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
October 25-31, 2021
Special Covid teams now in Zambo T
HE REGIONAL Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (RIATF-MEID) has deployed special teams in Zamboanga City as part of an effort to help the local government address and mitigate the surge in Covid-19 cases here. The RIATF-MEID spe- regional director of the cial Covid teams are led by Office of the Civil Manuel Luis Ochotorena, Continue on page 2
Zambo Land Use Plan approved! A photo released by the Public Affairs and Customer Care Unit of the Zamboanga City Medical Center shows some of the Covid-19 patients. The hospital is now operating at full capacity and patients at emergency cases have already exceeded bed capacity. And (left) OCD Regional Director Manuel Luis Ochotorena.
THE DEPARTMENT of Human Settlements and Urban Development or DHSUD is expected to release some P100 million in financial grants and assis-
tance for a housing project and an evacuation center here following its approval of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan or Continue on page 3
Mayor orders road repairs, cleanliness in barangays
The City Engineer's Office has started repairing damaged roads in different barangays as ordered by Mayor Beng Climaco. (CEO)
Zamboanga Peninsula
THE CITY Engineer’s Office, upon the order of Mayor Beng Climaco, has started repairing damage section of roads and the declogging of drainages in various barangays. Climaco’s order came after she inspected several areas and instructed City Engineer Christopher Navarro to prioritize the repair of damaged roads to prevent accidents and inconvenience to motorists. Navarro said his group has inspected several Continue on page 7
Basilan
Mayor Beng Climaco and world renowned urban planner, Architect Felino Palafox Jr. shake hands in this December 2015 photo. Palafox declares that in 15 years or more Zamboanga will boom into becoming another global city in Asia, next to Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong. Palafox, the founder of the Palafox Associates, a multi-disciplinary firm hired by the local government to develop Zamboanga's Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance, cited Zamboanga’s God-given resources and the present visionary leadership of Climaco, among others, as enough yardsticks or potentials of development— given the proper urban planning, good design and engineering, and good governance.
Sulu
Tawi-tawi
2
The Zamboanga Post
October 25-31, 2021
Special Covid teams now in Zambo
Continued from page 1 Defence in Zamboanga Peninsula. Ochotorena also met with Mayor Beng Climaco, head of the local IATF-MEID and other task force members, and discussed the prevailing health situation here. Zamboanga has nearly 3,000 active Covid cases which forced the RIATF-MEID to recommend to the national government’s IATF-MEID to impose stricter quarantine measures. The city has been placed under Mod-
erate Enhanced Community Quarantine until end of the month. Ochotorena said they are going around different barangays to see and assess the situation, especially those with a high number of Covid cases. “Binibisita namin yun mga ibat-ibang barangays to check and see how they manage Covid cases. We need to assess the situation to come up with various measures and recommendations sa local government, sa local IATF
so we can mitigate the spread of the virus,” he told the Zamboanga Post. He said residents must strictly follow the public health protocols and community quarantine guidelines set by the local government. “People should strictly follow all these health protocols and the quarantine guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus in the community. This is very important to ensure the safety of every one because Covid-19 is a serious disease,” he
Villamero’s Enterprises For all your newspaper publications or subscription to The Zamboanga Post and The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper, please call or text Villamero’s Enterprises at these numbers (062) 955-8677 and 0917-1223496. Located at Campaner Street, Zamboanga City and serving Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey KIDAPAWAN CITY Coffee lovers in the Philippines may now enjoy the best and the most expensive coffee in the world - Kopi Luwak - but not as pricey as every connoisseurs think. Kopi Luwak is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. The cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet’s intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal matter, they are collected. In Manila, a kilogram of Civet coffee sells for as high as P15,000 and over $500 dollars abroad. But Kopi Luwak can now be enjoyed by every coffee lovers for as low as P150 for a 16 oz. cup that comes with a drip bag, ground organic Civet coffee beans, two packets of brown sugar and a stirrer in a beautiful Kraft paper bag – thanks to the Mindanao Civet Coffee seller in Zamboanga City. The new market player in the coffee business, although small, is now offering affordable organic Kopi Luwak – sourced and picked by farmers from the highlands of Mindanao, cleaned and dried and roasted to perfection to
Manuel Luis Ochotorena, regional director of the Office of the Civil Defence, meets with Mayor Beng Climaco at City Hall. (Bong Serondo) said. Ochotorena also lauded the health protocols imposed by Climaco at the Fort Pilar shrine during the celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. “Mabuti nga at mahigpit
yun implementation ng health protocols natin sa Fort Pilar. It was really a potential (Covid) super spreader event and delikado talaga to allow more people sa Fort Pilar,” he said.
He also commended Climaco and the local IATF-MEID for their efforts in battling Covid-19. He said special Covid teams were also deployed in other cities and provinces in the region. (Zamboanga Post)
Climaco donates 2 new vehicles to fire department
give coffee lovers that distinct aroma of Civet coffee berries – chocolaty and nutty and smooth bodied brewed drink. Mindanao Civet Coffee, which started as a home reseller of coffee beans, now offers organic Kopi Luwak in 250 grams ground Civet coffee and 250 grams Civet coffee beans – all medium roasted to perfection. Kopi Luwak is also available now in 3rd Cup Café at LM Metro Hotel in Zamboanga City, and
resellers in Luzon, Cebu and other parts of Mindanao. The Mindanao Civet Coffee is a favorite among travellers and tourists and coffee connoisseurs. And for those who wanted the perfect gift for all occasions, Kopi Luwak is the best choice. And those who are interested to resell or perhaps enjoy a daily hot cup or cold brew of Kopi Luwak may call the Mindanao Civet Coffee at this mobile number 09153976197. (AJC)
Mayor Beng Climaco donates two brand new vehicles to the fire department. (Eugene Elnar) THE ZAMBOANGA City Fire Department praised the local government for
donating two brand new vehicles that officials said will greatly boost its mobil-
ity, especially during emergency cases. City Fire Marshall Chief Inspector Jacqueline Ortega thanked Mayor Beng Climaco for the Toyota Hilux 4x4 and Toyota Rush and vowed to maximize its use for the best interest of the public in times of fire and other calamities. Ortega also presented Climaco with a beautiful décor, a wooden fire truck. Rep. Jawo Jimenez and Councilors Pinpin Pareja and El King Omaga were also present during the turnover ceremony held in front of the City Hall. Climaco said her administration will continue to assist the fire department and the security sector as part of her commitment and priorities. “We continuously fortify our support and assistance to the security sector for the safety and security of Zamboanga City,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
3
The Zamboanga Post
October 25-31, 2021
DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario. (Jasmine Mohamadsali)
Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco and City Planning Officer Rodrigo Sicat. (Jasmine Mohamadsali)
Zambo Land Use Plan approved! Continued from page 1 CLUP 2016-2025 of Zamboanga City. CLUP is a planning document prepared by local governments to rationalize the allocation and proper use of land resources. It also projects public and private land uses in accordance with the future spatial organization of economic and social activities. Mayor Beng Climaco said DHSUD has approved and ratified the CLUP during a recent online meeting presided over by DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario. She said City Planning Officer Rodrigo Sicat also attended the meeting. With the approval of the CLUP, Climaco said the DHSUD will provide financial grants and assistance worth P60 million and P40 million for the site development of a housing project and evacuation center, respectively. She said DHSUD will also lobby for the transfer of the Cabatangan property owned by the Muslim autonomous region to the City Government, among others. The 72-hectare property was formerly under the Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook or LTP in Region IX or Western Mindanao which was pur-
chased by the local government. When the LTP was abolished upon the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the sprawling Cabatangan property was placed under the jurisdiction of the ARMM. Climaco stressed the importance of the CLUP and highlighted Zamboanga’s efforts to maximize land resources in cognizance with the needs of the various sectors of the population. The DHSUD also recommended to the local government to focus on high density public housing and to establish an operations center to monitor changes in the land use and zoning at the barangay level, and also to encourage preparation of barangay development plans anchored on the CLUP and to establish livelihood centers within resettlement areas, and resist reclamation projects. In 2015, Palafox Associates was awarded the contract to prepare Zamboanga’s CLUP. A draft CLUP was submitted to the local government in 2016 and was submitted to the Regional Land Use Committee for further improvement and refinement. On October 15, 2019,
the City Council passed Resolution No. 1384 approving the CLUP for 2016-2025 and was submitted to the DSHUD. According to Palafox Associates, the CLUP, Zoning Ordinance or ZO and Comprehensive Development Plan or CDP are aimed at rehabilitating and reconstructing Zamboanga City. It said the CLUP is a guide to address and sustain the overall growth and development of the city in line with its Local Climate Change Action Plan and Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan. On the other hand, the CDP identifies priority sectoral programs (social economic, land use, transportation, infrastructure and utilities, environment, DRRM, and local governance and finance) and projects in accordance with the Department of the Interior and Local Government guidelines and will be within the framework of the CLUP. Both the CDP and the CLUP, ZO guide Zamboanga City’s growth and development in the next five to 10 years. The priority areas identified for Zamboanga City were Barangay Rio Hondo, Paseo del Mar, Sangali Fishport, Santa Cruz Island and Taluksangay Village. (Zamboanga Post, Jasmine Mohammadsali)
SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO
More prisoners vaccinated vs. Covid-19
Prisoners get vaccinated against Covid-19 disease. (Christine Lim) JAIL OFFICIALS thanked the local government for inoculating nearly 1,500 prisoners at the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC) as part of an effort to protect them against the deadly
Covid-19 disease. Chief Covid-19 frontliner Mayor Beng Climaco said the vaccination program targeted prisoners who are included in the A2, A3 and A5 categories set by the Department of
Health. “Our mass vaccination program will include all residents of Zamboanga City and that includes persons deprived of liberty because Covid-19 does not choose its victims and we want to ensure the safety not only of our constituents, but the PDLs as well. As long as there are available supplies of vaccines, we will roll it out immediately to all sectors of the society,” Climaco told the Zamboanga Post by phone. She said the City Health Office has deployed vaccination teams and are working closely with the medical teams from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. At present, there are more than 3,000 inmates at the ZCRC. The mayor said prisoners at the San Ramon Penal Farm are also included in the vaccination program. (Zamboanga Post)
4
The Zamboanga Post
October 25-31, 2021
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
October 25-31, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
5
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by : Bong Serondo, Eugene Elnar, ZCRC, Christine Lim, CHO, CEO, ZCPO, CSWD, and SM Mindpro.
6
The Zamboanga Post
October 25-31, 2021
Across : 1. Entirely 4. Location 8. Alaskan port 12. River (Sp.) 13. Matador’s foe 14. Diva’s specialty 15. Promissory note 16. Declaration 18. Disparaging 20. Musical sound 21. Perfume 23. Snaky shapes 27. Native Peruvians 28. Golf gadget 29. Eased up 31. Marked down in price (2 wds.) 34. Corral 35. Flawless 36. Salty drops 39. Closest 42. Every 44. Oven gadget 45. Five-sided base (2 wds.) 49. Physicians’ group (abbr.) 50. Till bills 51. Pub orders 52. Facial spasm 53. Zero 54. Steak, e.g. 55. Newark time zone (abbr.)
The Zamboanga Post
An Edition of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper
Maritess Fernandez
Publisher/Executive Producer
Al Jacinto
Editor-in-Chief
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
Richard Suarez
Answer to last week’s crossword: Down : 1. Ascend 2. Roaring beasts 3. New Orleans’ state 4. Lack 5. Boring routine 6. Makes very happy 7. Chorus voice 8. Appoints 9. Lode load 10. Hr. part 11. Have supper 17. WSW’s opposite 19. Small depression 22. Rogue 24. Deadlock 25. Conger 26. Visualize 29. Suitable
Reynold Toribio
30. Spelling contest 31. Lyric poem 32. Least cluttered 33. Hindu garb 35. Take a breath 37. Della ___ of “Touched by an Angel” 38. Plant Juice 40. Truckers’ vehicles 41. Piece of land 43. Chowder ingredient 45. Deary 46. Lennon’s Yoko ___ 47. Gents 48. Iced ___
Weekly Sudoku:
(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
ADVERTISE WITH US IN ZAMBOANGA!
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 DAVAO CITY OFFICE Door 2, 402 Nidea Street, Barrio Obrero, Davao City, Philippines (082) 2841859 / (0932) 4323301 / (0997) 3172021
ZAMBOANGA CITY OFFICE
3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Zamboanga City (062) 9555360 / (0915) 3976197 / (0917) 7930652 / (0935) 6123587
Jeng Fernandez / Ramon MaƟas
MANILA / NCR
3/F, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan Zamboanga City (062) 9555360 / 0915-3976197
No. 18 Purok 4B Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City, 1632 chardee.mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com (0916) 9558559, (0915) 0070927, (0947) 2652969
mindanaoexaminer.com
Richard C. Ebona
7
The Zamboanga Post
October 25-31, 2021
Beng now sells colorful ‘parols’
(Photos by Rey Comprendio) MAYOR BENG Climaco has urged business establishments and residents to patronize the handcrafted and colorful lanterns made at the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center. “Let us support our
PDLs who painstakingly crafted beautiful and colorful parols and share the spirit of the yuletide season despite the health crisis we are in now. Let us display these beautiful parols in homes, establishments and
celebrate God’s graces and blessings in this season of hope,” she told the Zamboanga Post in an interview. PDL refers to persons deprived of liberty or inmates. Lighted lanterns with intricate designs sell between P700-P900. A separate news release from the local government said those who wanted to buy or order customized lanterns may call this mobile number 0927-1724922. It has been a tradition by PDLs to sell handmade lanterns, among other yuletide decorations, ahead of the Christmas season. (Zamboanga Post)
Mayor orders road repairs, cleanliness in barangays Continued from page 1 barangays, including Talon-Talon and Tetuan where flooding frequently occurs. He said they have already started repair and maintenance works in the barangays. The mayor also reminded barangay officials to maintain the cleanliness of their respective places and ensure that all roads and walking paths are free from obstruction. Climaco said she noticed during one of her inspections that many roads and walking paths are again obstructed with parked cars, among others. She said barangay officials should clear public roads and spaces of all obstruction and to maintain the campaign as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte. In July 2019, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - upon Duterte’s order - issued Memorandum Circular 2019-121 which gave mayors 60 days “to exercise their powers
The City Engineer's Office has started repairing damaged roads in different barangays as ordered by Mayor Beng Climaco. (CEO) essential to reclaim public roads which are being used for private ends, and in the process rid them of illegal structures and constructions.” Following Duterte’s directive, Climaco – together with barangay officials – led a massive operation called “Oplan Baklas” against road obstructions even though the local government had been implementing this long before the DILG order.
Because of Climaco’s efforts, Zamboanga was cited by the DILG for its vigorous road-clearing campaign, including the strict enforcement of the anti-littering, anti-garbage and anti-traffic laws and city ordinances. The DILG commended Climaco and the local government for its efforts in implementing Duterte’s order to clear public roads of all obstruction. (Zamboanga Post)
‘Mental health’ app launched THE DEPARTMENT of Health and the USAID RenewHealth project launched the “Lusog-Isip”, the first mobile application for mental health and selfcare for Filipinos. Lusog-Isip was developed in response to the growing need for mental healthcare, especially at this time of the Covid-19 pandemic when the delivery of traditional faceto-face interventions has become more challenging. The application aims to expand access to culturally-adapted, evidence-based tools and interventions on mental health, emphasizing selfhelp and self-care. It also screens individuals so it can get a better sense of their overall well-being and how they usually cope with stress, before recommending ways they can help themselves through workbooks, exercises, audio guides, journaling, mood tracking, or simple self-care reminders. If users feel they really need to speak to someone, they can also access a list of mental health and psychosocial support service providers near them or online. “This app is a timely innovation and we thank our partners at USAID for making this a reality. As the DOH and our health workers strive towards
coping and living with this pandemic, we must find ways to care for the mental well-being of our fellow Filipinos who continue to suffer because of this current circumstance.” “Lusog-Isip is a selfcare app and one way we can make mental healthcare more accessible to those who need it,” said Frances Prescilla Cuevas, Chief Health Program Officer of the DOH Mental Health Division. The application is available for both Android and iOS devices through the Google Play and Apple App Store. The development of Lusog-Isip is also timely in Zamboanga City where the number of suicide cases is high due to depression. And only last week, two young men hanged themselves separately due to depression. Official data of national and local suicides cases were not immediately available, but last year, there were at least 20 cases of suicides in Zamboanga that prompted Mayor Beng Climaco to order the City Health Office to formulate a mental health program and for the City Budget Office to fund the project. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite attributed these incidents to many factors, including stress due to the current health crisis. “With what
is happening right now due to the pandemic, this contributes to our stress. Those who cannot cope with or handle the stress well get depressed and some of them commit suicide,” Miravite said. “We are sad over the number of suicide incidents due to frustrations as a result of Covid-19, but as mayor of Zamboanga City together with the department heads and 98 barangays, we do everything possible to help alleviate the plight of our people, especially during these trying times of the pandemic. There is hope in our efforts in God’s grace,” the mayor said. Climaco said mental health programs are important, especially during this time of the pandemic. “Our local government requested the City Budget Office to study the program together with our mental health professionals,” she said. She said a team of medical officers from the City Health Office and other agencies have already met and will come up with a program addressing mental health issues. “We are concerned with everybody’s mental health and mental health awareness is very important and we need to raise the collective consciousness about mental health,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
8
The Zamboanga Post
October 25-31, 2021
October 25-31, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
9
Founded July 2019
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT, PLEASE CALL (062) 9555360 or (0915) 3976197
P10
October 25-31, 2021
Thank you President Duterte M
AYOR BENG Climaco led government officials in the ground breaking ceremony of a housing project promised by President Rodrigo Duterte to the victims of a huge fire in Barangay Labuan in July 2018. Climaco said the housing units Ronaldo Maravilla, including Rep. families displaced by the fire. will benefit families affected by Jawo Jimenez were among those The phase 1 of the project at the the conflagration and she thanked who joined the ground breaking at same area has 138 housing units Duterte for the project. “It is a prom- the Sea Breeze Subdivision. which are expected to be inauise fulfilled. Muchisimas gracias The P163.78 million project gurated next year. President Duterte for fulfilling your is being undertaken by the NHA Duterte visited Labuan promise to help fire-hit families in through the Nurben Engineering on July 26, 2018 just a few days Labuan to build back better,” she and Building Construction and sits after the fire razed a neighborsaid during the recent ceremony. in a 36,062 square meter lot pur- hood in the area and promised Climaco and Al Indanan, of the chased by the City Government. those displaced by the blaze National Housing Authority, togethThe project will house the that he would build them new er with Barangay Labuan chairman remaining 273 families out of 411 homes. (Zamboanga Post)
Mayor Beng Climaco and NHA District Manager Al Indanan and Barangay Labuan chairman Ronaldo Maravilla lead the ground breaking ceremony for a P163-million housing project that will benefit some 273 families who were displaced by the July 2018 fire. (Eugene Elnar)
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco
San Jose inaugurates isolation unit cials must lead in the enforcement of strict quarantine rules and to ensure that residents follow the quarantine guidelines and health protocols. Barangay officials who do not follow the order will face sanctions, he added. Año said barangay officials “THE LORD was pleased to crush him in infirmity should also ensure citizens are because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullMayor Beng Climaco and Barangay San Jose chairman Joel practicing proper quarantine ness of days; through his suffering, my servant shall Esteban lead the recent inauguration of a 16-bed emegerncy and social distancing measures, justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.” facility in Barangay San Jose. (Eugene Elnar) The above passage narrates how our infirmities and that immediate health proBARANGAY SAN Jose Gusu has (DILG) has previously ordered tocols are in place. He said that and sufferings can be a call to follow Jesus. Whenevinaugurated its 16-bed facility all barangay officials to mobilize barangay officials may face er I would get sick, I tell myself God reminds me to which will boost its capability their Barangay Health Emer- charges of gross neglect of duty, share in his sufferings and rest in the Lord. I always to handle emergency cases and gency Response Teams to help gross negligence and insubor- feared suffering, pain and defeat and loss. But this is respond to the pandemic. “Mal- dination for failing to perform what Jesus teaches me. In the eyes of the world, the even Covid-19 cases. Barangay San Jose Gusu aking bagay ang pagtatayo ng their responsibilities under the Leader, the King, they expected, even His disciples; chairman Joel Esteban said BIU sapagkat dito natin maaar- state of public health emergency. would see defeat by suffering crucifixion. This past week has been very difficult because of the project was made possi- ing ilagak ang mga coronavirus But many barangay officials ble through the support of the patient na hindi kritikal ang mga here have nothing to say, but Covid. The Delta variant has caused numerous deaths SM Foundation, and ARISE sintomas. So that hospitals can complain. Some claimed they and those infirmed in homes, quarantined and in isolaproject, the local chapter of concentrate on serious symp- do not have sufficient funds for tion and in hospitals. We have high hopes with 600 people the United Architects of the toms needing medical interven- BUIs while other barangay offi- marked to celebrate the mass at Fort Pilar for our annual Philippine (UAAP) and the tions,” DILG Secretary Eduardo cials said they have no available fiesta. Then came the NIATF warning to refrain from the Año said, referring to the baran- space for isolation facilities and mass gathering because of the surge. Plans cancelled and City Government. Mayor Beng Climaco and gay isolation units. have always relied on the City changed. On October 11, it rained very hard and I woke up He said all barangay offi- Government. (Zamboanga Post) very early worried for everyone. Vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Esteban together with Rep. Jawo Jimenez and Councilors Pinpin Pareja and El King Omaga as well as barangay officials and UAAP representatives inaugurated the facility. HUNDREDS OF families who were displaced by at the evacuation center. Those who received Climaco lauded Barangay a huge fire in Barangay Recodo received relief the aid thanked Climaco and the DSWD. San Jose in the completion of goods from the Department of Social Welfare Climaco said the local government and oththe project. “Gracias San Jose and Development on top of the food aid the lo- er government agencies are collaborating to help Gusu por el suporta con el cal government had distributed. and assist the displaced families. She also thanked govierno local na pelea contra Mayor Beng Climaco and social workers those who responded and continue to help the fire Covid-19 y en preparacion para led the distribution of kitchen kits, water con- victims. “I tasked the CSWDO to fast track assessotro maga calamidad. Miles de tainers, rice and other goods to the fire victims. ment and validation of affected families for the gracias tambien na UAAP y na Rep. Jawo Jimenez and Councilors Pinpin Pareja release of needed financial assistance and directed SM Foundation bajo na ARISE and El King Omaga also joined the distribution the Housing and Land Management Division to Mayor Beng Climaco and Fatime project que ya hace posible together with DSWD-9 personnel led by Fatima start tagging those who need assistance,” she said. Caminan of the DSWD lead the con este proyecto. Caminan, and City Social Welfare and DevelopThe recent fire destroyed at least 300 houses, distribution of aid to firce victims in The Department of the ment Office staff led by Socorro Rojas. according to the local government, but it did not Barangay Recodo. (Eugene Elnar) Interior and Local Government The DSWD also provided modular tents say what triggered the blaze. (Zamboanga Post)
Fire victims receive aid
Zamboanga Peninsula
Basilan
Sulu
Galvez assured me of the National Government's support. I worked the whole day in the cold rainy weather. Then came the request of a frontliner, a son to a mother. Dr. Jonathan Tamin requested his mom Monette Ferrer Tamin if the Image of La Virgen del Pilar can be brought to the Hospitals instead, since there was no procession this year. I called Derick Evangelista, who as a college student, would arrange for the confetti for Mama Mary to be sprinkled from the tall buildings. By 6:30 p.m. it was drizzling, Micheal Angelo Saavedra, Alvin Hung, Dynah Bacera Gochuco, Kenneth Pia, Christian Olasiman and Team with Mary, Garnette and the Family, Security forces led by Col. Rojas and PNP Traffic Head Raymond Sanson had a night of procession in the dark wet Visperas de Fiesta. We prayed the rosary and in each Hospital prayed for the sick. Just like Bishop Moi's Visit of Corpus Cristi in 2020 we entered ZCMC. In the Covid ward a woman waved her hands to Mary our Mother and Jesus. Tears would roll down our eyes. We brought her to the Fortaleza where She was received by Fr. Armand Aquino and Fr. Jovel Palermo and volunteers Dinggay, Pao and devotees. The shrine was so beautiful and serene. On October 12, Fiesta Pilar was totally different. The past traditions had to be revised, with disappointment and difficulty. In mass Fr. Richard Ella, S.J.'s homily was meaningful. "I DID MY BEST. BUT I GUESS MY BEST WAS NOT GOOD ENOUGH!" James Ingram Song. The homily was St. James, Santiago who was discouraged in his mission in Spain lamented. It was here where Our Lady appeared in the River Ebro to assure him of Spain's conversion. From Zaragoza, Our Lady of the Pilar is our Patron in Zamboanga City. Sis Larpi says from Rio Ebro to Rio Hondo, she is our Mother. At midnight, we lit our candles with Fr. Armand blessing the Security Forces. I went to the City Hall and offered our beloved Zamboanga City to Mary our Mother with Jesus. Sweeping the confetti past midnight was my farewell for the last Fiesta as Mayor. "For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." This week has taught me to take on the cup of Jesus and share in His sufrimientos para el salvacion de todo. Un servidor pone una el bienestar de todo antes de cuerpo maski pa tiene difficultad y possible perdicion. Ansina tambien el Senior Hesus, na ojos del mundo he failed. But his failure meant our salvation. This second year of the Pandemic, Mary our Mother with Jesus visited the Hospitals transcending tradition because our Mother and our Lord shares in our suffering and would bring our Salvation! (MBC)
Tawi-tawi