Dipolog

Dapitan City creates history by hosting the first-ever Ironman 5150 Triathlon in Zamboanga del Norte

Published

2 years ago

September 11, 2023

By Pamela Joyce Fumero

DAPITAN CITY, Sep. 11 (PIA) – The historic City of Dapitan created another indelible memory by hosting the international Ironman 5150 Triathlon Series on September 10 this year.

Drawing participants from 11 countries and boasting over 400 participants, the 5150 derives its name from its 1.5km swim course, 40km bike course, and 10km run course, totaling a distance of 51.5km.

Princess Galura, the Regional Director of The Ironman Group in the Philippines, highlighted the city’s uniqueness and its ability to accommodate a large number of triathletes and the organizing team when choosing Dapitan as a location.

Galura emphasized the importance of providing athletes with a unique experience beyond the triathlon itself, incorporating Dapitan’s historical relevance. The running course guided participants through the city’s historical sites and landmarks, maximizing the local scenery.

Dapitan joins Tagum City in Davao del Norte as the only cities in Mindanao to host the 5150 Series.

Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos expressed excitement at combining heritage celebration and sports at such a profound level. He noted the event as a perfect opportunity for families and the community to come together, honor their past, experience life in the present, and inspire the youth and the broader community toward a future in sports.

“Dapitan has a rich history and is now becoming a destination for sports tourism,” Mayor Jalosjos said.

In addition to being the first 5150 Series in the province, this installment stands out as the first and only one in the Ironman series to offer monetary rewards, courtesy of the city government.

A total of Php. 870,000.00 was at stake across 22 categories, with Php. 175,000.00 awarded to the first male and female finishers of the race.

Adding to the event’s uniqueness, the city invited 23 elite athletes, representing the Philippines in international races, to compete in the “Bagong Bayani” category. Renowned athletes such as Kim Mangrobang, Fer Casares, Rambo Chicano, Maynard Pecson, and Bea Quiambao participated.

Apart from the P175k prize for the overall male and female winners, the Bagong Bayani category’s first-place finishers will receive a Php. 40,000.00 reward each.

For those not ready to tackle the 5150, the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint offered a shorter alternative with a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run.

“There are many strong athletes in Mindanao, and we are looking forward to discovering in Dapitan some emerging stars in the field,” said Jeremy Go, Powerball Vice President for Marketing whose company has supported the Sunrise Sprint for many years.

The city also hosted a costumed fun run the day before the official competition, named “The Noli Run.” This 4km race featured locals and visitors in Spanish-Era costumes, paying homage to Dr. Jose Rizal and his work. The Noli Run had a registration fee of Php. 650.00 and awarded a Php. 20,000.00 prize for Best Costume.

Fernando “Fer” Casares and Kim Mangrobang were crowned the first male and female finishers of the 5150 race, each earning a Php. 175,000.00 cash prize on top of the Php. 40,000.00 they will receive as the first finishers under the Bagong Bayani category. (RVC/EDT/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

Photo credit to: 5150 Triathlon Dapitan

News credit to: Philippine Information Agency (PIA)

Dipolog

Now Accepting Applications: Dipolog City Scholarship for SY 2025–2026

Published

4 weeks ago

April 7, 2025

Filman

📷: Dipolog City Government

The City Government of Dipolog, through the Scholarship Program Management Unit (SPMU) under the City Mayor’s Office, is now accepting applications for the Dipolog City Scholarship and Financial Educational Assistance Program for School Year 2025–2026.

This program is designed to provide financial and academic support to deserving students in Dipolog City, enabling them to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.

Important Dates to Remember

Deadline for Submission of Applications: April 16, 2025
Scholarship Examination: April 27, 2025 at ZNNHS Main Campus

Submission of Applications
Applicants may submit their documents to the following office:
Scholarship Program Management Unit
3rd Floor, Cubicle 2, CGSO, Dipolog City Hall

Initial Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:

Application Letter or Letter of Intent signed by the applicant
Photocopy of Senior High School Card (1st and 2nd semester)
Certificate of Good Moral Character from the school
Barangay Residency Certification (must be a resident for at least 5 years)
Indigency Certification from the barangay
One 2×2 picture of the applicant
Submit all the above documents to CMO-SPMU for pre-qualification and interview

Note: Incomplete documents or late submission of requirements will not be accepted.

The city government encourages all qualified students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to access quality education with the help of the local government.

For more information, visit the Scholarship Program Management Unit at Dipolog City Hall.

Dipolog

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

Published

2 months 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

12 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.