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.
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Beng, malakas pa rin! ‘Agan, UNA nagpahayag ng suporta’ W
ALA PA rin kupas ang popularidad ni Mayor Beng Climaco sa kabila ng Covid-19 pandemic at sa nalalapit na halalan matapos sabihin ni Vice Mayor Meng Agan na susuportahan nito ang alkalde kung mag-desisyon itong tumakbo bilang congresswoman ng Zamboanga City. Si Climaco ay nanil- or mula 1998-2004; vice congresswoman ng bihan bilang council- mayor mula 2004-2007; at Continue on page 2
Mega Covid isolation facility opening soon THE ZAMBOANGA City Government is set to inaugurate one of the biggest Covid-19 isolation
facilities as it continues to fight the spread of the deadly respiratory virus which has infected over
1,500 people. The new isolation facility, located at the Continue on page 7
‘Barangay Sita Task Force’ kulang sa gawa!
Tila walang takot sa Covid-19 ang mga ito na nakunan ng litrato sa Barangay Guiwan. (Zamboanga Post)
KULANG UMANO ang kilos ng mga opisyal ng barangay sa pagpapatupad ng health protocols sa kanilang mga nasasakupan dahil sa dami ng mga lumalabag sa alituntunin ng pamahalaang lokal sa kabila ng patuloy na pagtaas ng kaso ng Covid-19 sa Zamboanga. Karamihan umano sa mga opisyales ng barangay at tanog ay Continue on page 2
Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco
Tax reprieves eyed in Zambo WITH THE Covid-19 affecting almost all sectors, Zamboanga Mayor
Beng Climaco is mulling to grant a three-year tax holiday on idle lands and
another two years tax reprieve for the auxiliary Continue on page 2
Zambo mayor in SCN meeting
AstraZeneca for Zamboangueños OVER 45,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine from the British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company As-
traZeneca were delivered to Zamboanga City and officials said some 36,42o additional doses are also expected to arrive soon.
The delivery of the vaccine was part of a $2 million (or roughly P100 million) deal Mayor Beng Continue on page 7
Mayor proposes ‘free’ Covid testing CHIEF COVID frontliner Mayor Beng Climaco said she will ask the support of the City Council
to provide a wider coverage of RT-PCR testing in Zamboanga in response to the clamor of the pub-
Zamboanga Peninsula
lic. Residents and travellers have urged the local Continue on page 3
Basilan
SCN meeting of the international steering committee. ZAMBOANGA MAYOR Beng Climaco has joined an international steering
committee meeting facilitated by the Strong Cities Network (SCN) which dis-
Sulu
cussed the efforts of the local government in Continue on page 3
Tawi-tawi
2
The Zamboanga Post
October 4-10, 2021
Beng, malakas pa rin! ‘Agan, UNA nagpahayag ng suporta’
Continued from page 1 Zamboanga mula 2007-2010 at 2010-2013, bago pa man naging mayor noong 2013. Wala pa itong talo sa eleksyon dahil sa taglay na kagalingan at sinseridad sa serbisyo at kung tatakbo ito bilang congresswoman ay siguradong mananalo itong muli. Si Agan ay humiwalay sa Partido Prosperidad y Amor para na Zamboanga
(PPAZ) ni Climaco upang tumakbo bilang alkalde sa ilalim ng kanyang partido, ang United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). Kasama ni Agan sina Councilors Elbert Atilano, Al-Jihan Edding at Jimmy Villaflores na dating kasamahan ni Climaco sa PPAZ. Bitbit naman ni Climaco si Congressman Jawo Jimenez na tatakbo bilang alkalde at siyang
makakalaban ni Agan. Bukod kay Agan at Jimenez ay tatakbo rin bilang alkalde si ex-Congressman Celso Lobregat at Councilor John Dalipe o ang kapatid nitong si Congressman Mannix Dalipe. Ang beteranong si Lobregat ay tinalo ni Climaco noong nakaraang halalan. Tanging si Climaco lamang ang nakatalo kay Lobregat mula ng ito ay naging pulitiko – mayor
at congressman ng ilang beses. Ikinatuwa naman ng mga taga-sunod ni Climaco ang desisyon ni Agan at ng UNA na suportahan si Climaco. Walang pahayag si Climaco sa pag-ampon sa kanya ni Agan at ng partido nito. Ngunit nagpasalamat naman si Climaco kay Agan at sa mga sumama
sa kanya ng sila ay kumalas sa PPAZ at ito ang sinabi ni Climaco: “We thank Vice Mayor Rommel Agan, Councilor Bong Atilano, Councilor Jihann Edding and Councilor Jimmy Villaflores for the fruitful years of support and partnership on our agenda of government. As they leave the coalition for the 2022 elections, we wish them
luck in their plans and endeavors.” “Team Climaco remains strong, united and committed to continue to work hard in this pandemic- to heal the sick and feed the hungry - na favor de Dios continua dale curada, comida y busca vida na tiempo de pandemia. Ciudad antes de todo. Vaya con Dios!” (Zamboanga Post)
‘Barangay Sita Task Force’ kulang sa gawa!
Larawan kuha sa Barangay Tetuan. (Zamboanga Post) Continued from page 1 nagroronda lamang sa tuwing linggo kung kailan ay nasa lockdown ang buong lungsod. Nais ng mga residente na paigtingin ng mga opisyal ng barangay ang kanilang pagpapatupad sa health protocols araw-araw. Mistulang “ningas kogon” lamang diumano ang ginagawa ng maraming mga opisyales ng mga barangay. Matatandaang naglabas si Mayor Beng Climaco ng Executive Order BC 653-2021 at ipinag-utos nito ang pagbuo ng “Barangay Sita Task Force” sa lahat ng 98 barangays ng Zamboanga na siyang magpapatupad ng health protocols upang pigilan ang paglaganap ng Covid-19. Ang barangay chairman at ang hepe naman ng pulisya at militar sa naturang lugar ang magsisilbing pinuno ng Barangay Sita Task Force na kabibilangan ng mga chairpersons ng Sanguniang Kabataan, Barangay Health and Sanitation, Peace and Order at Disaster Committees, gayun rin ng Barangay Information Officer, Tanods at mga miyembro ng Barangay Information Network, Purok leaders, Barangay Health Workers at mga Nutrition
Scholars, at Social Worker. Binalaan rin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang mga barangay chairmen na mabibigo sa pagpapatupad sa health protocols at sinabi nito na ang mga mayor ang may superbisyon sa mga barangay chairmen kung kaya’t dapat silang sumunod sa kautusan. “Now, itong mga barangay captain ang problema kasi maliit ang barangay. Do not give me that shit about hindi mo alam. So the Local Government will go after you administratively and criminally,” ani Duterte. Maging mga Netizens ay nagsusumbong sa Facebook page ni Climaco sa talamak na paglabag ng maraming tao sa health protocols sa ibat-ibang mga barangay. Likas umanong matigas ang ulo ng mga residente at ngayon tumataas ang Covid-19 cases ay isinisisi naman ito kay Climaco sa kabila ng paulit-ulit na paalala nito na sumunod sa health protocols. Sa kanyang executive order, ipinag-utos ni Climaco sa lahat ng Barangay Sita Task Force na magsagawa ng random roving sa kanilang mga lugar upang masigurong nasusunod at napapatupad ang health
protocols – paggamit ng face mask at face shield, at physical distancing at iba pang mga kautusan kaugnay sa Covid-19. May mga pena o multa ang mga lalabag sa minimum health protocols. Dapat ay matagal na umano itong ipinatupad ng mga opisyales ng barangay kahit walang executive order mula kay Climaco. Motu proprio na ito sa mga opisyales ng mga barangay bilang bahagi ng kanilang tungkulin, subali’t hindi naman nila ginawa sa kabila ng pandemnya, bagama’t may mga ilang opisyales rin ang kusang nagpapatupad ng health protocols ngunit hindi naman ito regular. Wala rin makitang mga opisyales ng barangay at mga tanod na regular na nagpa-patrulya sa kanilang lugar upang ipatupad ang health protocols at iba pang mga ordinansa o batas. At halos lahat ay iniaasa na lamang kay Climaco o sa lokal na pamahalaan, sa pulisya at militar, ang bawat problema at solusyon nito. Maging ang road clearing operations na ipinag-utos ni Duterte ay nag-mistulang ningas-kogon lamang sa ibat-ibang barangay dito. (Zamboanga Post)
Tax reprieves eyed in Zambo Continued from page 1 services groups or companies. Climaco said she will seek the support of the City Council to grant the tax reprieves. “Let our people recover first from the Covid-19 pandemic before we collect the right taxes from them. I hope the SP will also support this,” she said, referring to the Sanguniang Panlungsod. Even last year, Climaco said the Zamboanga City Planning and Development Office was working closely with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Covid-19 Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan in an effort to stimulate the local economy which was severely affected by the pandemic. Climaco, who heads the local task force Covid-19, said the economic stimulus package among others tax incentives, discounts and reprieve and all these were also presented in various webinars and online conferences. “The (Recovery and Rehabilitation) plan is based on various online
consultations and includes stimulus programs to help the local economy, especially the small business, recover and adapt to the new normal,” she said. She added that the proposal includes discounts on amusement, business and real property taxes, waiver on penalties, fines and late payment fees, waiver on tricycle operator’s fee. Climaco, however, said these instruments require legislative actions which will entail time due to the required conduct of public hearings by the City Council. So to start the process, she said the City Legal Office was ordered to draft ordinances on the economic packages and endorse them to the City Council. But while the proposed measures will likely hinder the ability of the city government to meet its revenue targets, Climaco said that National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, in a virtual conference, said the national government would step in to “pump prime” the economy for employment opportuni-
ties, livelihood generation and adaptation of small business to the new normal. Pump priming is the action taken to stimulate an economy, usually during a recessionary period, through government spending and interest rate and tax reductions. The measures are desired to be a balance of showing support to the local businesses and making sure that the local government still has enough war chest to fund its programs and projects. Climaco also echoed what Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said and she urged the cooperation of the various sectors. Chua said navigating the coronavirus pandemic and thriving in the new normal requires a whole-of-society approach, which is vital in the country’s recovery plan. “The government needs the utmost cooperation of the public, the business sector, and civil society in restarting socioeconomic activities while preventing the spread of the virus, and mitigating the ill-effects of this pandemic,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)
3
The Zamboanga Post
October 4-10, 2021
Zambo mayor in SCN meeting
Mayor proposes ‘free’ Covid testing Continued from page 1 government to provide free or subsidize RTPCR tests which cost between P2,000 to P5,000. “It may not be necessarily a free-for-all grant, but at least with a wider coverage than the present free RT-PCR test given to those with Covid-19 symptoms, suspected and positive cases only,” the mayor said. She said her proposal to the City Council for free RT-PCR testing is subject to the availability of test kits and once the local molecular laboratory is approved and becomes operational. Climaco said she also ordered the City Health Office and the City Budget Office to come up with the policy in conformity with the guidelines set by the
Department of Health and the Red Cross. The mayor previously 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 result following the emergence of the highly transmissible Delta variant. She also ordered a strict border control and implementation of the health protocols in Zamboanga, saying travellers must have negative Covid-19 test results, whether by Saliva RT-PCR tests or nasopharyngeal RT-PCR test, before they enter Zamboanga. Climaco also 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. Many travellers who underwent random RTPCR tests conducted by health workers at the Zamboanga borders and in sea and air ports had tested positive for the deadly respiratory virus. The mayor said 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. (Zamboanga Post)
Continued from page 1 “Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism.” The virtual meeting was aimed at addressing all forms of violent extremism, hate and polarisation, while promoting a human rights-based prevention framework in which local knowledge and practice informs national, regional and international approaches. The steering committee - which consists of a geographically diverse group of representatives from up to 25 cities and local governments, which are members of the SCN - is the leadership and decision-making body of the SCN. It provides strategic direction and promotes the SCN’s mission guided by its members. Climaco, a staunch peace advocate, was the recipient of the United States plaque of “Recognition of Distinction” for her dedicated support to the “Countering Violent Extremism Program” (CVET) and its successful outcome in Zamboanga City. The award was given recently 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 March, Climaco was also featured from among over a dozen selected mayors and practitioners from all over the world and spoke at the SCN’s “Strong Cities, Strong Female Leadership,” in celebration of International Women’s Day. The SCN asked leading female mayors, policy leaders, directors and practitioners from a broad spectrum across our global network to give their views. The first in the list to answer was Climaco and these were the answers she had given to a set of questions from the organizer. Why is female leadership important to building community resilience? “Women by nature are nurturing, caring and can multitask across the workplace, at home and with their families. When rebels attacked our city, my priority was our people – 120,000 were displaced and many living in fear. Being a family counsellor, I made sure hostages got psychological first aid. By night, I would be in communities reassuring their safety. This built trust since people knew the Lady Mayor was present with them.” What advice would you give to girls and women aspiring to get involved in local government? “Follow your heart. Make your voice heard. You are a leader with big heart.” How can we as a global society support increased female leadership on local issues? “Hone women from childhood. My mom told me to speak out for my rights as a girl and teenager. We must continue to educate women of our rights and our significant roles in contributing to our community.” Aside from Climaco, among in the list or mayors and professionals who joined the forum were the following: Mayor Anna König Jerlmyr, Stockholm, Sweden; Mayor Valérie Plante, Montreal, Canada; Vice-Mayor Rina Mari-
ann Hansen, Oslo, Norway; Rubina Abu Zeinab, National Coordinator for Preventing Violent Extremism, Lebanon; Gulmina Bilal, Director for Individualland in Nowshera, Pakistan; Munira Hamisi, Director for CVE and Community Engagement in Mombasa, Kenya; Malin Martelius, Safety and Security Coordinator in Malmö, Sweden; Julie McKercher, MERIT Specialist from Ottawa, Canada; Marijeta Mojasevic, Youth Advisor in the Municipality of Berane, Montenegro; Johanne Nilsen, Crime Prevention Coordinator in Kristiansand, Norway; Rehema Zaid Obuyi - Integrated Initiatives for Community Empowerment in Nairobi, Kenya; Joumana Silyan-Saba, from Los Angeles in the U.S.A.; Desanka Stoshevska, Secretary of the Municipality of Kumanovo in North Macedonia. And early this year, the SCN also invited Climaco to join a group of selected global mayors for an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Climaco said she was impressed by the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who talked about the Covid-19 pandemic and appreciating medical scientists and health workers for their sacrifices, learning and listening to experts, and telling everyone to be cautious. The webcast was held from the residence of His Holiness in Dharamsala in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and broadcast live in Zamboanga City, India, Los Angeles and Washington DC in the United States, London in the United Kingdom, Beirut in Lebanon, Nairobi in Kenya, Surabaya in Indonesia and Melbourne in Australia. SCN is the first ever global network of mayors, policymakers and practitioners united in building social cohesion and resilience to counter violent extremism in all its forms. (Zamboanga Post)
4
The Zamboanga Post
October 4-10, 2021
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
5
The Zamboanga Post
October 4-10, 2021
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by : Bong Serondo, Bryan Labastida, OCENR, USAID, and ZCPO.
Three Z3R projects finished S
OME P175-million worth of infrastructure projects under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) Program were inaugurated in Barangays Kasanyangan and Mariki. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) turned over three projects to the City Government on September 28 with Mayor Beng Climaco leading government officials in the ceremony. The projects were the Valle Vista Subdivision’s access road amounting to P29,457,505.79 in Barangay Kasanyangan whose contractor was RD Interior Junior Construction; the Paniran-Kasanyangan access road also at Valle Vista Subdivision, amounting to P89,999,620.32, and the boardwalk in Barangay Mariki worth P55,910,901.21 built by Vic Lao Construction; and the energization project also in Barangay Mariki undertaken by the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative. Beneficiaries of the Z3R Program thanked Climaco for aggressively pursuing the projects despite the health crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Most of the beneficiaries were displaced from their settlement following September 9, 2103 deadly attacks here by Moro National Liberation Front
The Z3R projects - boardwalk in Barangay Mariki and the access road in Barangay Kasanyangan. (City Government photos) (MNLF) members. Supporters of MNLF chieftain Nur Misuari attacked Zamboanga after declaring independence and their failed attempt to raise the Bangsamoro Republik flag at City Hall. Misuari publicly denied involvement in the siege of Zamboanga that displaced over 200,000 people and affected the economies of Basilan and Sulu which are dependent on Zamboanga for their trades and goods. Climaco has set September 9 as a “Special Day of Remembrance” in honor of all those who perished in the siege that lasted for 3 weeks. And eight years after the deadly attack, residents here are still crying for justice which remains elusive for the innocent victims of the siege. The mayor, who chairs the Local Inter-Agency Council that oversees the Z3R Program, said not all projects have been completed. She lamented that
despite her August 31 ultimatum to private contractors to finish the construction of the Z3R housing units for some 720 families displaced by the siege were not completed due to some legal issues that have yet to be resolved to pursue the projects. The mayor specifically cited the 720 housing units which remain uncompleted and a housing backlog by 114 over the period of eight years since the siege. She said there are legal issues that the National Housing Authority (NHA) has yet to resolve in the purchase of lots. Also delaying the projects, she said, are the illegal structures that need to be demolished first. Climaco said the local government’s Housing Division will not accept uncompleted and substandard projects. The mayor repeatedly reminded various government agencies and private contractors of her ultimatum to finish all construction projects
and even said that she will invite President Rodrigo Duterte to inaugurate the projects. Different government agencies and private contractors committed to speed up works on the Z3R projects after Salazar’s ultimatum to expedite completion of the projects and to ensure the remaining victims of the siege who are in temporary shelters be given permanent housing units. “As mayor and chairperson of LIAC, I have given the agencies concerned a deadline until August 2021 to finish the construction of the housing units and award them to the target beneficiaries - the internally displaced people,” Climaco said, adding, “we want our IDPs (internally displaced persons) to know that we have not forgotten them even as we are currently coping with the Covid pandemic,” the mayor said, adding her directive was in line with Duterte’s
instructions to all government agencies to have their projects, programs and activities completed before his term ends next year. Last year, Climaco also directed LIAC members to ensure continuity of various projects and programs amid the Covid-19 pandemic to help alleviate the plight of families displaced by the MNLF siege. Misuari signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the peace accord, he said there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted. Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood
and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards. It was the second attack by MNLF in the past decade. In November 2001, hundreds of MNLF members occupied the Cabatangan Complex and held hostage dozens of civilians, including children; and another group also attacked a military base in Sulu province in an effort to stop the elections in the Muslim autonomous region after Misuari was ousted as governor. More than 100 people were killed in the fighting and in the end, then Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat allowed the attackers to leave Zamboanga in exchange for the hostages. Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, where he had been arrested and deported to the Philippines and was eventually pardoned and released by President Gloria Arroyo reportedly in exchange for MNLF support to her election bid as well as her allies in the Senate and Congress in 2004. He also ran several times for governor in Sulu even while under detention, but lost. Now, President Rodrigo Duterte said he wanted to resume the peace process with Misuari and ordered police and military not to arrest the MNLF chieftain. (Zamboanga Post, Mindanao Examiner)
6
The Zamboanga Post
October 4-10, 2021
Across : 1. Corn spike 4. school group (abbr.) 7. Fable writer 12. Strive 13. ___ Howard of “Happy Days” 14. Hoisting machine 15. Rubbing out 17. Talks wildly 18. Unspecified person 20. Sticky stuff 21. Exact copy 23. Ramble 25. Sweetie 26. Prime Minister ___ Thatcher 30. Discomfort 33. Tranquil 34. Treat with drugs 36. HST’s successor 37. Skirt length 38. Stockpile 40. Pirate’s liquor 43. Perpetual 45. Japanese, e.g. 47. Restores the honor of 50. Army doctor 51. Compass reading (abbr.) 52. Mexican waterway 53. Vanity 54. Hair styles 55. Small amount Down : 1. Christmas ___ 2. Broadcast 3. Used logic 4. ___ minister 5. Quality of sound 6. Soft wool 7. Land area 8. Age 9. Crooned 10. Informed about 11. Mexican coin 16. Junior 19. From Oslo 21. Pal 22. The ___ Ranger 24. Spoil
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The Zamboanga Post
October 4-10, 2021
AstraZeneca for Zamboangueños
Mega Covid isolation facility opening soon
The Covid-19 isolation facility in Barangay Talisayan. Continued from page 1 Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority complex in Barangay Talisayan, has 320 beds and is part of the local government’s response to address the growing number of active Covid-19 cases and the shortage of hospital beds. Each room has an air condition unit, a comfort room and lavatory, and a bed with an IV (intravenous) pole. Last July, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also turned over to the local government the 188-room isolation facility at the Pasonanca Convention Center. The project is intended to augment the two quarantine tents with 20 beds also in Pasonanca which was completed in March. Both facilities are being managed and operated by the City Health Office and City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office under supervision by the DOH. Climaco said the local government is putting up more isolation facilities and
targeting at least 2,000 beds as part of the Covid-19 response, supplementing the mass vaccination program aimed at fighting the spread of the deadly respiratory virus. “We are boosting our isolation facilities and efficiency of ambulances,” she said. But while Climaco and the DPWH and DOH continue efforts to address the pandemic and respond to the health crisis, social media trolls and black propagandists also heightened their attacks against the mayor ahead of next year’s polls. Climaco’s foes peddled fake news and false information aimed at bringing down the mayor, who is on her third and final term. Political propagandists resorted to spreading misinformation about Covid-19 and even denounced the isolation facilities in Barangay Pasonanca, saying it would put residents at risk of being infected with Covid-19 because the “virus can jump out of the tent.” They also called on Pasonanca residents to oppose the project while others have “demonized” those living near
the facility to protest it. The spread of black propaganda, fake news and false information have alarmed Pasonanca residents and has prejudiced public tranquillity. The DPWH is also ramping up the construction of additional isolation facilities here with an “off-site modular hospital and pop-up dormitory” for health workers. It is also constructing a modular hospital with 22 beds for moderate, severe to critical Covid-9 patients at the Mindanao Central Sanitarium General Hospital (MCSGH) in Barangay Pasobolong and will be operated by the Zamboanga City Medical Center with equipment supplied by the DOH; and a dormitory with 16 rooms and double decker beds medical personnel. It also identified five buildings and a covered court at the Regional Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center also at the MCSGH compound as a potential 300-bed quarantine facility and dormitories with 30 beds for health workers. (Zamboanga Post)
Continued from page 1 Climaco signed with AstraZeneca early this year. The initial P200 million for the purchase of the vaccines are included in the P4.38-billion 2021 Executive Budget of the local government, according to Climaco, who is also a member of the Committee on Vaccine Availment of the League of Cities of the Philippines. The shipment was the second since July this year after AstraZeneca delivered some 11,800 doses of Covid-19 vaccines purchased by the Climaco administration. The latest delivery of 4,580 vials or 45,800 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines will benefit local residents. Climaco confirmed the September 24 arrival of the vaccine, saying this will further boost the local government’s mass vaccination program. “This is good news because this (vaccine) delivery will inoculate many people,” she said. She said the local government’s vaccination program will cover almost 700,000 residents or 70% of the projected 2021 population of 992,423 inhabitants. More than 75,000 residents had been inoculated with Covid-19 vaccines the past months based on the Department of Health’s (DOH) prioritization - A1 (Medical frontliners), A2 (Senior citizens) and A3 (People with comorbidity) and recently the A4 (Frontliner personnel in essential sector). Zamboanga is one of the first cities that entered into a multilateral agreement for the purchase of vaccines through the League of Cities. More Vaccines The national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFMEID) said it will send more Covid-19 vaccines to Zamboanga City in an effort to further augment and support the local government’s response to the pandemic. Secretary Vince Di-
zon, the Deputy Chief Implementer of the IATFMEID policies and his team was in Zamboanga City in May and met behind doors with the members of the Regional IATF-MEID led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Zamboanga City Task Force on Covid-19 chaired by Climaco. Dizon assured Climaco of the strong support of the Duterte administration to the local government’s efforts by augmenting the allocation of vaccines to swiftly inoculate at least 700,000 residents and achieve herd immunity. “Only through vaccination, people will be amply protected against coronavirus amidst the surge in infections,” he said. Thousands of senior citizens and people with comorbidity (those with more than one disease or condition at the same time) have been inoculated against Covid-19 in Zamboanga City as the local government continues its mass vaccination program despite the lack of supply of the medicine needed to prevent the further spread of the virus. Climaco has repeatedly urged residents - especially the elderly sector and those with comorbidity - to register online. She said residents who are 18-years old and above are also encouraged to register online - www. zambocovax.com or by visiting the nearest health center. Dizon’s team also commended Climaco and the local Covid-19 task force, for a “job well done” in the battle against the deadly respiratory disease. He said Secretary Carlito Galvez, in-charge of the government’s procurement of Covid-19 vaccines, also spoke with Climaco and assured the mayor that the DOH will send more vaccines to Zamboanga City. “I just want to confirm categorically that Secretary Galvez, our vaccine czar, spoke with Mayor Beng Climaco and committed to increase
the number of vaccines to be deployed to Zamboanga City because of the growing cases, and more so because of the importance of Zamboanga to the economy of Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).” “So committed na po yun, we will be coordinating with Mayor Beng and her team to ensure a steady flow of vaccines. We are also very happy that Mayor Beng and her team demonstrated a very efficient roll out of vaccines in the past couple of weeks despite the low supply that has been allocated. So thank you very much Mayor Beng, very clear po yong commitment ng national government sa Zamboanga City,” Dizon said. Anti-Climaco Dizon’s statement and commendation of Climaco’s Covid-19 response and her sincere effort to control the spread of the virus has left a “sour taste in the mouth” of the mayor’s foes and trolls. And they even questioned Dizon’s appreciation of the local government’s Covid-19 response efforts and spread fake news and false information on social media attacking Dizon and Climaco alike and undermining not only the local government’s efforts and the IATT-MEID as well. Jay-R Candido, of the Office of the Civil Defense-Operations Center, said the Regional IATFMEID headed by DILG Regional Director Paizal Abutazil, approves all recommendations by the Zamboanga Task Force on Covid-19 whether to place the city under stricter community quarantine or extend it. Candido said the OCD Task Force on Covid-19 headed by Regional Director Manuel Luis Ochotorena implements whatever orders or directives Regional IATF-MEID issues. He said Climaco can issue executive orders to further strengthen the Covid-19 health protocols and it does not need approval by the Regional IATF-MEID. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
October 4-10, 2021
October 4-10, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
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October 4-10, 2021
‘New Paseo del Mar’ is beautiful
A
FTER THE Covid-19 pandemic delayed the opening of the newly-rehabilitated Paseo del Mar is now finally open to the public and the make-over boasts of child-friendly playground and colorful designs that would rival modern parks in Mindanao. The P46-million project, Grandstand. Today, we are real- follow public health protocols. “Our plan is to vaccinate which started in 2019, is ex- izing the dream to make Zampected to be a major landmark boanga a Child-Friendly City,” more people so that in the fuin Zamboanga City. The park the mayor said, referring to the ture, when our Covid cases our has a newly-designed open Joaquin Enriquez Memorial down and we are able to reach stage and a skate park, the Sports Complex which served herd immunity, we can adapt to first in Zamboanga, according as a temporary settlement for new normal activities that will thousands of people displaced allow the family safe outdoor to Mayor Beng Climaco. recreation,” she said. She said the project is a by the deadly attack. “gift to the children” who were The opening of the The City Health Office traumatized and displaced Paseo del Mar also coincided has vaccinated nearly 18% of by Moro National Liberation with the “Zamboanga Her- the target population which Front rebel attacks in 2013, mosa Festival.” is about 700,000. and to all those who once The month-long festival Climaco ordered the redreamed of playing in a park is held in honor of the mirac- habilitation of the sprawling built just for them. ulous image of Nuestra Seño- Paseo del Mar in an effort to “This is a dream come ra del Pilar – the patroness of improve the dilapidated seatrue for all the children…my Zamboanga City and Zarago- side park. She said the new Zamboanga children, and not za in Spain, the sister city of Paseo del Mar is not just as a only the kids but for everyone. Zamboanga – which is held on family destination, but also as a This is dedicated to all the chil- every 12th of October. recreational and tourism magdren who were affected and This year’s celebration is net too for everyone to enjoy. displaced during the Zambo- most likely to limit the moveThe Paseo del Mar hosts anga siege. I remembered how ment of people due to the ris- various restaurants and is it was hard for them to play ing cases of Covid-19, Climaco home to the Centro Latino in the congested Zamboanga reminded residents to strictly building, among other struc-
Airport projects inaugurated
Mayor Beng Climaco poses with security personnel outside the Zamboanga International Airport. (Bong Serondo)
Zamboanga Peninsula
THE DEPARTMENT of Transportation (DOTr) inaugurated Tuesday the newly-completed projects at the Zamboanga International Airport, but there are still many unfinished works, including the repair and asphalt overlay of the runway, and the grading of the runway strip. Among the completed projects were the expansion of the passenger terminal building which can now accommodate at least 750 people from the previous capacity of only 500; and the two new halls. Mayor Beng Climaco thanked the DOTr for the project. (Zamboanga Post)
Basilan
Mayor Beng Climaco inspects the newly-rehabilitated Paseo del Mar. (Christian Olasiman) tures, near the Fort Pilar Shrine. The opening of the park came following the massive rehabilitation of the Roseller Lim Boulevard. The park was built during the previous Lobregat administration and it became an in-
stant tourist attraction because of the many restaurants and the view of the setting sun and its musically gyrating fountain. But the fountain also attracted criticisms due to its high construction cost reaching some P27 million, and park goers
originally had to shell out P10 to buy a seat around it. Climaco said the rehabilitation project was undertaken by a private contractor and supervised by the City Engineer’s Office. (Zamboanga Post)
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco DO I cheat? Do I lie? Do I steal? - At the expense of people’s sufferings? Cut it off! The Gospel today is Jesus’ call to each one of us. Father Joel Malcampo was very emphatic in his homily of removing all that prevents us from following Jesus. Father Arnel Aquino, on the other hand, hits the nail on the head. The call of renouncing all that is sinful in following our Lord. He addressed us in positions NOT TO PROFIT AT OTHERS EXPENSE. We must cut all that is sinful, purify our lives otherwise HELL awaits life eternal. Father Arnel offers a solution, an aid, and helps us begin anew by abandoning our sinful ways. He calls for a renunciation and return of all that is not
Sulu
ours to be able to have a renewed life. I have learned that radical following of Jesus, means letting go of all that gets in the way. Why? Because Jesus loved us radically, immensely to death on the cross. Today's reflection is an examination of our conscience and an opportunity for renewal in this time of the pandemic. In the book Sacred Space: Today’s reflection reads: “YOU CALL ME TO BE A STEPPING STONE AND NOT A STUMBLING BLOCK.” Indeed it is difficult to follow our Lord, but His Mercy and Love make the load easy. Renew us Lord as we renounce all that blocks our way to YOU! (MBC)
Tawi-tawi