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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‘Last Yuletide Celebration As Local Chief Executive’
‘Congresswoman’ Beng prays for pandemic to end, love for all
Read Story on page 2 Zamboanga Peninsula
Basilan
Sulu
Tawi-tawi
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The Zamboanga Post
December 20-26, 2021
‘Congresswoman’ Beng prays for pandemic to end, love for all ‘Last Yuletide Celebration As Local Chief Executive’
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pray to God for our people to be able to be safe, healthy and happy. With God’s grace we become resilient learning from the struggles we have. Amidst the pandemic, we rely on God’s providence to win over all of life’s struggles,” she said.
“Curada, Comida, Busca Vida y Vacuna. We look forward to 2022 to bring our beloved children back to school, families safely outdoors, and in prayer with the Holy Family, find hope, have faith in Love. We also pray for our country, for the people to choose the next leaders
whom God will direct for us. And a world humble, grateful and good stewards of environment versus Climate Change,” the mayor added. When asked about her wishes for those who continue to hurl black propaganda against her, and for her detractors and
political trolls, the mayor replied: “I pray for all… for them to be happy and healthy.” During the course of the 10-minute phone conversation, the 55-year old Climaco, who is a devout Catholic, mentioned the name of God seven times and spoke nothing ill against those who talked evil against her, but only praises to the Lord, saying “God watches over everyone.” Incidentally, the Roman Catholic Church has seven holy sacraments that are seen as mystical channels of divine grace, instituted by Christ. Each is celebrated with a visible rite, which reflects the invisible, spiritual essence of the sacrament. Whereas some sacraments are received only once, others require active and ongoing participation to foster the “living faith” of the celebrant. C l i m a c o , a multi-awarded politician, remains popular among residents and is seen to win in next year’s polls. In 2018, Climaco was chosen as among “Top 5 World’s Best Mayors” by the prestigious City Mayors Foundation. She was named along with Valeria Mancinelli, Mayor of Ancona, Italy who is the Winner of the 2018 World Mayor Prize; Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, UK; Nathalie Appéré, Mayor of Rennes, France; and Charlotte Britz, Mayor of Saarbrücken, Germany. In awarding Climaco, the City Mayors Foundation said it heavily cited the mayor for her commitment to offer Zamboanga harmony, security and
prosperity. The City Mayors Foundation said “The World Mayor Prize and Commendations” awards are given every two years to mayors who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and have developed a vision for urban living and working that is relevant to towns and cities across the world. It noted that shortly after being elected in 2013, Climaco was confronted with an armed uprising by Moro rebels that left parts of Zamboanga City under siege for 19 days and by the time government forces had defeated the rebels, 183 people had died and more than 120,000 residents were displaced. “During her first term in office, Climaco made it her priority for the victims of the attack to receive justice and compensation. She has also been determined to heal any divisions between the city’s Christian and Muslim communities. The Inter-Religious Dialogue Council she convened has been successful in promoting peace. In a city, which was often perceived as violent, there have been no bombings or kidnapping incidents since 2016 when she won the mayoralty seat. And in 2017, Mayor Climaco’s administration won the award for the most improved local government,” said the philanthropic international research think tank. It said that in a series of personal essays, the finalists for the 2018 World Mayor Prize described the reasons that motivated them to enter politics, the challenges they face as mayors and how they envisage their towns and cities to develop and prosper in the future. They stressed the importance of women in politics and urged young women to always aim high. In her essay, Climaco describes how the values of family members formed her political and social beliefs. “My grandmother was a champion of Filipino women’s right to vote and it was from her, we all learned the value of community service,” she said. She also wrote that in times of crisis her faith in God sustained her. Climaco was also recognized as “Most Outstanding May-
or” by the Federation of Local Councils of Women in the Philippines in 2017. These awards and rankings were based on indicators and measurements such as economic
dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure and resiliency. These recognitions are feats never before achieved by any administration. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
December 20-26, 2021
Hundreds to get jobs in Zambo
Government photos show the TUPAD orientation for nearly 1,000 workers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Mayor Beng Climaco graces the opening of the orientation last week.
Brace yourself for Omicron variant: Zambo Doc
Dr Dulce Amor Miravite CITY HEALTH Officer Dr Dulce Amor Miravite has warned residents to brace themselves for the possible entry of the new Covid-19 variant called Omicron as more countries reported a spike in infections due to the mutation of the novel coronavirus. The Department of Health (DOH) also confirmed that two travellers - a Filipino and a Nigerian
- who arrived recently in the country from Nigeria and Japan were both tested positive for the Omicron variant. They are now under quarantine, but the DOH said it is still tracking down those who have close contacts with the duo. Miravite urged residents to strictly follow the public health protocols even as the active Covid-19 cases in Zam-
boanga continue to decline and are expected to further fall below 100. “Though our cases are going, we should not let our guards down. We should continue our minimum public health standards, especially the wearing of face masks and observe physical distance. It is just a matter of time that we will have this variant eventually in the city if we are complacent,” she said. Zamboanga City has sent to the DOH hundreds of samples randomly taken travellers for genome sequencing and is still awaiting results of the tests whether it contains the new variant which is more transmissible than the Delta variant. The World Health Organization said at least 63 countries are now affected by the Omicron variant and could be the dominant variant soon. (Zamboanga Post)
Zambo submits Devolution Transition Plan THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government said the City Government of Zamboanga has submitted the Devolution Transition Plan (DTP) which serves as the local government roadmap to ensure strategic perspective, systematic and coherent actions towards their full assump-
tion of devolved functions and services starting next year. The local government has uploaded all required documents in the DILG DTP Repository Portal and has attained a 100% completion mark. The DILG has directed all provinces, cities, municipalities and baran-
gay units to prepare and submit their respective DTPs as reference in carrying out organizational strengthening efforts and upgrading of institutional capacities in the next 3 years and in monitoring the progress of the transition towards full assumption of devolved responsibilities. (Zamboanga Post)
HUNDREDS OF workers affected by the health crisis will benefit from the “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers” or TUPAD. TUPAD, a project of the Department of Labor and Employment, is aimed at helping the beneficiaries earn a living. It is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not exceeding 30 days, depending on the nature of work. Mayor Beng Climaco, who graced the TUPAD orientation for nearly a thousand beneficiaries, urged them not to lose hope at this time of the Covid-19 pandemic as the local government contin-
ues to roll out assistance to help those mostly affected by the crisis. “We are working hard in the government to ensure the welfare and health of every Zamboangueños and let us not lose hope and continue to pray to God that this pandemic will soon be over and our people can return to their work under the new normal,” she said. Under the TUPAD, only the following types of projects can be supported with such assistance: Social community projects, such as repair, maintenance, and/or improvement of common public facilities and infrastructure such as schools and health centers, debris clearing, de-clogging of canals, debris segregation and materials recovery, stockpiling and clearing; Economic community
projects like repair, maintenance and/or rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads, bridges, post-harvest facilities, public markets and common service facilities such as production and display centers, fishports and Agro-forestry community projects, such as tree planting, seedling preparation, and reforestation Prior to the actual engagement in employment, the beneficiary will be provided with the following: Basic orientation on safety and health; Personal Protective Equipment in the form of T-shirt and hat; enrolment in group micro-insurance, to be included in the total project cost or as counterpart of the local government, and TUPAD ID. The payment of wages of the TUPAD beneficiaries are coursed through a money remittance service provider to ensure standard application across all regions in terms of mechanics and service fee costs. In cases where an accredited co-partner (ACP) is involved in the implementation, the ACP, including the local government, shall facilitate the payment of wages of the beneficiaries using a prescribed payroll, with representatives from DOLE as witnesses. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
December 20-26, 2021
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
December 20-26, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by : Bong Serondo, CMO/OCVET , Giana Andrion, and Eugene Elnar.
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The Zamboanga Post
December 20-26, 2021
Across : 1. ___ Ripken, Jr. 4. Soil 9. Alias letters 12. Boxing great 13. Forbidden 14. Racket 15. Gang 16. Constitution change 18. Part of MPH 19. What Moses parted (2 wds.) 20. Suitable 22. Plant stalks 26. Scrape 31. Psychic’s phrase (2 wds.) 32. Drought’s lack 33. Hr. part 34. Glance at 35. Attired 36. Nice 38. Spanish title 40. Toothpaste form 41. Distant 45. Horned viper 48. Boat with two hulls 51. Make a knot 52. Cold cubes 53. Not active 54. Certain grain 55. Nibbled 56. Exams 57. Chambers (abbr.) Down : 1. Child’s resort 2. Burn balm 3. Book organizer 4. Begins 5. Not wild 6. Not up yet 7. Charged particles 8. Lymph ___ 9. Citrus drink 10. Family 11. Tiny insect 17. Artist Henri ___ 21. Curious woman of myth 23. Moving stairway 24. Nasty 25. Shipped 26. Circle segments
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December 20-26, 2021
HEALTH
FOR SALE
Pagandahin ang Buhok at Tamang Pagkain Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong
A
Kampilan 21” (P13,000)
Long Kris 20” (P13,000)
Short Kris Colored Forged 16” (P13,000)
GinunƟng 12” (P7,500)
Made from 5160 High Carbon Steel and Kamagong handle and scabbard. For table and wall display, or as self-defense weapon. Zamboanga City 0915-3976197
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 give coffee
ng hair shaft o and mismong buhok natin ay hindi buhay kaya hindi maaayos kapag napinsala na kaya pangalagaan ang buhok. Kaya ang tamang nutrisyon ay para sa bagong tumutubong buhok. 1. Kumain ng mayaman sa vitamin B6, B12 at folate para sa paggawa ng red blood cell na siyang nagdadala ng oxygen sa selula ng anit at hair follicles. 2. Ang vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) ay makukuha sa corn oil, olive oil, mani, kasoy, pili, soya, taho, tofu, soymilk, oatmeal, kamote, peanut butter at pakwan. 3. Ang vitamin B12 ay mula naman sa itlog, keso, gatas, tulya at talaba. 4. Ang folate ay galing sa tokwa, soya, taho, alugbati, bawang, gabi, malunggay, saluyot, sitaw, mais at papaya.
5. Ang biotin ay makukuha sa itlog, mani, peanut butter, wheat bread, atay, kidney at gatas. 6. Kailangan din ang protina mula sa manok, hipon, baboy, baka at soya. 7. Ang beta-carotene ay para sa cell growth at makukuha ito sa mga gulay at prutas na kulay dilaw at orange. 8. Ang zinc para sa tissue growth at repair ng mga glands at hair follicles. Makukuha ito mula sa baboy, manok, laman, gatas, yogurt, mani, talaba, alimango, peanut butter at kasoy. 9. Uminom ng maraming tubig para hindi matuyo ang buhok at anit. Dagdag Tips: 1. Ang cream rinse ay para dumulas ang buhok sa pagsuklay dahil ang buhol-buhol na buhok ay madali malagas. Gumamit ng shampoo at conditioner na may protein.
RECIPE
Beef Afritada
kawalingpinoy.com
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 re-
sellers 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)
Kapag dry hair ka ay mild shampoo lang and gamitin. 2. Huwag i-masahe ang anit ng malakas dahil baka mabunot ang buhok. 3. Marahan lang ang pag-brush lalo na kapag basa ang buhok dahil marupok ang buhok kapag basa. Ang tamang pagsuklay ay mula sa harap papunta patalikod. 4. Iwas laging mainitan ang buhok tulad ng blow drying at init ng araw. 5. Kung puwede ay umiwas sa matatapang na kemikals tulad ng swimming pool chemicals, bleaching, kulot at straightening. Paminsan-minsan lang kung gusto. 6. Pag mag-shampoo ay basain at banlawan mabuti ang buhok. Marahan lang sa pagtuyo ng buhok gamit ang tuwalya para hindi maputol ang hibla ng buhok.
INSTRUCTIONS : 1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add potatoes and carrots and cook, turning once or twice until lightly browned. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. 2. Add bell peppers and cook for about 30 to 45 seconds. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. 3. Remove oil from the pan except for about 2 tablespoons. Increase heat to medium-high heat. Add beef and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, turn and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from heat and keep warm. 4. Add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add onions and garlic and cook, stirring regularly until softened.
INGREDIENTS : • 1/4 cup canola oil • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered • 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into cubes • ½ green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes • ½ red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2- inch cubes • 1 onion, peeled and chopped • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced • 1 tablespoon fish sauce • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes • 2 tablespoons tomato paste • 2 cups water • salt and pepper to taste 5. 6.
Add beef. Add fish sauce and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. 7. Add crushed tomatoes, water, and tomato paste. Stir until well-distributed and bring to a boil. 8. Lower heat, cover, and cook for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beef is tender. Add more water in 1/2 cup increments as needed if the sauce is drying out before the meat is tender. 9. Add potatoes and carrots and continue to cook for about 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender and sauce is thickened and reduced as desired. 10. Add bell peppers and cook for about 1 minute or until tender yet crisp. 11. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
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December 20-26, 2021
December 20-26, 2021
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December 20-26, 2021
ASEAN Heritage Parks eyes Pasonanca Park
M
AYOR BENG Climaco expressed optimism that the Pasonanca Park may be included in the current list of ASEAN Heritage Parks in the country. parks are Mount Apo Natural Park Climaco said the (1914-1920). Thomas Hanley, a parksman, in North Cotabato, Mount Iglit Pasonanca Park has been nominated as an ASEAN Heritage Park arrived in 1912 from the United Baco National Park in Mindoro, and she has met with representa- States at the request of Pershing to Mount Kitanglad Range Natural tives from the ASEAN Centre for serve the same post at Pasonanca, Park in Bukidnon, Mount MalinBiodiversity who were in Zambo- and was responsible for the origi- dang Natural Park in Misamis Occidental, Mount Makiling Forest anga recently for an evaluation nal lay-out of the park. The park also has a separate Reserve in Laguna, and Mount on the park’s nomination. “We are excited and hoping campsites for males and females, Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural that our Pasonanca Park makes it an amphitheater, and a convention Monument in Camiguin. First envisioned in 1978 as a to the list of the ASEAN Heritage center, Butterfly Park, flower garParks. We have maintained and den, museum, a tree house, pools group of national parks and nature reserves with outstanding wilderprotected the park as it was in the and waterfalls, among others. Currently, the Philippines has ness and biodiversity values, the past and ensured the sustainability of flora and fauna in the area nine ASEAN Heritage Parks sites AHP Programme was established and we are happy that the ASEAN and two of which are designated to highlight the importance of a Heritage Parks took interest in as UNESCO World Heritage Sites select group of protected areas in the Pasonanca Park,” she told the and they are the Tubbataha Reefs regional and global efforts in bioNatural Park in and the Mount diversity conservation. Zamboanga Post by phone. AHPs were then created The construction of the Hamiguitan Range Natural Park in Pasonanca Park was started in Davao Oriental which were both through the ASEAN Declaration on Heritage Parks and Reserves on 1912 by General John J. Persh- designated in 2014. The Agusan Marsh Wildlife November 29, 1984, which named ing, then Governor of the Moro Province, and completed during Sanctuary was the latest site to be the first 11 protected areas listed the administration of Frank W. officially recognized in 2019 during under the AHP Programme. They Carpenter, Governor of the De- the 6th ASEAN Heritage Parks Con- are protected areas of high conpartment of Mindanao and Sulu ference in Laos. The other heritage servation importance, preserving
More workers get cash assistance, thank Beng for aid AT LEAST 2,000 workers from hotel and restaurant, including those from health spas, beauty salons and barbershops thanked Mayor Beng Climaco for the financial aid they received from the local government under the Social Amelioration Program which had helped tens of thousands of people in Zamboanga City most affected by theCovid-19 pandemic. The mayor said more than a thousand workers whose livelihood was severely affected by the health crisis benefited from the program. The latest pay-out was facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the City Treasurer’s Office. “El fondo del Govierno Local ta comparti kita y ta hace kita bira na maga gente quien ta necesita el ayuda. The LSAP forms part of our COVID-19 recovery and rehabilitation efforts,” Climaco said. The program has greatly helped members of the dif-
ferent sectors in the community - from tricycle drivers to the elderly – and Climaco said she wanted to give more, especially to the poor, but councilors allied with politicians Celso Lobregat and Manny Dalipe have trashed the Vida Programs last year. Climaco has previously blamed the opposition councilors for “killing” all the Vida Programs after they removed vital funding in the Executive Budget. One such project under the program was the Largo Vida, an initiative that Climaco started in 2018 and which she originally intended to expand to over 60,000 beneficiaries. The mayor identified the opposition councilors as John Dalipe, BG Guingona, Mike Alavar, Litlit Macrohon, Khymer Olaso, Lilibeth Nuño, Cary John Pioc, VP Elago, Gerky Valesco, Jerry Perez and Monsi dela Cruz, who is now deceased. Dela Cruz and the younger Dalipe ran under Climaco’s political party, but eventually
Zamboanga Peninsula
broke off ties with the mayor after winning the 2019 polls. Former beneficiaries of the Vida program also blamed the opposition for the demise of the project. Even now they are still hoping that the Vida program would resurrect. Climaco said the Vida program was really aimed at creating a more lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of all its beneficiaries. She said the actions of the Lobregat and Dalipe allies in the City Council 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-todoor to every elderly beneficiaries of the Largo Vida. It was only during the time of Climaco that such pro-poor programs and social services benefitted thousands of senior citizens and the vulnerable sector. (Zamboanga Post)
Basilan
A famous landmark in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines is the decades-old tree house in Barangay Pasonanca. (Al Jacinto) in total a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems of the ASEAN region. These areas are established to generate greater awareness, pride, appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of ASEAN’s rich natural heritage, through a regional network of representative protected areas, and to generate greater collaboration among AMS in preserving their shared natural heritage. The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) currently serves
as the Secretariat of the AHP Programme and the AHP Committee, with representatives from the 10 AMS serving as members. In the management of AHPs, the ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (AWGNCB) provides guidance and promotes regional coordination in the implementation of conventions and activities related to biodiversity conservation. As Secretariat of the AHP Programme, ACB evaluates appli-
cations for new AHPs; conducts capacity development activities for AHP managers and staff; organizes AHP conferences; holds promotional activities for the AHP Programme; and facilitates coordination among AHP managers to strengthen the parks as a regional network of protected areas. ACB also conducts programmatic training courses for enhancing management and conservation skills of protected area workers. (Zamboanga Post)
OPINION
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco
FROM THE first candle of Hope to Peace and Joy, the color is pink! We are called to have joy radiate in our life as we await our Lord. Every year J.R. Carpio’s mom would make me beautiful gigantic lanterns. They are a family from Barangay Santa Maria. I remember in the motorcade in 2019, I was welcomed in the entrance of our Barangay in Santa Maria by a beautiful bouquet of roses from the family. Such an assurance of God’s
Sulu
love as I was very unsure of the future. These are very special gestures of love and I fully appreciate such a meaningful act of love. I would light the lantern and reflect on the beautiful colors it radiates to prepare for the coming of Jesus. Fr. Filmore Calibo called us to be repentant and grateful in the Sunday Homily. John, the Baptist, spoke boldly against corruption and contentment of our daily wages. “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” We follow his call and ask God to correct our crooked ways and submit to his conversion. We end with the beautiful Second Reading from St. Paul’s letter to Philippians. “Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (MBC)
Tawi-tawi