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Ready to rumble! Who is the majority now in City Council?
P
OLITICIAN CELSO Lobregat has put the last nail in the coffin of the so-called “majority block” in the City Council following his announcement of Councilor Jerry Perez as his congressional bet in next year’s polls. Read Story on page 2
Tzu Chi Foundation aids 500 trike, jeep drivers
Mayor Beng Climaco assists in the distribution of food aid to some 500 tricycle and jeepney drivers donated by the Tzu Chi Foundation. (Image: Mayor Beng Climaco’s Facebook page) HUNDREDS OF jeepney and tricycle drivers benefitted from the rice and
Council members who approved the Supplemental Budget of the Climaco administration - Bong Atilano, Jihan Edding, Kim Elago, VP Elago, Tungkuh Hanapi, Cesar Jimenez, Khymer Olaso, El King Omaga, Pinpin Pareja, Jerry Perez, Cary John Pioc, Gerky Valesco and Jimmy Villaflores.
grocery goods donated by the benevolent Tzu Chi Foundation, a Taiwanese
ZAMCELCO blamed anew for ‘pestering’problems COMPLAINTS ARE mounting over the continued voltage fluctuations and power outages here and electric consumers are outraged by the poor services of the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative Continue on page 7
Pride and Glory! ‘Zambo celebrates Hidilyn’s Olympic victory’
Zamboanga’s Hidilyn Diaz
Zamboanga Peninsula
ZAMBOANGA CITY Mayor Beng Climaco celebrated the victory of Zamboangueña weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for winning the country’s first-ever gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics on July 26. Climaco called on fellow Zamboangueños to offer prayers for Diaz’s feat. “Con Dios todo gloria y abrazos de La Virgen del Pilar y San Jose. Gracias por tu fuerza y Inspiracion Hidy! Hija de Zamboanga!” (To God be the glory and with the grace of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, thank you for your efforts and inspiration Continue on page 7
Basilan
international humanitarian and nonContinue on page 3
A light pole with old ZAMCELCO electric meters.
Zambo stands firm on health protocols THE CITY Government continues to implement its strict “No RT-PCR, No Entry” policy for all travellers going to Zamboanga Continue on page 3
A photo from the Zamboanga City Police Office shows cops strictly manning a Covid-19 checkpoint.
Sulu
Tawi-tawi
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The Zamboanga Post
August 2-8, 2021
Ready to rumble! Who is the majority now in City Council?
From page 1 Perez, a long-time ally of Lobregat and president of the local chapter of the Association of Barangay Captains, is running for District 2 which is currently being held by Rep. Mannix Dalipe. Lobregat, who is gunning for the mayoralty post, has not picked his bet for the 1st Congressional District and his candidate for vice mayor or bare his complete line up for the City Council. But Lobregat’s allies in the City Council are expected to rally behind him - two of them BG Guingona and Mike Alavar are on their last and final term and one of them may be chosen as vice mayoralty candidate of the 73old politician, who was defeated by Mayor Beng Climaco in 2019. Lobregat’s recent announcement has left Dalipe, who is reported-
Those who voted against the Supplemental Budget were Councilors Litlit Macrohon, Mike Alavar, BG Guingona, John Dalipe and Lilibeth Nuño – all staunch supporters of Lobregat and fiercest critics of Climaco. ly aspiring to become the next mayor, without a viable line up except for his younger brother Councilman John Dalipe, who is believed running for a congressional seat in District 2. It also opens the door now for both sides to publicly criticize or challenge each other in an effort to bolster their own political interest. The elder Dalipe, who served as vice mayor, was a staunch critic of Lobregat. With the brothers Dalipe challenging Lobregat and his group, it would
likely to break up the majority block which has been opposing Climaco’s pro-poor projects, among them the Vida programs, which greatly helped the indigents and the elderly sector, including those with disabilities. Lobregat is still being supported by Guingona and Alavar, and Councilors Litlit Macrohon, Gerky Valesco, Cary John Pioc, VP Elago, Khymer Olaso and Lilibeth Nuño. Macrohon, Alavar, Guingona, Dalipe and Nuño, all fiercest critics of Climaco, have disap-
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proved the P1.368-billion Supplemental Budget requested by the local government in June. Climaco said the bulk of the budget will be utilized for the Covid-19 response, such as the procurement of equipment, medicines and social assistance to be given to affected families. “Este para asegura el curada y comida que ay puede ayuda alivia vida na tiempo de pandemia,” the mayor said, referring to the Supplemental Budget. The 54-year old mayor thanked the 13 council members, including political allies of Lobregat, for approving the budget. Climaco’s allies in the City Council - Bong Atilano, Jihan Edding, Kim Elago, Cesar Jimenez, El King Omaga, Pinpin Pareja, and Jimmy Villaflores voted for the approval of the budget; and so was Tungkuh Hanapi, the representative of the Indigenous People in the City Council. “We thank the move of the majority of the Sangguniang Panlungsod members who went beyond party lines and treated the approval of the Supplemental Budget No.1 amounting to P1.368 Billion with a sense of urgency - this is a clear indication that in a period of financial challenges and public health crisis, we, as servants of the people, can unite over common goals and respond to a more genuine conscience call - to heal the sick, feed the hungry and promote the general health and welfare of all our people,” Climaco said. “We thank our SP members for showing unity and a whole-of-society approach for our Covid-19 response and capacity management. With God’s grace, hay puede kita dale curada y comida para ayuda alivia el vida del diatun maga vivientes na este tiempo de pandemia. Muchas gracias,” she added. Politicians running for the polls are set to file
their certificate of candidacy in October and Climaco continues to enjoy the strong support of her constituents. Popular And despite the Covid-19 pandemic and black propaganda against her, Climaco remains popular among the residents here and proof of this is the spike in the number of her followers on social media. Climaco’s Facebook page is now being followed by nearly 359,000 fans from only 133,000 in 2018 – a year before she was re-elected and won by a landslide over Lobregat. The number of her followers increased by more than 47,000 compared to last year’s 312,000 which was more than 200% from 2018. Climaco is now on her third and final term and she is leaving behind a legacy of good governance responsive to the needs and welfare of the Zamboangueños, more especially at this time of crisis. She is yet to decide whether to run again for Congress, but Climaco’s political prowess and honesty and her dedication to public service remain a convincing voice for residents to vote for her group as shown in the past polls. Black Propaganda However, trolls and political foes continue their black propaganda against the mayor and take advantage of the situation ahead of the polls in an effort to influence and boost those they are supporting. Climaco has repeatedly lambasted fake news and disinformation being peddled by her detractors and called on the public to carefully scrutinize news or stories created to deliberately misinform or deceive readers to influence views or for political motives. “El black propaganda ta continua y el fake news, false information na social media ta continua hace
calayat el cuantos maga persona que tiene mal intencion para destrosa el govierno local, para destrosa el esfuerzos del govierno por de ila vested interest,” Climaco told the Zamboanga Post. “Y el los demas personas, como venganza contra con el govierno cay no puede estos maga gente influir con el gobierno local. Por tantos años, el ataque contra na administracion sin descanso por causa de politica,” she added. Climaco said the local government continues to work hard for the welfare of the people while her foes are busy spreading black propaganda. In one of her weekly columns, “Sunday Reflection”, Climaco said she leaves everything to God. “Where would I hewn my strength if not from God alone who placed me here? Despite the toxicity of politics, bien mabuling gayod, I am here to respond to the calling of God to change systems to be able to deliver quality service to the people. Just as in Jesus’ ministry, there were noisy, angry, and divisive voices that became obstacles in His mission. I too, navigate into these destructive obstacles that try to lure me away from my mission and my focus on my work,” she wrote. “Politics is the main challenge that continues to distract our efforts to address the real problems of Covid-19. Malicious claims, spreading of baseless accusations and giving people false hope in doing what is popular… and all these for personal and political agenda? Very divisive and distractive as it is an obstacle to unity in these times of crisis. This is the cross a leader must carry, to deny oneself for the people. Not to let the distractive voices be an obstacle in following Jesus and our mission to serve. No matter how heavy our crosses may be, do not let obstacles block God’s love to grant you hope and a future!” she added. In the end, Climaco quoted Jeremiah 29:11 and wrote: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” She also thanked the Zamboangueños for their unwavering support and love for her. (Zamboanga Post)
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August 2-8, 2021
Zambo stands firm on health protocols
Tzu Chi Foundation aids 500 trike, jeep drivers Continued from page 1 governmental organization. Mayor Beng Climaco, who assisted in the distribution of food aid, thanked the Tzu Chi Foundation for its relief assistance to jeepney and tricycle drivers, and those under the transport sector. “Miles de gracias Dharma Master Cheng Yen and Tzu Chi Foundation. Muchisimas gracias Dr. Anton Lim and the Zamboanga Tzu Chi volunteers por el servicio con amor y compacion. Vaya con Dios,” Climaco said. The relief goods included 2 bags of 10-kilo rice and P500 worth of groceries. The assistance is intended to help those severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the mayor said. The beneficiaries were among the more than 4,000 public utility drivers identified by the City Administrator’s Office and the Office of the Mayor. The local government said it will also distribute rice assistance to residents affected by the health crisis, particularly those areas which have been locked down due to the high number of Covid-19 cases. “We are rolling out this rice assistance for beneficiaries in communities affected by the pandemic,” Climaco said.
She said the local government has already distributed cash aid for people with disabilities (PWDs) at City Hall recently. The mayor vows to help more PWDs and indigent families as part of the local government’s welfare program for the poor. “This shows that no amount of disability can ever hinder a person’s right to live and have a successful life even in the face of the pandemic,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
Dharma Master Cheng Yen, head of the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation.
Mayor Beng Climaco speaks to the benefiaciaries of the ‘Sampung Libong Pag-asa’ of Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano. (Images: Mayor Beng Climaco’s Facebook page)
Continued from page 1 whether they are fully vaccinated or not, especially now that there have been more than 100 cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the Covid-19 in the country. The Department of Health reported the presence of Delta variant Davao region, Northern Mindanao, National Capital Region, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon or Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces. The Delta variant was first detected in India, but quickly spread to over 120 countries and territories. But Zamboanga City remains free from the virulent Delta variant due to the strict border control and health protocols being implemented by the local government. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite the threat posed by the Delta variant is high. “Even if you are fully vaccinated, there is still the possibility of getting infected with the other variants,” she said. Mayor Beng Climaco, head of the local Covid-19 task force, ordered stricter control in all borders, even at airports and seaports. She repeatedly warned holders of fake RT-PCR test results after security forces intercepted at least 8 policemen and civilians from Basilan province entering Zamboanga with fake RT-PCR papers. Several groups in Basilan protested the strict health protocols and quarantine measures in Zamboanga. But many local governments are also imposing the same stringent measures as ordered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Climaco previously ordered security forces
A photo from the Zamboanga City Police Office shows cops strictly manning a Covid-19 checkpoint. to intensify patrols and prevent the entry of people without the necessary health requirements after receiving intelligence reports that travellers are using Simariki Island off Zamboanga to sneak into the city without negative RT-PCR tests. Simariki Island is populated by mostly indigenous people. She said all travellers and even individuals are required to present their negative RT-PCR test results upon entering Zamboanga City as part of stricter health protocols in combating the spread of the deadly virus. Citing reports, the mayor said motorized boats operated by unscrupulous individuals make at least 3 trips to the island where they transport passengers who do not have negative RT-PCR tests and other requirements. Most of the passengers would then enter coastal barangays. “Zamboanga City is strictly implementing the No RT-PCR Test, No Entry Policy for all travellers, including those from Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur,” she said. Climaco said travel-
lers must have negative Covid-19 test results – whether by Saliva RT-PCR test or nasopharyngeal RT-PCR test. She previously issued Executive Order 651-2021 that mandates all inbound passengers, whether APOR (Authorized Persons Outside Residence) or private individuals, regardless of reason or purpose of entry, including transit travellers to present negative RT-PCR test result within 5 days from date of specimen collection and their valid identification cards before they can enter Zamboanga City. “These are temporary measures designed to curb the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in order to promote the health and safety of the general welfare of the citizens,” the mayor said. Zamboanga, which has a long coastline, is dotted by over two dozen islands and islets which makes it extremely difficult for security forces to guard. The city is near the provinces of Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte. (Claudine Uniana, Jasmine Mohammadsali, Zamboanga Post)
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August 2-8, 2021
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
August 2-8, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by : Bong Serondo, Christine Lim, Eddie Saavedra, Giana Andrion, and ZCPO.
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August 2-8, 2021
Across : 1. Fighter pilot 4. On top of 8. “___ sesame!” 12. Scratch 13. Nevada town 14. Disney clownfish 15. Water crops 17. Comfy 18. Deserted 20. Tolerated 23. Starchy veggie (sl.) 26. ___ and gown 27. Dissent 30. Pub offerings 32. Sept. follower 33. wyatt ___ 34. Arm of the Atlantic (2 wds.) 36. Make a knot 37. Type of drum 38. Hard metal 40. Feeler 44. French cheese 46. Coalition 50. Source 51. Heavy burden 52. Hearing organ 53. Possesses 54. Give up 55. Madrid cheer
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Answer to last week’s crossword:
Down : 1. Buddy (Fr.) 2. Motor vehicle 3. Misjudge 4. Encouraged 5. Pod vegetables 6. Informed of 7. Christmas song 8. Visible to the audience 9. Pierce 10. Outback bird 11. Yule drink 16. Altar vow (2 wds.) 19. ___ snail’s pace (2 wds.) 20. Reads quickly 21. Falcon’s claw 22. Surgical procedure 24. Uncanny 25. Drive back 27. ___ and don’ts
Reynold Toribio
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August 2-8, 2021
SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO
Pride and Glory!
‘Zambo celebrates Hidilyn’s Olympic victory’
ZAMCELCO blamed anew for ‘pestering’problems Continued from page 1 (ZAMCELCO), saying not a single day passes without problems. Since 2019 after Crown Investments Holdings, Inc. and Desco Inc. took over and bailed out the heavily-indebted and poorly-managed ZAMCELCO for P2.5 billion, the problems are still the same and residents continue to suffer as they did the past several decades. And all these predicaments add up to the stress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to the residents. ZAMCELCO has been blaming its problems to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and sometimes the electricity supplier Western Mindanao Power Corporation (WMPC) which is being run by Alto Power Management Corporation, a partnership between Alsons Consolidated Resources, Inc. through Conal Holdings Corporation and Toyota Tshusho Corporation of Japan. Power consumers complained that the frequent voltage fluctuations and brownouts not only are a pestering problem for them, but the surge of electricity had destroyed their appliances. One resident said she has a collection of at least 3 air conditioners which broke down due to voltage fluctuations over the past years,and repairing them was more expensive than buying a new unit. “Worst, that’s all I can say,” she said, referring to the services of the electric cooperative then and now. A community page on Facebook, the ZAMCELCO Consumers Complaint Page, is literally overflowing with complaints, and expletives from frustrated residents. The official ZAMCELCO Customer Service Department is the worst, according to cooperative members, who said that nobody was answering their phone calls. “Apaga sindi pa...nuway gayot kamo keber keda Malo maga gamit del vivientes,” commented Danval Bernard on the comment section of the ZAMCELCO Consumers Complaint Page. Rochard Tarroza said: “Hinde gayod completo el dia si hinde pwede ase black out!” “Zamcelco cosa ya tamen el problema? Na servicio di inyo mucho problema y nesecita en-
tende el mga consumer, pero na payment hende man kame sa pwede reclama kay todo di amun lang siempre el culpa,” said Eveline Garcia. Allan Barros also wrote: “Amoya se el style del Crown Desco pati Zamcelco pamparonadas y buluk. Amo ya se elNuevo Zamboanga. ”Residents also complained that ZAMCELCO billed them more than what they are supposed to pay. Electric consumers resorted to social media in airing their complaints, many angry over what they claimed were over billing or overcharging imposed by the electric cooperative. Angry consumers accused the cooperative of taking advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic. The sudden hike in electric charges came despite frequent daily power outages and voltage fluctuations. Glenda Banalo also filed her complaint and said: “Hello Zamcelco, chene io reklamo porkawsa na diamon metrona hinde ya klaro el mga numero. Kilaya pwede saka sakto usada de koryente c hinde ya klaro el mga numero? Uno pa grande gayot di amon bill more than 900 hundred kosa lang man di amon aplliances tv na old model, 3 electric fan, luz de 8 watts lng ta usa, radio and cp lng. How come ancna de grande el bill? Kilaya kel ta man read el meter reader para saka sakto? Guessing the numbers? O hala ay dale to attention mio reklamo.”The ZAMCELCO Consumers Complaint Page was flooded with photos of electric bills showing unreasonable increases in charges. Many house owners complained that they were overbilled by ZAMCELCO after it imposed back-billing to many residential accounts following a massive installation of new electricmeters. Back-bill is a catch-up bill sent when a power consumer is incorrectly charged for energy usage. It covers a longer period than the usual billing cycle and will likely be for a larger than usual amount. This was confirmed by ZAMCELCO and its general manager, Gannymede Tiu said that “in the past several months until December 19, we conducted massive installation of kilowatt-hour meters to more than 10,000 consum-
ers that had no installed meters for so many years back. ”Tiu said many residential accounts here have no electric meters and ZAMCELCO only billed them through “averaging” or minimum amount compared to their actual electricity usage. Headded that back billing of customers is to ensure all power consumers pay for the utilities they use. “That is the reason for the ZAMCELCO back-billing,” he said. Following the out cry, ZAMCELCO eventually adjusted the over billing. In 2012, Zamboanga also suffered from severe power curtailment – as much as 6 hours a day and at worst,14 hours or more. And ZAMCELCO - whose manager then was George Ledesma – blamed the power crisis on the El Niño weather phenomenon and maintenance shutdown of hydro and coal-fired power plants in Mindanao. ZAMCELCO could only wait for the construction of the 100-megawatt coal-fired power plant of Alsons Power Holdings which was set to begin operation in 2016 in Barangay Talisayan. But Alsons failed to start building its facility and cited many reasons for the long delay - from the failed Moro rebellion here in 2013 to the P900-million enhancement program it was demanding from ZAMCELCO as an assurance it could pay them for the stable supply of electricity, and now the Covid-19 pandemic. Even today, Alsons has not finished its coalfired power plant here and ZAMCELCO said it would not purchase electricity from Alsons or what it is called now the San Ramon Power, Inc. due to its previous demand from WMPC. The WMPC previously cut off power supply to ZAMCELCO after it refused to pay its overdue account amounting to P460 million. ZAMCELCO through Crown Investments Holdings, Inc. and Desco Inc. claimed that WMPC had over-billed the electric cooperative since 2015 by P440 million and is demanding a refund. However, WMPC denied the allegation and ZAMCELCO eventually paid in part or in full of what it owed the electric s u p p l i e r. ( Z a m b o a n g a Post)
Continued from page 1 Hidy, the daughter of Zamboanga,” she said in a statement posted on her Facebook page. “Zamboanga’s pride. Our home-grown Olympian Hidilyn Diaz makes history again as the Phillippines’ first Olympic gold medallist at the weightlifting women’s 55kg event at the Tokyo Olympics! Enhorabuena (congratulations)! We are proud of you, Hidilyn!” the mayor added. Climaco was not immediately available for an interview, but one of her aides said the mayor was ecstatic and nearly cried after watching Diaz winning the gold medal. “She was literally jumping, very happy and almost cried. The mayor was emotional because it not only gave us our first gold medal, but pride for all Filipinos and the country,” he aide told The Zamboanga Post by phone. The Olympics also tweeted: “HISTORY MADE! Hidilyn Diaz (Weightlifting) gives the Philippines its first ever Gold Medal in the Olym-
pic Games with a win in the Women’s 55kg in Tokyo 2020!” Local restaurateur and bodybuilder Pedro Alavar said Diaz’s win brings pride to all Filipinos. “It brings us honor and pride. She’s been practicing all her life, and she deserves it,” he said. “This is an honor for the country and we have a Zamboangueña weightlifter Olympic gold medallist,” said Sammy Dantes, who works out at the Sky Gym here. Diaz’s family could not be immediately contacted for a statement, but in August 2018 when she won a gold medal in the
Asian Games in Jakarta, her father, a former motorcycle taxi driver, Eduardo said “It was God’s answer to our prayers and we thanked God for the graces he showered us, especially Hidilyn, who really trained hard for this games.” He said Hidilyn gave him enough money to start a small fish pond business in their village, Mampang, about 10 kilometers from downtown Zamboanga. Diaz also built a small gym in her village. “I now take care of our fish pond, it is not too big, just about two hectares,” Eduardo said. His tricycle, which bears a painting of Hidilyn lifting a barbell, was then being driven by a relative. The family also has a small car which was given by the Universidad de Zamboanga to Hidilyn for winning silver in the Rio Olympics in 2016. Eduardo said his daughter started lifting weight at age 9 and had been training hard with her cousins in the family’s backyard and sometimes in a private gym if she had extra money. “She started training at nine years old with her cousins, who influenced her to join them and lift weights,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)
Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz talks to her father, Eduardo, on the phone. (File. Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Thank you so much Navy Mayor Beng Climaco poses with Admiral Adeluis Bordado and other officers during his visit to Zamboanga City. (Bong Serondo)
THE LOCAL government thanked the Philippine Navy for its continued protection of Zamboanga City and its people, and the support to the anti-criminality campaign as Mayor Beng Climaco joined Admiral Adeluis Bordado in visiting the naval station in Rio Hondo. Bordado, the Chief of the Navy, was in Zamboanga recently and met with the mayor at City Hall during a courtesy call. They also offered a prayer at the Fort Pilar Shrine. They were also joined by Rear Admi-
ral Toribio Adaci, Jr., commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Army Colonel Randolph Rojas, commander of the Joint Task Force-Zamboanga, among other officers. Climaco said the Philippine Navy plays a big role in securing not only Zamboanga, but the long coastlines of Western Mindanao, to ensure its people are safe and even when they are asleep, she said the navy personnel continue to work to protect everyone. (Zamboanga Post)
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August 2-8, 2021
August 2-8, 2021
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Children not allowed again outdoors
T
HEE NATIONAL Government’s Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) has recalled its order to allow children 5 years old and up to go outdoors after medical experts warned about the dangers posed by the Delta variant of the Covid-19 in the country. The recall of the order strict enforcement of quaran- strict supervision by their guardcame after the Department of tine restrictions and measures ians to ensure that health proHealth reported over 100 cas- and minimum public health tocols are religiously followed es of the Delta variant Davao standards will continue as the to protect them from Covid-19 region, Northern Mindanao, local government complies infections. National Capital Region, Ilo- with the IATF-MEID order. Outdoor areas refer to cos Region, Central Luzon Just after the IATF-MEID and limited to parks such as in and Calabarzon or Cavite, relaxed its health policy on Pasonanca and Abong-abong, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and children last month, Climaco among others; playgrounds, Quezon provinces. thanked the task force for final- beaches and resorts, biking The Delta variant was first ly allowing kids to go outdoors and hiking trails, outdoor detected in India, but quickly after 16 months since the out- tourist sites and attractions spread to over 120 countries break of the pandemic. Clima- and outdoor non-contact and territories. But Zamboan- co even welcomed Catholic sports courts and venues. ga City remains free from the families and their children at However, children were virulent Delta variant due to the shrine of the Virgin Mary in not allowed in shopping malls the strict border control and Fort Pilar and spoke briefly with and similar establishments, health protocols being imple- the kids and their guardians. and that private outdoor areas mented by the local governPrior to the recall order, must be compliant with the ment. The recall of the IATF- the IATF-MEID said children Safety Seal requirements set by MEID order was dated July 26. who are 12-17 years old were al- the government. Children alThis was also confirmed lowed to go outdoors. But those lowed in those areas outdoors by Mayor Beng Climaco, 5-11 years old were only allowed must also wear face masks and head of the local Covid-19 outdoors during weekends. And face shields and so are their task force, who said that the all children should be under the guardians. (Zamboanga Post)
Mayor Beng Climaco welcomes children and their guardian at the Fort Pilar Shrine. But the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has recalled its order to allow children 5 years old and up to go outdoors after medical experts warn about the dangers posed by the Delta variant of the Covid-19 in the country, although Zamboanga City remains free from the virulent variant.(Bong Serondo)
Good job soldiers!
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco 17th Sunday 2 Kings 4:42-44 Psalm 145:10-11, 15-16, 17-18 Ephesians 4:1-6 John 6:1-15 THE HAND of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of y our might. The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food in due season; you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. The Psalms are very encouraging especially for all of us who hunger in this pandemic. Last Tuesday for Eid Il Adha, the office of former Speaker, Rep. Allan Cayetano provided cash assistance for Muslim, IPs and Christian beneficiaries to help augment income for livelihood. The unique quality of Zamboanga is our unity as Christians, IPs and Muslims who call this City our Home. It was a heart-warming occasion that I shared the Pangalay and I learned from a master - Earl Pasilan for my Rotary presentation in Brazil. Using a Yakan scarf given to me, and a Tausug sablay also a gift and using my janggay (nails), it was a celebration of Sacrifice of God’s love and saving act. Covid victims and frontliners were beneficiaries, silent frontliners who helped us tremendously. Our PWD proved their capability even managing the
steep steps of City Hall. Sila ta busca la vida amediante como PWD. Then the Sama Dilaut family shared bawlu, lokot-lokot and chocolates from barter while dressed colorfully. The inate generosity desde corazon, bien incredible. This is the Miracle of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes in today’s Gospel. God opens the hearts of People to give from the heart what little they have can transform and be multiplied. Yesterday, over lunch, I was surprised to see three boxes of Leche Flan. God’s blessings shared by one of the beneficiaries who has been grateful for the opportunity, and continues to work hard selling food even in the pandemic. Tzu Chi Foundation under Dharma Master Cheng Yen from Taiwan also shared rice and groceries to drivers of Jeepney and Tricycle. Her volunteers in Zamboanga with the coordination of Dr. Anton Lim have always helped the people of Zamboanga and other countries. We see the multiplication of God’s blessings when people share love and compassion. Yesterday, we shared rice to families in the urban poor to let them know that the government is here to help. We pray for God’s continued miracle. Just as the Apostles looked at the boy with Five Loaves and two fishes, our resources are not enough. But in today’s Responsorial Psalm we entrust ourselves to Jesus: “The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs!” (MBC)
Zamboanga Peninsula
Basilan
Philippine Army photos show the truck transporting suspected contraband. MAYOR BENG Climaco lauded the members of the 74th Infantry Battalion for intercepting a truckload of cigarettes which were believed to have been smuggled into Zamboanga City. Climaco, citing a report from the Joint Task Force-Zamboanga, said the soldiers from the Charlie Company who were manning a checkpoint in Barangay Divisoria, flagged down the truck
Sulu
for inspection and discovered 439 boxes of cigarettes. She said the army immediately coordinated with the police and turned over the seized cigarettes to the custody of the Bureau of Customs. The report did not identify the owner of the cigarettes or where it came from and not even the driver of the truck. “We commend the authorities for their unrelenting commitment in the campaign
against smuggling, in support of President Duterte’s war against all forms of illegal activities, specifically smuggling. Security forces have in the past seized tens of millions of pesos worth Of smuggled cigarettes and rice here. Climaco has repeatedly threatened smugglers to stop their nefarious activities or face criminal charges. (Zamboanga Post)
Tawi-tawi