Picked from the wild, in the highlands of North Cotabato and Bukidnon. Available in 250g packs - roasted whole beans or fine ground. Cup to Go (16 oz.) also available and comes with 2 packets of brown sugar, one plastic stirrer, one drip bag and 12g of Civet coffee powder. Wholesaler, Retailer, Reseller are welcome.
Founded July 2019
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT, PLEASE CALL (062) 9555360 or (0915) 3976197
P10
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
‘Beng is a blessing to us’
D
ESPITE THE demise of the Largo Vida program of the Climaco administration, senior citizens and their families continue to praise the local government for its unwavering support to the welfare of the elderlies, and those who received the aid said “Beng is a blessing to us,” referring to the Mayor. Continue on page 2
Zambo is finalist to the '2021 Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards'
Mayor Beng Climaco and PCCI President Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico
ZAMBOANGA CITY has made it to the final judging of the “2021 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Awards,” an annual competition initiated by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). PCCI, the country’s largest business organization, said it is spearheading this year the search for local governments that Continue on page 3
Delta variant is not the last, says WHO THE WORLD Health Organization (WHO) warned that the highly transmissible Delta variant of the Covid-19 will not be the last variant of concern and called on countries and peoples to stay vigilant. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Technical Lead Covid-19 of the WHO
Health Emergencies Programme, said: “Frankly, the world is not stepping up. It’s about all of these other factors. There’s all this talk about planning about the surge that’s going to happen and is Continue on page 7
Mayor Beng Climaco speaks with centenarian woman Angelina Santos, of Barangay Tumaga, as Councilor Pinpin Pareja looks on. Santos received a total of P50,000 incentives from the Climaco administration. (Bong Serondo)
La versión de dos dosis de Johnson & Johnson tiene una efectividad del 94% contra el covid-19, encuentra un estudio UNA VERSION de dos dosis de la vacuna contra el coronavirus de Johnson &
Johnson proporciona un 94% de protección contra la infección sintomática,
dijo la compañía, lo que hace que un régimen de Continue on page 7
Climaco gets U.S. award
Zambo Covid cases breach 1,000 mark, hospital wards full
THE UNITED States has awarded Mayor Beng Climaco with a plaque of “Recognition of Distinction,” expressing America’s gratitude for her dedicated support to the “Countering Violent Extremism Program” (CVET) and its successful outcome in Zamboanga City. Continue on page 2
THE NUMBER of active Covid-19 cases here has breached the 1,000 mark with a record high of
Mayor Beng Climaco receives a plaque of “Recognition of Distinction,” from ICITAP-Philippines Attaché Juan Bortfeld through Eric Orillaneda, ICITAP Site Supervisor. Climaco’s executive assistant, Jojo Abdusalam, was also given a plaque. (Bong Serondo)
WHO Epidemiologist Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove
177 cases in just one day as government hospitals are now full of patients, including doctors who
Zamboanga Peninsula
contracted the deadly respiratory disease from non-Covid wards. Continue on page 3
Basilan
Sulu
Tawi-tawi
2
The Zamboanga Post
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
‘Beng is a blessing to us’
Angelina Santos is assisted by her family members. (Bong Serondo) Continued from page 1 A 100-year old woman from Barangay Cabatangan has recently received a total of P50,000 from Mayor Beng Climaco as counterpart of the local government’s incentives to senior citizens under Republic (Centenarians of 2016) Act 10868 which honor and grant additional benefits and privileges to centenarians. Climaco personally went to the house of Angelina Santos and handed
her P30,000 covering the last payment of the incentive. The mayor was accompanied by Councilor Pinpin Pareja and social workers. Santos’ family thanked Climaco for the incentive, saying the money will greatly help them, especially at this time of the Covid-19 pandemic. She initially received P20,000 from the mayor in July this year. In August, Climaco also distributed cash
incentives to 75 senior citizens who are octogenarians and nonagenarians. The granting of incentives is pursuant to a local ordinance and one of the numerous benefit packages for senior citizens unveiled only during the administration of the mayor. The beneficiaries of the cash aid and their families thanked Climaco and the local government for the incentives. Climaco said the cash
Climaco gets U.S. award Continued from page 1 The award was given by the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) under the Department of Justice. ICITAP-Philippines Attaché Juan Bortfeld presented the plaque to Climaco through Eric Orillaneda, ICITAP Site Supervisor. The plaque cited Climaco’s “visionary leadership of local government, exemplified through collaborative outreach with partnering agencies, augmenting capacity building and development opportunities for leading constituents enhancing their abilities to improve the quality of life for the citizens they serve.” Bortfeld also awarded Climaco’s executive assistant, Jojo Abdusalam, with a plaque honoring his distinctive service during the series of community dialogues and other activities on the CVET. Last year, Climaco and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte were also invited by Washington for a series of lectures and meetings for the project “Strong Cities, Strong Partnerships: A Comprehensive Approach to
Preventing Terrorism in Southeast Asia” under the auspices of the International Visitor Leadership Program of the Department of State. The Philippine Embassy in Washington led by Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez branded Climaco and Carpio as “remarkable women” and gave them warm reception. Climaco also had meetings with “Strong Cities Network Mayors,” such as Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. She spent a whole day at the State Department for various meetings with Ambassador Atul Keshapt, of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; and Ambassador Nathan Sales, of the Bureau of Counterterrorism. They also visited the headquarters of the United States Agency for International Development and met with Gloria Steele, Asia Bureau and former Mission Director to the Philippines. Climaco attended meetings with the Department of Homeland Security and ADAMS (All Dulles Area
Muslim Society) Center in Virginia, one of the largest mosques in the US and serving 5,000 Muslim families. Climaco also had discussions on the fundamentals of U.S. Governance, including elections and Federalism with Sarah Nugent, of the State Department and Dr. Steven Billet, of George Washington University. Netizens, who are following the Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, praised Climaco’s hard work and her dedication as chief executive of Zamboanga. “Congrats to our Mayor, Madam Beng Climaco,” said JVM RD. “The two best women Mayors in the Philippines keep up the good works,” Toledo Curay Arlisa said. Jose Balenton also commented that: “Our Mayor of Zamboanga is the best.” And Jocelyn Sczepanski said she is proud of Climaco. “Good job we are proud to have you Mayor Beng.” Maria Aizon said Climaco is a world-class mayor. “Our world class mayor,” she wrote on the social media page of the Philippine Embassy. (Zamboanga Post)
incentives is just one of the numerous benefit packages her administration has for senior citizens. She said the cash incentive will ensure that senior citizens will have funds to buy basic necessities such as medicines. She also assured her administration’s support and various benevolent programs for the elderly sector. Nonagenarians or those whose ages are from 90-99 years are to receive P20,000 each, and P10,000 each to octogenarians who are 80-89 years old. The City Social Welfare and Development Office and the City Treasurer’s Office facilitate the distribution of the incentives to beneficiaries of the program in coordination with the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs and the Federation of Senior Citizens Association. Opposition Councilors Climaco said senior citizens could have received more had not the opposition councilors trashed the Vida programs. Beneficiaries of the Vida programs blamed opposition councilors for “killing” the assistance intended for senior citizens and the disadvantaged sector of the community. The opposition councilors, who are allies of former Congressman Celso Lobregat and incumbent Congressman Mannix Dalipe, removed the Vida program’s vital funding in the P4.38 billion 2021 Executive Budget. One such program is the Largo Vida, an initiative that Climaco started in 2018 and which she had intended to expand to over 60,000 beneficiaries this year. Climaco identified the opposition councilors as Monsi dela Cruz (now deceased); John Dalipe, BG Guingona, Mike Alavar, Litlit Macrohon, Khymer Olaso, Lilibeth Nuño, Cary John Pioc, VP Elago, Gerky Valesco and Jerry Perez. Dela Cruz and the younger Dalipe ran under Climaco’s political party, but eventually broke off ties after winning the 2019 polls and aligned themselves with Lobregat’s Team Colorao only to split with the group. Climaco
defeated Lobregat in the last election after winning a landslide victory over the veteran politician. Climaco said the actions of the opposition affected some 17,000 senior citizens and all 400 “Vida lifeliners,” including women and those who are out-of-school and mostly breadwinners of their families, who were tapped to tirelessly deliver health assistance door-to-door to every elderly beneficiaries of the Largo Vida. “These (Vida) programs were carefully planned by the Executive Department to be sustainable and to introduce a trailblazing brand of service to our constituents that is projected to have a significant impact in the lives of the target beneficiaries. These programs cannot be replaced by mere dole-outs and cash donations that were not studied and haphazardly thought-out. Those (opposition council) members who voted to remove funding for such vital programs must face the people of Zamboanga City and must be held responsible and accountable for such irrepressible action,” she said. “It is not just cash that is needed, we need a more comprehensive program that will genuinely and sustainably empower our people through medicines, access to critical social services and livelihood to make our people resilient and survive the day to day challenges while we are under a pandemic. Necesita kita dale servicio de calidad because our people deserve only the best,” the mayor added. It is only during the time of Climaco that such programs and social services benefitted thousands of senior citizens and the vulnerable sector. “It is only during our administration that we were able to introduce a wide-range of social services to our senior citizens – birthday cash incentives, free maintenance medicines, free movie screening and other key forms of assistance.” “We intend to expand
these to a more comprehensive package, not only for our senior citizens, but also social packages for other vulnerable sectors especially for our society’s patriarchs and matriarchs, PWDs (persons with disabilities) and other vulnerable sectors, the marginalized, low-income families in disadvantaged rural and urban communities and most affected families of the Covid-19 pandemic, who are in need of these social protection programs, now more than ever,” Climaco said. Largo Vida The Largo Vida program was supposed to originally get P187 million from the 2021 Executive Budget and also part of the local government’s social services is the “Ayuda La Vida program,” which would have P65 million budget to provide various sectors with livelihood programs, including those in the night market and “ukay-ukay” stall owners. On the other hand, the “Cuida Vida program” or Soup Kitchen Program was originally to get P50 million allocation to cover mobile feeding initiatives in a bid to sustain the daily meals of the marginalized and most affected families of the Covid-19 pandemic. An allocation of P50 million was also included in the budget for the “Salva Vida” program which is intended to provide food packs and hygiene kits to low-income families in disadvantaged rural and urban communities in the different barangays. The original budget likewise allocated P15 million for outreach programs to the 98 barangays, and P100 million for socialized housing programs. And another P50 million for “Siembra Vida program” intended to provide training, livelihood and caravan projects, including activities of the agri-fishery sector; and a total of P906 million for investments in infrastructure and developmental projects. But all these were gone because the opposition councilors did not want it to continue. (Zamboanga Post)
Mayor Beng Climaco speaks to senior citizens who received cash aid. (Bong Serondo)
3
The Zamboanga Post
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
Zambo is finalist to the '2021 Most Zambo Covid cases breach Business-Friendly LGU Awards' 1,000 mark, hospital wards full Continued from page 1 have been successfully restoring and increasing the business operations in their area through significant and sustained innovative actions amidst the extreme challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. In line with the 47th Philippine Business Conference’s theme which is anchored on innovation, this year’s LGU awards initiative aims to highlight local government success stories and best practices that go beyond mere compliance to address the overwhelming negative impacts of the current pandemic to the business community. Mayor Beng Climaco said she was informed about the news by Jose Alejandro and Roberto Amores, co-chairmen of the LGU Awards, in a letter dated September 20. She said the final judging is set October 15. The local business sector continues to rally behind the Climaco administration and even nominated the local government for the “2021 Most Business-Friendly LGU Award.” Both the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (ZCCIFI) and the Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association Inc. (SOPHIL) nominated the City Government for the prestigious event held annually. The nomination shows the strong partnership between the business sector and the local government. The ZCCIFI is headed by its president, Pedro Rufo Soliven; and the SOPHIL, by its president Jaydrick Johnson Yap. Soliven and Yap have cited the Climaco administration’s business-friendly efforts, especially during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, in nominating the local government. In 2019, the PCCI also cited the City Government and recognized its efforts in streamlining business processes. PCCI awarded the local government with a “special citation” during the 45th Philippine Business Conference and Expo held at the Manila Hotel. Zamboanga City was also a finalist in the “2020 Business-Friendly LGU Award.” Then City Administrator Apple Go who represented the local government during the awarding ceremony said the special recognition exemplifies the commendable initiatives of the Climaco administration towards good governance reforms that promote trade and investments and significantly contribute to local
economic development. The PCCI, whose president is Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico, also noted the efforts of the local government which resulted in a significant increase in new business enterprises in Zamboanga. From 20182019, Zamboanga City posted a 74% increase in the number of approved business permits for new business applications and also recorded a 182% increase in the number of approved business renewals. Climaco said the local government is pursuing business-friendly strategies aimed at further improving business sector confidence. Even Commissioner Aileen Lourdes Lizada, of the Civil Service Commission, also praised the Climaco administration during an unannounced inspection in 2019 to check on compliance of civil service rules in government offices. Lizada, who also visited other regions in the country, noted a number of “best practices” at Zamboanga City Hall during her group’s inspection. One of them is the wearing of identification cards by civil workers with Climaco as the best example. She also said the Public Assistance Desk at the main entrance of City Hall is very responsive to the public and the presence of an institutionalized human resource department at City Hall, among others. Prior to the pandemic, Zamboanga City enjoyed a strong economy as influx of trade and investments add to the already robust business climate in the area. Proof of this is the steady flow of investors to Zamboanga, a major trading hub in southern Philippines, owing to the efforts of the local government in making this southern port city business-friendly. The ease of making business here — compared to the previous decades — is far better, according to traders, who cited the local government’s efforts in attracting investors not only from other parts of the country, but overseas as well. But even during the pandemic, SM opened its shopping mall in Zamboanga City which is the first in the western Mindanao region. Climaco personally thanked Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime, for investing in Zamboanga City. AirAsia Philippines also opened its maiden flight from Manila to Zamboanga City last year. Climaco said amid the health crisis, AirAsia fulfilled its promise to serve Zamboangueños because of the City’s potential and strong governance.
It also cemented Climaco’s efforts in attracting traders and businessmen to put up investments in Zamboanga City despite the pandemic. The mayor praised AirAsia Philippines Chairman of the Board, lawyer Jomar Castillo; and AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla, who thanked Climaco, saying “all of this would not have been possible without the initiatives of the Zamboanga City Government, who took on a decisive role in discussions with us to establish this route. For this, we are truly grateful.” And in October 2018, a prominent lawyer, Linda Lim, who is also chief executive officer and president of the oldest and largest universities in Mindanao — the Universidad de Zamboanga — also cited the vigorous business climate and the leadership of Climaco that played a key role in the huge improvement and development of Zamboanga as a city. In a speech during the 70th founding celebration of the university which coincided with the Parade of Lights during the Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival, Lim said: “We will carry on, continue to move on and continue to serve our community, especially under the leadership of Mayor Beng.” “It is only under her leadership that Zamboanga saw a flux of investments, we can see all investments coming in, we can feel it, not only see it. As of now, Zamboanga City ranks among the top cities with the largest accumulation of wealth in the whole Philippines and that can only happen under the leadership of Mayor Beng… it is only under this kind of leadership that Zamboanga can continue to move on,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
Continued from page 1 “The active Covid-19 cases reached the 1,000 mark. A record high of 177 new cases and 93 new recoveries were added to the list raising the confirmed Covid-19 cases for Zamboanga City (since the pandemic broke out in March last year) to 14,075 as of September 19, 2021. Active cases now total 1,013 while recovered cases total 12,398 (since last year) and (the total) death toll remains at 664,” the local government said in an advisory. The spike in infections in the community are largely blamed to the Delta variant of the Covid-19 and the complacency of residents who continue to violate public health protocols despite repeated warnings from the local government and the City Health Office. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite also noted that Covid-19 has already affected even the younger population with deadly consequences. “We are now seeing the younger population also getting infected. We have compared our data from last year (when the original virus was detected) with the present situation, now we have under 15-years old who died from Covid. We have to strictly follow the minimum health standards. Let us protect ourselves, keep our family and our loved ones especially children and our senior citizens protected. Please take care,” Miravite said. One doctor, who asked not to be named, said the Covid-19 wards at the Zamboanga City Medical Center are full. He said even some doctors have been infected with the virus after being exposed to relatives or family members of patients in non-Covid wards. “The (Covid-19) wards are full and even doctors are getting sick and some of them who have comorbidities are now undergoing dialysis. They
got the virus from watchers of patients in non-Covid wards. You know, patients being admitted undergo Covid testing, but now their watchers who turned out to be positive for Covid, although asymptomatic, spread the virus to some doctors and maybe other people at the hospital,” he told the Mindanao Examiner. “This is a very dangerous time. We should address the spike in Covid-19 cases which is largely blamed on the Delta variant,” he added. He said those who have comorbidities should have an oxygen tank at home in case of an emergency. “You should get one now. This time is critical now,” the doctor said. The Delta variant was first detected in India, but quickly spread in more than 130 countries. Mayor Beng Climaco, who chairs the local Covid-19 task force, has repeatedly called on residents to strictly follow the health protocols as the local government continues its massive vaccination program to be able to achieve herd immunity or inoculate at least 70% of Zamboanga’s almost or more than one million population. She also issued an executive order making it mandatory for all travellers - whether they are fully vaccinated or not - entering Zamboanga to present their negative RT-PCR test results, especially now that Delta variant is the dominant variant in the country. “The government alone cannot combat the coronavirus. We need the support and cooperation of the people by complying with the protocols (such as wearing of face masks and face shields, to observe physical distancing) and movement restrictions for non-essentials (workers),” Climaco said. She said the local government has already implemented “granular” lockdowns in some areas and communi-
ties with confirmed Covid-19 cases, and essential goods are being delivered to the affected households through the barangays and other frontliners. “We remain focused on our priorities to trace, isolate, treat and reintegrate the Covid patients. Our battle cry is to Heal the Sick and Feed the Hungry, making livelihood opportunities available to them. But still, and more importantly, all these efforts are not enough to fight and defeat the virus without public support and cooperation,” Climaco said The Department of Health said that the National Capital Region (NCR) is now under Alert Level 4 due to the huge number of active Covid-19 cases there. The NCR is currently at high-risk case classification while intensive care utilization is also under high risk classification. Areas under Alert Level 4, the second highest alert level, show high and increasing case counts with total Covid-19 bed and intensive care beds at increasing utilization rates. “During this time, we must ramp-up active case finding, conduct risk-based testing using RT-PCR, and fast track vaccination among high-risk groups. There will also be intensified granular lockdowns from barangay down to the household level to contain transmission,” said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. “We also call on everyone to continuously observe the minimum public health standards and consciously avoid these three C’s that pose higher risk of Covid-19 transmission when all are present in your activities such as Crowded places and Closed-contact settings where physical distancing may not be observed, and people have face-to-face interaction, and Closed spaces with poor ventilation,” she added. (Mindanao Examiner, Zamboanga Post)
City Hall fetes long-serving employees
Mayor Beng Climaco leads City Hall employees in honoring these employees for their long service in the local government. (City Human Resource and Management Office Photos) MAYOR BENG Climaco in honoring 24 employees who have been serving the local government for the past 25 years. Climaco cited the employees’ “dedicated” service and contributions to the local government. The employees, who belong to different departments, will also
receive a 14k gold ring and a tribute book. “Continue inspirando mientras celebramos este hito en el gobierno local. Dejenos inspirarnos por su ejemplo. Recordemos nuestro trabajo como una ofrenda a Dios y como nuestro servicio ejemplar al pueblo de Zamboanga,” (Continue
to inspire as we celebrate this milestone in local government. Let us be inspired by your example. Let us remember our jobs as an offering to God and as our exemplary service to the people of Zamboanga),”the mayor said. The City Human Resource and Management Of-
fice said it will set the schedule of the “face-to-face” recognition ceremony for the awardees as soon as the Covid-19 situation improves. The Service Awards is a special tribute organized every year by the City Human Resource and Management Office. (Jasmine Mohammadsali, Zamboanga Post)
4
The Zamboanga Post
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
5
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by : Bong Serondo, Christine Lim, Coun. El King Omaga, Nino Olasiman, PIO and Giana Andrion.
6
The Zamboanga Post
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
Across : 1. She, in Madrid 5. Set 8. Jungle animals 12. Reporter ___ Lane 13. “___ Maria” 14. Mall event 15. Protestant denomination 17. Emerald ___ 18. Forfeited the throne 20. Map feature 24. Snaky swimmer 25. Whatever 26. Certain steaks (hyph.) 28. Court divider 30. Actress ___ Bullock 31. ___ Salad 35. Bro or sis 36. Guarantee 37. Overhead trains 40. Chunk of eternity 42. Sharply inclined 43. Significant event 46. Mind 47. Very cute 52. Lumber source 53. Precious stone 54. Fibber 55. Has brunch 56. Compass reading (abbr.) 57. Perimeter Down : 1. House extension 2. Baseball’s ___ Gehrig 3. Illuminated 4. Fire leftover 5. Apparel 6. Dodge 7. Indulgence 8. Japan’s continent 9. Ziti, e.g. 10. Comic ___ DeGeneres 11. Shabby 16. Restaurants 19. Detergent 20. That thing’s 21. Pistons’ league (abbr.) 22. Male descendant 23. Outcomes
The Zamboanga Post
An Edition of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper
Maritess Fernandez
Publisher/Executive Producer
Al Jacinto
Editor-in-Chief
Reynold Toribio Graphics/Video Editor
Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master
REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily Business Week Mindanao Star
ADVERTISING Jeng Fernandez / Ramon Matias (0917) 7930652 / (0935) 6123587 Zamboanga Peninsula
Answer to last week’s crossword:
27. Deliberately damage 29. ___ the waters 32. Prosecute 33. Have being 34. Salesperson, briefly 37. Ham it up 38. Heavenly scales 39. Winter forecast 41. Lymph ___ 44. Storm centers 45. Alaskan port 48. Beerlike brew 49. Make an offer 50. Dally 51. Before, in verse
Weekly Sudoku:
Richard Suarez
(0910) 7348600 Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera sts., Gatas District, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
The Zamboanga Post
is published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines.
ZAMBOANGA CITY OFFICE:
3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro St., Tetuan, Zamboanga City Phone & Fax: (062) 9555360 Mobile: (0915) 3976197 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
Answer to last week:
CEBU CITY G/F Dreamfield bldg, Sanciangko Street, Kamagayan (0923) 1670009
Rodil P. Ybañez
DAVAO CITY Door 2, 402 Nidea Street, Barrio Obrero, Davao City, Philippines (082) 2841859 / (0932) 4323301 / (0997) 3172021
Marilou Cablinda
NORTH COTABATO KIDAPAWAN CITY CENTRAL MINDANAO COTABATO CITY Paolo De Jesus (0927) 4757936
PAGADIAN CITY
Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera st., Gatas District, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur (0910) 7348600
Richard Suarez
ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA BASILAN, SULU, TAWIͳTAWI ΈBARMMΉ 3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Zamboanga City (062) 9555360 / (0915) 3976197 / (0917) 7930652 / (0935) 6123587
Jeng Fernandez / Ramon MaƟas
MANILA / NCR chardee.mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com Chardee Bone (0915) 0070927
7
The Zamboanga Post
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
La versión de dos dosis de Johnson & Johnson tiene una efectividad del 94% contra el covid-19, encuentra un estudio Continued from page 1 dos dosis de la vacuna Janssen sea comparable a un régimen de dos dosis de Moderna o Pfizer. Además, dijo la compañía, una dosis de refuerzo a la vacuna de única dosis aumentó aún más la inmunidad y también debería proteger a las personas fuertemente contra las infecciones. La compañía dio a conocer algunos detalles de tres estudios que analizaron varios aspectos de su vacuna Janssen, y dijo que, en conjunto, demostraron que la vacuna brindaba una protección duradera que podría reforzarse con una dosis adicional. “Nuestra gran evidencia del mundo real y los estudios de fase 3 confirman que la vacuna Johnson & Johnson de dosis única proporciona una protección sólida y duradera contra las hospitalizaciones relacionadas con covid-19”,
dijo el Dr. Mathai Mammen, director global de Investigación y Desarrollo de Janssen, en un comunicado. “Nuestra vacuna de dosis única genera fuertes respuestas inmunitarias y memoria inmunitaria duradera. Y, cuando se administra un refuerzo de la vacuna Johnson & Johnson de covid-19, la fuerza de protección contra covid-19 aumenta aún más”. La vacuna de dosis única de Johnson & Johnson recibió la autorización de uso de emergencia de la Administración de Medicamentos y Alimentos de EE.UU. (FDA) el 27 de febrero. Se ha administrado a aproximadamente 14,8 millones de estadounidenses, según los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de EE.UU. (CDC). El ensayo de fase 2 en curso de la compañía de un régimen de dos dosis mostró que administrar dos dosis con
56 días de diferencia proporcionaba una protección del 100% contra el covid-19 grave y del 94% contra el covid-19 de moderado a grave en Estados Unidos. A nivel mundial, el régimen de dos dosis proporcionó un 75% de protección contra el covid-19 de moderado a grave, dijo la compañía. Un segundo estudio mostró que las personas que recibieron una dosis de refuerzo seis meses o más después de su primera dosis tuvieron un aumento de 12 veces en los anticuerpos, en comparación con un aumento de cuatro veces para las personas que recibieron una segunda dosis a los dos meses. Por lo tanto, la protección debería ser más fuerte si las personas reciben refuerzos más tarde, dijo a CNN el Dr. Dan Barouch, director del Centro de Virología e Investigación de Vacunas de Beth Israel Deaconess. “Si esperas más y recibes
Zamboangueños want Covid-19 vaccines
Mayor Beng Climaco talks to an elderly woman who waits for her turn to get vaccinated against Covid-19. LOCAL RESIDENTS are now more receptive to the government’s mass vaccination program and are willing to take anti-Covid-19 vaccines as the country continues to grip with the increasing number of infections. In a latest public survey by the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator through its Research, Evaluation, and Statistics Division, almost all of the 917 respondents believed in the efficacy of the vaccines with 44% of them saying they had been inoculated. The survey also showed that 23% expressed willingness to get vaccinated, but only for specific brands. And only 8% said that they did not want to get vaccinated for various reasons. Of all the vaccine brands, Pfizer remains to be the most preferred with 46%, followed by AstraZeneca at 18%, Sinovac at 14% and Moderna at 9%. The survey further showed that one in every 4 adults, or 26%, is very worried about the side effects of vaccines, while 47% are slightly worried,
and 27% are not worried at all. Many Zamboangueños have previously rejected or did not want to be inoculated due to Covid-19 vaccine disinformation and fake news being peddled on social and mainstream media. But the massive education campaign launched by the Climaco administration has largely addressed the Covid-19 vaccine disinformation. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite emphasized that all vaccines work. “Again, all vaccines work. Cualquier tipo de vacuna nos protege una vez vacunados,” she said, noting that less than 1% of nearly 300,000 who received their Covid-19 vaccines experienced adverse effects. The national government and the Department of Health continue to encourage the public to get inoculated against the deadly respiratory disease, but the supplies of Covid-19 vaccines are lacking. Across Mindanao, residents are flocking vaccination sites, but many of those who
registered with health centers or through the Internet have not received any schedule for their inoculation. Some have waited for months, but until now did not get any reply from the government. And others had claimed unequal distribution of the vaccines or favoritism, nepotism and undue influence and even bribery in the mass vaccination program. The Philippines has over 110 million population and is lagging behind some Southeast Asian countries in vaccine procurement. The country only vaccinated 17% of its targeted populations. According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, with vaccines being approved for use in different parts of the globe, the scale and complexity of their manufacture, allocation and distribution globally will be unprecedented. It said this will also present corruption risks that may threaten vital public health goals. These risks include the entry of substandard and falsified vaccines into markets, theft of vaccines within the distribution systems, leakages in emergency funding designated for the development and distribution of vaccines, nepotism, favouritism, and corrupted procurement systems. “These corruption risks must be identified and mitigated by public institutions to help advance access to safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines by the population, including the most vulnerable and marginalized groups,” it said. (Zamboanga Post, Mindanao Examiner, Jasmine Mohammadsali)
un refuerzo a los seis meses o más tarde, es probable que tengas un mejor refuerzo”, dijo Barouch. En tercer lugar, la compañía dijo que un estudio de evidencia del mundo real de 390.000 personas en EE.UU., utilizando registros de seguro médico hasta julio, cubriendo la variante delta, mostró que la vacuna J&J de una sola dosis fue 81% efectiva para prevenir hospitalizaciones. “La vacuna de covid-19 de única dosis de Johnson & Johnson mostró una efectividad de la vacuna contra las hospitalizaciones relacionadas con covid-19 en un 86% para los participantes menores de 60 años y un 78% para los de 60 años o más”, dijo la compañía. “Entre 390.517 vacunados y 1.524.153 individuos no vacunados, la efectividad de la vacuna es del 79% para covid-19 y del 81% para hospitalizaciones relacionadas con covid-19”, escribió el equipo de investigación dirigido por Janssen en un estudio publicado en línea en una preimpresión. “En los estados de alta incidencia de la variante delta, las tasas de covid-19 observadas fueron más altas en ambos grupos que en la cohorte nacional”, agregaron. “En estos estados, la efectividad de la vacuna para el covid-19 fue del 79% en general y del 78% durante junio y julio, los meses donde la incidencia de la variante delta fue más alta”, agregaron. Barouch, quien ha trabajado con Janssen para probar la vacuna pero que no participó directamente en los tres estudios, dijo que las personas
que recibieron la vacuna Johnson & Johnson deberían sentirse tranquilas con los datos. “Todas las vacunas en EE.UU. han demostrado una protección sólida y duradera contra las enfermedades graves y la hospitalización”, dijo Barouch. “En última instancia, el trabajo de una vacuna es evitar que tú te enfermes y evitar que ingreses al hospital y mantenerte con vida, y todas las vacunas están haciendo eso”. Los datos sobre la vacuna J&J llegaron más tarde que los datos de las vacunas Moderna y Pfizer / BioNTech porque J&J se autorizó alrededor de dos meses después. Johnson & Johnson ha dicho que enviará todos estos datos a la FDA para su posible consideración para agregar una dosis de refuerzo, y quizá para considerar la autorización de un régimen de dos dosis. La vacuna Janssen se fabrica utilizando una tecnología diferente a las vacunas de Moderna y Pfizer. Estas entregan ARN mensajero o ARNm directamente al cuerpo envuelto en compuestos llamados lípidos. La vacuna J&J se elabora con un adenovirus, un virus del resfriado común, que ha sido diseñado para que pueda ingresar a las células, pero luego se detiene. Entrega instrucciones genéticas de esa manera. Barouch dijo que hay espacio para una variedad de enfoques. “Una sola dosis brinda una protección sólida y duradera durante un período de tiempo considerable con una mínima evidencia de deterioro”, dijo Barouch. “Creo que la vacuna de dosis única es una opción
razonable para las personas y para los países que desean una vacuna simple y conveniente que se pueda administrar rápidamente”, agregó. “Para una protección excepcional, se puede administrar una segunda inyección en cualquier momento entre los dos y los ocho meses, y cuanto más espere, mejor”. Eso, dijo, se debe a que el cuerpo genera una variedad de respuestas inmunes. Los anticuerpos, proteínas del sistema inmunológico que pueden marcar a un invasor o atacarlo y neutralizarlo directamente, se acumulan rápidamente pero pueden disminuir con el tiempo. El cuerpo también produce células llamadas células B y células T, que contribuyen a una protección a más largo plazo. Estimular las células B con un impulso después de un tiempo, después de que se han vuelto menos activas, parece hacer que generen anticuerpos frescos de manera más efectiva, dijo. Barouch dijo que la vacuna J&J puede parecer menos efectiva en países fuera de Estados Unidos porque se probó allí cuando circulaban variantes que pueden evadir la protección que ofrecen las vacunas. La variante beta o B.1.351 es un ejemplo: tiene las llamadas mutaciones de escape que la ayudan a esconderse de la respuesta inmune. Circuló ampliamente en Sudáfrica, pero ha sido superada en Estados Unidos por delta, que no parece escapar a la protección inmunológica también. (Por Maggie Fox / CNN)
Delta variant is not the last, says WHO Continued from page 1 happening right now. It happened in Brazil. It happened in India and is happening right now in the United States. In my home country where they have high vaccination coverage.” “The Delta variant will not be the last variant of concern. There are others that are circulating the surge of not only preparing for vaccinations, but improving our surveillance systems getting tests out there. So people know where the virus is circulating,” she said. Van Kerkhove, an American infectious disease epidemiologist, said people should follow the strict public health protocols. “Sure that we handle inappropriately manage mass gatherings or postpone
them, make sure that we fix ventilation in our building. Make sure that our workplaces have plans and that people who have to go to work, can go to work,” she said. She said vaccination will help prevent the spread of the deadly respiratory virus and save people’s lives. “Right now, we have tools that can save people’s lives. That can suppress transmission which minimizes, which reduces the opportunities for this virus to evolve for variants to emerge, but we need people to step up.” “We need global leadership, taking a stand and showing that we can take control over this fire. There is a false sense of security that if your population reaches a certain percentage that you
will be safe,” she added, referring to herd immunity or reaching to vaccinate 70% of the population. “Remember Alpha (variant) varying, across Europe. Remember Gamma, remember Beta. Now, Delta is showing us that we cannot sit on our laurels. We have to remain vigilant and do what we can to not only get vaccine equity around the world. But to ensure that we stop this virus from circulating. We still have the power right now to be able to drive that transmission down. I think we can and I think countries have shown us over and over that we can, we just really need to step up,” said Van Kerkhove, who specializes in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. (Zamboanga Post)
8
The Zamboanga Post
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
9
Founded July 2019
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT, PLEASE CALL (062) 9555360 or (0915) 3976197
P10
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021
Thank you DSWD!
M
AYOR BENG Climaco praised the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its continuing support to the humanitarian and pro-poor programs of the local government. Just recently, Climaco cilor Pinpin Pareja. The mayor also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte and graced the “graduation” cereClimaco strongly encourSenator Bong Go, including mony of dozens of beneficiaries aged graduates of the 4Ps to be DSWD Assistant Secretary Jade of the government’s Pantawid resilient and to keep the faith Jamolod, for being instrumen- Pamilyang Pilipino Program amid the struggles in life. tal to all the assistance being (4Ps) which benefited mostly The graduation ceremorolled out in Zamboanga City poor families here. ny was the second this month. by the national government. The ceremony was held at Climaco, who graced the “CS 26 “Muchas gracias Asec. the San Jose Gusu Elementary graduation” ceremony of dozens Jade. Let us continue to work School covered court where the of beneficiaries at the Cabatantogether para continua ayuda beneficiaries also received bags gan covered court. dale curada, comida y busca of rice, among others, from the She also assured the convida este tiempo de pandemia. mayor and social workers. Cli- tinuing support of her adminmaco was also joined by Coun- istration to sustain the proVaya con Dios,” she said. gram as this is also one of her top priorities. The DSWD has been implementing the 4Ps, the country’s flagship poverty alleviation program, since its inception in 2008. Pursuant to Republic Act 11310 or the 4Ps Law, the beneficiaries will subsequently be adopted by the local government. The law institutionalizes 4Ps as the national anti-poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households for a maximum of 7 years. The law also includes provisions that enMayor Beng Climaco with DSWD Asec. Jade Jamolod. sure that the 4Ps beneficiaries
Mayor Beng Climaco distributes bags of rice, among others to the beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. (Bong Serondo) can transition out of poverty within the 7-year period. The Cabatangan ceremo-
ny was attended by DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Operations, Fatima Caminan;
City Social Welfare Officer Socorro Rojas and other officials. (Zamboanga Post)
Talisayan folks thank Beng for quick response
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco “TODO TIENE PERSONAL INTERES!” A young man said about Elections 2022. It made me think, and realized verdad todo tenemos interes y ambicion, pero EL INTERES DE PUEBLO, EL INTERES DEL VIVIENTES DEBE HACE UNA bajo na personal Interes!” The Second Reading differentiates worldly ambition in contrast to following God’s ways. Beloved: Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. We have gone through a process of asking ourselves where God would lead us and our personal calling of service.
As in any group some opted to Journey on a different path. What is hoped is that the best interest of the majority must be the priority. The Gospel finds the Disciples debating who is the greatest. Jesus corrects them and says: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Today we give gratitude to God for the life of Corazon Juliano Soliman. Sec. Dinky to us all. She epitomized selfless service. She left home to be where she was needed. She arrived in Zamboanga City with Jit, her Executive Assistant and set-up the Humanitarian Response to help us during the Zamboanga Siege. She sacrificed family gatherings to care for our families wherever disaster struck. She walked and got soaked with her shoes and the iconic sunflower which she loved. For those of us who worked
Zamboanga Peninsula
with her closely, she was a servant, mentor and loving mother. I remember she attended Misa de Gallo at Fort Pilar and had breakfast in our house. A dear friend to us and my husband. It was March when the President was irate and we had to provide exact figures of housing needed. Sec. Dinky stood with us and patiently guided us to provide the updated figures. I remember that night, she had an important gathering for her grandchild. As the hours ticked, she left later and she missed her family activity. As we say goodbye to this remarkable selfless servant, we pray for her that we too follow her in serving Jesus! Pone el interes de gente antes del interes personal. Paz Eterno na Mano de Dios! Sec. Dinky gracias por todo tuyo ayuda na Pilipinas y Ciudad de Zamboanga! Vaya con Dios! (MBC)
Basilan
Mayor Beng Climaco, assisted by Councilors Pinpin Pareja and El King Omaga and other barangay officials, distribute food packs and hygiene kits to flood victims in Barangay Talisayan. (Bong Serondo) TALISAYAN RESIDENTS affected by flash flood have thanked Mayor Beng Climaco for responding quickly to their needs following heavy rains last week. Climaco led the distribution of food aid and hygiene kits to hundreds
Sulu
of residents in low-lying barangay who were evacuated to the Talisayan Elementary School. Councilors Pinpin Pareja and El King Omaga and other barangay officials assisted the mayor to ensure the smooth distribution of aid and observance of the
public health protocols. The mayor ordered Socorro Rojas, chief of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, to make sure those affected by the flooding were properly assisted by the local government. (Zamboanga Post)
Tawi-tawi