Drug Suspect in Dipolog City Drug Sting

Published

1 month ago

March 1, 2025

PDEA Regional Office IX

A joint anti-drug operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Office resulted in the arrest of a high-value target (HVT) in a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Miputak, Dipolog City, on the evening of February 28, 2025.

Director III Maharani R. Gadaoni-Tosoc identified the suspect as Cyril Gumalingan y Melancio, also known as Roldan Tubol, 50 years old, a habal-habal driver, and a resident of Sitio Paraiso, Barangay Galas, Dipolog City.

Seized from the suspect were approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of Php340,000.00, android phone, driver’s license, and the buy bust money.

The operation, conducted at 9:12 PM, was a joint effort of multiple law enforcement units, including the Dipolog City Police Station Special Drug Enforcement Team (SDET), Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9 (RDEU9), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) Zamboanga del Norte, Philippine National Police – Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), and the 1st Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (ZNPMFC).

The suspect is now in the custody of authorities and will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), which penalizes the sale, possession, and distribution of illegal drugs.

Dipolog

Zamboanga del Norte joins the International Travel Festival

Published

11 months ago

May 10, 2024

Ginalin G. Ma

The heart of the biggest and most awaited travel fair was hosted by Cebu City through the Cebu City Tourism Office the 9th International Travel Festival 2024 themed “Love to Travel” held at

Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Cebu City last May 3-5, 2024.

The provincial government remarkably showcased the splendor of Zamboanga del Norte through the Provincial Tourism Office, headed by Mr. Anthony Charles Rotoni, during the International Travel Festival 2024. The ZaNorte team composed of the representatives of the tourism office, namely: Engr. Demetrio I. Nalzaro, Erna D. Baradillo, Kathleen E. Pansipansi, and Shara Dawn S. Sulit whose efforts gained maximum exposure and exceptionally launched the products and services of this province.

ITF 2024 was a much-anticipated tourism-focused event in the country for both local and international exhibitors as well as travelers whose common interests revolve around planning trips and finding the best deals on hotels, cruises, airlines, financial institutions, travel agents, wellness spas, and other tourism-related businesses.

At its inception, the prestigious International Travel Festival was the brainchild of these brilliant individuals: Ms. Juliet Amazona, Sheramie Leung (deceased), Thannya Pino, Matt Poonin, Tim

Tio, and Stephanie Villahermosa. Together, they were on a mission to redefine travel in Cebu, one innovative concept at a time.

Certainly, under the unwavering support of Governor Rosalina G. Jalosjos, the projects and programs of the Provincial Tourism Office persist in embodying the governor’s mandate of “Misyon ko,

Tinuod ng Serbisyo,” elevating the province’s prestige to an international standard.

Ginalin G. Ma / Photo courtesy by Provincial Tourism Office.

Dipolog

Dipolog Student Heads to PYLP 2024: A Story of Pride and Promise

Published

12 months ago

April 20, 2024

Jovilyn Taghoy

The city of Dipolog, province of Zamboanga Del Norte, standing out among Mindanao’s provinces, has been selected through aspiring student leaders to represent the Philippine Youth Leadership Program (PYLP), visioning to be the beacon of inspiration in the community.

This achievement fills us with immense pride and honor.

Aynsley C. Tagulob, a resident of Cogon, Dipolog City, a Grade 11 student from the Philippine Science High School in Cogon, Dipolog City, proudly represents the Philippines at PYLP 2024. Carrying the Philippine flag with pride, she journeys to the United States of America, standing among the selected few Filipino youth participants.

The PYLP is a program funded by the U.S. Department of State that empowers aspiring young student leaders from diverse communities across Mindanao. Through a series of immersed trainings and team-building experiences, it capacitates them to pioneer innovative solutions for community development and advocate social justice within their respective regions and provinces.

Additionally, the said program is supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs youth exchange programs, aiming to develop enduring connections between the United States and the Philippines. Collaborating with Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois, USA, the program cherishes meaningful partnerships and exchanges to nurture mutual relations.

Upon their return to the Philippines following a month-long intensive training, Aynsley and the other participants will put their self-led projects into action, fostering social progress.

Aynsley Tagulob, daughter of Antonio Tagulob, has a congruent background with her father’s journey. Her father, formerly a farmer at a young age and an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary, currently serves as a Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer in Dipolog City, Polanco, and Sergio Osmeña, of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Province of Zamboanga Del Norte, headed by PARPO II Rizzel Villanueva, dedicated to championing social justice implementation as well.

Aynsley is determined that the said training program will equip her to make meaningful contributions to the local empowerment , especially in areas grappling with economic hardship and poverty.

Written by Jovilyn Taghoy | Credit to: Dipolog City Government