SOCA reflects on Zamboangueño resiliency MULTI-AWARDED Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco, speaking to a huge crowd on her last State of the City Address, has praised and commended all those who have supported her administration as she elaborated one by one her various accomplishments amid the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. Several times in her speech, she thanked the members of the City Council for supporting her various projects and programs; the security sector for
keeping Zamboanga and its people safe and protected; the different government agencies and the heads of the local government departments and the Zamboanguenos – Christians, Muslims and the indigenous community, among other sectors. She also reminisced about her decades of colorful political career - victorious and undefeated up to now - and always putting the welfare and security Continue on page 5 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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‘Cong’ Beng, sinisi ang Conscience Bloc! I
PAGPAPATULOY UMANO ni Mayor Beng Climaco - na ngayon ay tumatakbo bilang congresswoman sa District 1 - ang pagtulong nito sa mga senior citizens, sa mga mahihirap na pamilya at ang vulnerable sector sa Zamboanga City. Ito ay matapos na mayor Celso Lobregat at program ni Climaco. ibasura ng mga konsehal Congressman Mannix Sinabi ni Climaco na na ka-alyado nina dating Dalipe, ang Largo Vida Continue on page 2
Fujidenzo air con user swears by its problems ZAMBOANGA CITY – A local Fujidenzo air conditioner user expressed dis-
Mahigpit ang yakap ni Lola kay Congressional candidate Mayor Beng Climaco matapos na mabigyan ng ayuda. Halos maiyak sa tuwa si Mayor Beng sa init ng pagmamahal sa kanya ng mga senior citizens at kanilang pamilya. (Bong Serondo)
Calls for prayers to end Russo-Ukraine war WHILE THE Duterte government would not speak about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the local government of Zamboanga City led by Mayor Beng Climaco called on everyone to pray for peace and for the war, which has killed thousands from both sides, to end soon. Climaco, who is running for congresswoman in District 1, said: “As we commemorate EDSA, the world is also witnessing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as Continue on page 2
Zamboanga Peninsula
Basilan
gust over the poor quality of his unit after defects appeared barely 14 months
after purchasing it from an appliances center here. Continue on page 3
Lolo Cesar Climaco remembered WHILE MAYOR Beng Climaco never fails to commemorate the birth or death anniversaries of former mayor and lawmaker Maria Clara Lobregat, her son Continue on page 3
Zamboanga now under Alert Level 1 CHIEF COVID-19 frontliner Mayor Beng Climaco lauded the Zamboangueños for their resiliency and she also praised all medical health workers, including Continue on page 7
Legendary Mayor Cesar Cortes Climaco
Mayor praises Darul Ifta, thanks Grand Mufti MAYOR BENG Climaco has thanked the Darul Ifta and expressed her deep
gratitude to top Muslim religious leaders for supporting and partnering
Sulu
with her administration on various peace projects Continue on page 7
Tawi-tawi
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The Zamboanga Post
March 7-13, 2022
‘Cong’ Beng, sinisi ang Conscience Bloc!
Isang senior citizen ang nagpakuha ng litrato kasama si District 1 Congressional candidate Mayor Climaco at Konsehal Pinpin Pareja matapos na mabigyan ng cash assistance kamakailan lamang. (Bong Serondo) Continued from page 1 kahit “pinatay” ng tinaguriang “Conscience bloc” ng Team Colorao at Team Dalipe ang Largo Vida program ay hindi ito titigil sa kanyang pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan. Isinisi rin ni Climaco ang kahirapan na dinaranas ng mga senior citizens at mga hirap sa buhay ang grupo nina Lobregat at Dalipe. “Sila el ta causa dificultad na programa del de atun administracion, y este tiempo de pandemia por que vosotros (Conscience bloc) man deny con el 17,000 senior citizens of assistance, por que quita 60,000 senior citizens el asistencia, cosa el culpa de lola, cosa culpa de lolo. Cosa el culpa del de atun Largo Vida frontliners, 400 job orders nawalan ng hanap-buhay,” Climaco told a huge crowd in Barangay Maasin, who welcomed her visit. Ilang ulit na pinalakpakan si Climaco ng mga residente habang ipinapaliwanag nito kung bakit biglang naputol ang Largo Vida program na siyang nagbibigay ng mga ayuda o tulong sa mga senior citizens. House-to-house
ang ayuda ng mga Largo Vida lifeliners sa paghatid ng mga gamot, pagkain at iba pang pangangailangan ng mga senior citizens, sa mga mahihirap at mga taong may kapansanan na naka-rehistro sa naturang programa. “We have to make the very important decision. Huwag kayong maniwala at pogi lang sa picture, huwag kayong maniwala dahil maingay lang sila. Kilatisin ninyo kung ano ang ginawa nila, kung ano ang performance, kung anong tulong nila para sa taong-bayan this time of the pandemic,” wika pa ni Climaco sa mga pasaring sa mga konsehal na siyang nasa likod ng pagkawala ng Largo Vida program. Opposition Councilors Sinisi ni Climaco sina ang mga opposition councilors Monsi dela Cruz, na ngayon ay namapayapa na; John Dalipe, BG Guingona, Mike Alavar, Litlit Macrohon, Khymer Olaso, Lilibeth Nuño, Cary John Pioc, VP Elago, at Jerry Perez sa pagkawala ng Largo Vida program. Si Dela Cruz at John Dalipe ay tumakbo at nanalo sa ilalim ng Team Climaco noong 2019, ngunit kalaunan ay kumalas sa grupo. Tinalo at
inilampaso rin ni Climaco ang matandang si Lobregat sa nakaraang halalan. Inamin naman ni Climaco na lubha itong nasaktan sa pagta-traydor sa kanya nina Dela Cruz at John Dalipe, at ang pagyurak sa kanya diumano ni Lobregat. “Bien discouraged yo cay 2019 maga elijido oficiales que junto kanamon na Team (Climaco) para corre, pero uno del de amun uban pa el ya abandona con el administracion de Beng Climaco egual con el de suyo tata el antes alcalde (Manny Dalipe), na tiempo de mio tiyo (alcalde) Cesar Climaco, ya deja con Cesar Climaco y por causa de este cuando ya muri si Uncle Cesar ele ya queda el mayor,” ani Climaco. “Nohay yo pensa cay history would repeat itself, si John Dalipe ta habla Team Performance quiere corre mayor – ano ba ang nagawa ni John Dalipe? Ano ba ang kanyang performance, he killed the budget for Largo Vida. Si John Dalipe y el Team Colorao ya quita el budget para na maga senior citizens, el libre medicina, libre asistencia, ese el verdad que cosa sila ya hace,” dagdag pa ni Mayor.
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Maging si Councilor BG Guingona ay sinisi ni Climaco at siya rin umano ang kumontra sa pagbili ng mga bagong sasakyan para sa mga barangay. “Si BG Guingona, quiere corre para vice mayor, but he filed a resolution not to purchase the brand new vehicles for (Barangay) Maasin. Ansina ba el ayuda cay ta cree lang sila con el Team Colorao de Celso (Lobregat)?” tanong pa nito. Cosa el Culpa? Hindi rin pinalagpas ni Climaco ang banat sa beteranong si Lobregat na galit na galit umano sa kanya matapos niya itong talunin sa halalan. “Cosa ba culpa de mio con Celso, cosa de mio culpa? Ya hace lang yo cosa debe hace para buen del ciudad, pero ele ya pone bajo con Beng Climaco, ya mal-habla, ya planta caso, ahora na arroz cosa-cosa sila ta habla. But I will not take it sitting down, I will rise up because God anointed me to serve you,” sabi pa ni Climaco sa mga
residenteng walang tigil ang palakpakan. Itinanggi naman ni Lobregat ang paratang ni Climaco. “Nohay gane yo hace bajo con ele. Quita ta hace lang el cosa debe hace. Hindi man ele el de mio contrario ahora,” sagot pa ni Lobregat. Sumagot rin si Congressman Mannix at mas malumay ito at sinabing patuloy nitong ipinagdarasal sa Diyos si Climaco, na kilalang debotong Katoliko. “Hindi yo ta pone atencion con kuwan, ta habla ya lang yo con ele God Bless you Mayor Beng, we pray hard. Sindi quita kandela y resa…I am praying for her tiene le enlightenment resa ya lang anay. Pray harder, o baka kuwan tamen de suyo, cay yo tiene tamen lastima siguro mucho lang le ta pensa na de suyo pensamiento, so man pray ya lang for enlightenment, man pray for discernment,” wika pa nito. At dahil sa mga kasinungalingan na ibinabato kay Climaco ay
lalo pang tumaas ang bilang ng mga supporters at followers nito sa kanyang Facebook page na ngayon ay nasa mahigit 378,000 na. Mas malaki kahit pa pagsamahin ang mga Facebook and sponsored pages nina Lobregat at Dalipe. Si Climaco ay nanilbihan bilang councilor mula 1998-2004; vice mayor mula 2004-2007; at congresswoman ng 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 siguradong mananalo itong muli bilang congresswoman dahil na rin sa malaking tiwala ng publiko. Suportado rin ni Vice Mayor Meng Agan ang kandidatura ni Climaco. Si Agan ay tumatakbo rin bilang mayor sa Zamboanga. Ikinatuwa naman ng mga taga-sunod ni Climaco ang desisyon ni Agan na suportahan si Climaco. (Zamboanga Post)
Calls for prayers to end Russo-Ukraine war Continued from page 1 issues driving the standoff remain unsolved. Let us pray for Ukraine and Russia, let us pray for peace and God’s protection and let us pray that this tragic situation will end soon.” The mayor said this during the commemoration of the 36th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25. “It was in February 1986 when the entire world witnessed how Filipinos fought and achieved democracy through a bloodless revolution,” Climaco said, referring to the people power-backed revolution that toppled the 21-year Marcos dictatorship. President Rodrigo Duterte has not issued any statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But the Russo-Ukrainian War began in 2014 following the Russian annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Japan and Taiwan have released strong condemnation of the conflict. But Filipino Defense Chief Delfin Lorenzana
said the Philippines will remain neutral on the issue. “Wala naman tayong pakialam sa Europe kung ano ang ginagawa nila doon, hindi naman tayo katabi ng Ukraine. Tayo, neutral muna tayo ngayon,” he said. However, Lorenzana clarified his statement after Filipinos and politicians alike criticized him. “Here’s to reiterate our official statement on the heart-breaking turn of events in Ukraine. I hope my recent interview won’t be taken out of context. Of course, I care. We all care, we are humans. Not only should we be aware but also be concerned of what’s happening in different parts of the world. But I reiterate what I said that I hope the principal players in this developing scenario could resolve their differences in a friendly and amicable way. For now, our top priority is the repatriation of our citizens from Ukraine to a safer place,” he later said. But Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former nation-
al police chief, praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a “living hero” for leading the fight against the mightier Russian invaders. “Snappy salute kay Ukraine President Zelenskyy! Isang ‘living hero’ ngayong panahon ng krisis. Handang mamatay para sa bayan. ‘Yan ang tunay na lider! Huwag niyong basta-bastang kalimutan ang giyera sa Ukraine bilang problema na malayo sa atin. Apektado tayong lahat diyan, una pa lang sa pagtaas ng presyo ng krudo, na makakaapekto rin ng pagtaas ng lahat ng presyo ng bilihin, logistics, at pagkilos.At bukod doon, habang palapit ang banta ng digmaan, pagisipan niyong mabuti... Pag nagkataon, sino ang pang-giyera mo?” he wrote on his Facebook page. The United States and NATO and other countries are aiding Ukraine by sending lethal and non-lethal aids to help them defeat Russian forces. (Zamboanga Post)
March 7-13, 2022
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The Zamboanga Post
Lolo Cesar Climaco remembered
Mayor Cesar Climaco confronting President Ferdinand Marcos and his wife, Imelda (Source: Climaco family archive) Continued from page 1 Celso Lobregat, who also served as mayor and congressman, is hardly seen in any important events related to the legendary Zamboanga mayor Cesar Cortes Climaco. The mayor defeated Lobregat in the 2019 elections and remained political foes as they faced each other again for the May polls. The rivalry between the Climacos and the Lobregats is deeply rooted in Zamboanga’s political history. In the 1978 Batasan elections, Climaco, popularly called ‘Lolo Cesar’ also defeated Lobregat’s mother. Last February 28 was the 106th birthday of Lolo Cesar, who served as mayor for 11 years over three consecutive terms. Climaco reminisced the legacy of her uncle and Lolo Cesar to children whose lives he touched. He was known to go around Zamboanga on his motorcycle or jeep for his candy-giving activities to the kids, who would sing a rhyme about him to the tune of his favorite love song for his wife, “Oh My Darling, Clementine” (song popularized by Freddy Quinn) - “Ai si Cesar, ai si Cesar, ai si Cesar Climaco, maskin viejo pero macho (even if he is old but he is macho), ai si Cesar Climaco!” Lolo Cesar was well-loved by the Zamboangueño people – both Christians and Muslims alike. In his office, he put up a sign that reads “I’m not a dirty old man, I’m a sexy senior
citizen.” He was a prominent critic of the martial law regime of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. He was famed for his toughness in governance and colorful personality, having been famous for his refusal to cut his hair until democratic rule was restored in the country. On the morning of November 14, 1984, Lolo Cesar rushed to the scene of a fire that had broken out along Governor Alvares and he supervised operations to put out the fire, then prepared to leave. As he mounted his motorcycle to return to his office, an unidentified gunman approached from behind and shot him in the nape at point-blank range. The assassin escaped, while Lolo Cesar was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The crowd that attended Lolo Cesar’s funeral was estimated around 200,000 people. Along the 10-kilometer Abong-Abong uphill route of the funeral march, mourners displayed protest placards and streamers, tossed confetti and flowers, and sang songs of defiance and sorrow. It was the largest political demonstration ever witnessed at any time in Mindanao. Born on February 28, 1916 in Zamboanga City, Lolo Cesar was the third of seven children of Gregorio Borromeo Climaco and Isabel Dominguez Cortes. His father had been municipal councilor of Zamboanga and his mother worked as a
schoolteacher and wrote for a local newspaper. Belonging to a lower-middle class family, Lolo Cesar supported himself through high school as a worker asphalting roads. After graduation he was employed as a timekeeper, messenger, and janitor. Moving to Manila, he continued to be a working student while studying pre-law at the University of Santo Tomas and his law degree proper at the University of the Philippines. He alternated as a domestic house help, driver, and tutor to a well-off family, and a janitor at the Court of Appeals. He passed the bar in 1941 as one of the topnotchers. According to a report by Positively Filipino, the common people regarded Lolo Climaco as their protector and defender and they ran to him whenever they needed help for anything – a son who had been unjustly detained, a farmer who was being ejected from his land, a missing relative or friend. In all of these cases and countless others, Lolo Cesar always stood on the side of the poor, the disadvantaged, and the oppressed. “Thank you Uncle Cesar…Lolo Cesar, for your contributions and most importantly for offering your life for the love of Zamboanga and its people,” the mayor wrote on her social media page which shows a photo of her reflection after placing a pot of flowers at his monument at the Climaco Freedom Park in Pasonanca. (Zamboanga Post)
Fujidenzo air con user swears by its problems
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Continued from page 1 The customer noticed that the compressor of his 1.5 horsepower air conditioner would not shut down even if it was remotely or manually turned off. Then came several problems – the temperature control would not function and now even if the air conditioner unit is set to run in fan mode, it would still blow cold air. Worst, now the vertical louver blades would not swing left and right despite repeated attempts to switch it on. The window-type air conditioner unit, WAR 120CES, was purchased at Budgetwise Zamboanga in December 2020 and claimed the warranty for parts and services is limited to only one year, and the compressor for five years. The Fujidenzo service center, REE Cooling Services located in the village of Divisoria, said the air conditioner’s electronic control board is defective and has to be replaced and would cost nearly P4,000 and another P800 for the labor fee.
Worst, it has no stocks available. But a second opinion from another serviceman said only the air conditioner’s relay was defective and would cost about P300. An air conditioner uses relays to switch the system’s high-voltage parts on and off. The relay contains a low-voltage coil and a high-voltage switch, sometimes called “contact points.” When the thermostat switches on, a low-voltage signal energizes the appropriate relay. “I have been using a Panasonic air conditioner in the past and it lasted about ten years without any
major problems. But the biggest mistake I made was to buy this Fujidenzo and I regretted it so much,” the disgusted customer said, adding he paid nearly P20,000 for the Fujidenzo air conditioner thinking it was a good brand. He warned those planning to buy an air conditioner to get the best brands like Panasonic or Samsung since he also has a Samsung split-type air conditioner in his living room. Fujidenzo is a local brand and distributed by Exatech. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
March 7-13, 2022
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go. Photos by : Bong Serondo, TFZ, Argie Ramosos, Giana Andrion and Christine Lim.
March 7-13, 2022
The Zamboanga Post Exclusive
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News
SOCA reflects on Zamboangueño resiliency Continued from page 1 of her people and the city she called home. Climaco served as a councilor from 1998-2004; vice mayor from 2004-2007; and as congresswoman of Zamboanga from 2007-2010 and again from 20102013, and vice mayor in 2013 and eventually mayor up to now. And listening to God’s calling to continue serving her people who wanted her to run for congress, the hard working Climaco is running again in District 1. She also quoted a Latin expression “Summum Bonum,” meaning the highest or ultimate good, which was introduced by the Roman philosopher Cicero to denote the fundamental principle on which some system of ethics is based that is, the aim of actions, which, if consistently pursued, will lead to the best possible life. “It is a principle which I live by and teach those who I worked with to be good consistently,” she said. “Such was our disposition as we worked on Day 1 till the very end of my term as mayor - to do good at all times. Anointed and sent, this is my calling to serve Zamboanga City.” Saying God has sent her, Climaco quoted a verse in the Bible - Jeremiah 29: 11 – “For I know my plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” “This is God’s calling for me to fulfill with everyone’s help. My conversations with you, querido compueblanos, in schools and barangay covered courts, in farms at the east coast or canning factories in the west (coast), in distant military or police outposts, and even in your living rooms through your television sets, radio or cell phone screens, have inspired me and kept me going. These
conversations kept me grounded and made me a better person and a better Mayor who listens and understands each one of you. All of you became part of my journey and helped make Zamboanga who and what it is today,” she said and started elaborating many local government programs and projects that largely benefitted residents, especially the poor and the disadvantaged sectors of society. Climaco praised the resiliency and the perseverance of each and every Zamboangueno regardless of their faith and belief from the rebel attacks in 2013, the calamities and now the Covid-19 pandemic. “We made it through, overcoming difficulties and surpassing all obstacles,” she said. “Just three years after the siege, Zamboanga City was adjudged 1st place Most Improved LGU (local government unit) among 33 highly urbanized cities in the country, and (ranked) 4th Most Resilient City in the Philippines by the National Competitiveness Council, recognizing our ability to recover after a crisis.” “We were also bestowed the Seal of Good Local Governance by the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) for two consecutive years based on indicators on economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure and resiliency” Climaco said. The mayor further said that all those awards and recognitions are feats never before achieved by any administration in the past. “And with all these querido Zamboanguenos, we can proudly say that we have shown the nation and the rest of the world that we are strong, that we are brave and that we are united in rebuilding a better Zamboanga. Mafuerza, Valiente y Unido,” said Climaco, who was also recognized as the “Most Outstanding Mayor” by the Federation of Local
Councils of Women in the Philippines in 2017, and chosen as among the “Top 5 World’s Best Mayors” by the prestigious City Mayors Foundation along with Valeria Mancinelli, Mayor of Ancona, Italy; Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, UK; Nathalie Appéré, Mayor of Rennes, France; and Charlotte Britz, Mayor of Saarbrück-
en, Germany. Climaco was many times interrupted by applause of the guests and had to briefly stop her speech. There were times during her address that Climaco got emotional, but managed to regain her composure to continue. Her speech lasted nearly four hours. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
March 7-13, 2022
Across : 1. Hush! 4. Amtrak terminal (abbr.) 7. Tailed celestial body 12. Shade 13. Elongated fish 14. “Carmen,” e.g. 15. Trips to the post office, e.g. 17. Listened to 18. Baldwin and Guinness 19. Transmitted 20. The Grim ___ 23. Baby’s dinner attire 26. Munitions, for short 29. Love song 31. Prejudice 32. Compass point (abbr.) 33. French female 34. Car exhaust 36. Pub orders 37. ___-gallon hat 38. Concur 40. Color 42. Uncanny 46. Tenant’s document 48. The United States 50. climbing plants 51. Had more points 52. ___ Moines 53. Belief 54. Wages 55. Poet’s “before” Down : 1. Mets’ old stadium 2. Fling 3. At this location 4. Sight or smell 5. Turner or Koppel 6. Pacino and Gore 7. Stick together 8. Uncork 9. Spaghetti topping 10. Make a mistake 11. Little bit 16. Crossword direction 19. Peaceful 21. Aid 22. Mexican coins 24. Jobless 25. Stinging insects
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March 7-13, 2022
Zamboanga now under Alert Level 1 Continued from page 1 barangay officials and security forces for being united in battling the spread of the Covid-19 as active cases has dramatically declined over the past weeks. The number of Covid-19 cases is expected to further fall below two digits as the National Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) placed Zamboanga City under Alert Level 1 until March 15. “We would like to thank all Zamboangueños for strictly following public health protocols and getting vaccinated against the Covid-19 disease. Our active Covid-19 cases are continuously decreasing and people are happy, but please don’t be complacent because Covid-19 is still here. We are now under Alert Level 1,” Climaco told the Zamboanga Post. “Thank you so much to all our hard working medical frontliners, the barangay health workers, our contact tracers and our security forces for really working so hard to save and protect us from this Covid-19 disease,” she added. The spike in the Covid-19 cases is largely blamed on the more contagious Omicron variant which is now the dominant variant in the country after the Delta variant. Climaco, head of the local Covid-19 inter-agency task force, urged residents to strictly observe the public health protocols and get vaccinated as the City Health Office continues to put up walk-ins and drive-through vaccination sites in different areas. “The spike in Covid-19 cases were largely due to complacency by residents and further aggravated by the Omicron (variant). Residents should always wear their face masks and observe physical distance in public areas or places where people converge. Always wash or sanitize hands and avoid holding the face and mouth with dirty hands,” she said. Other areas placed under Alert Level 1 are: Cagayan de Oro City and Camiguin in Region X; and Davao City in Region X; Abra, Apayao, Baguio City and Kalinga in the Cordillera Administrative Region; Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan in Region I; Batanes, Cagayan, City of Santiago, Isabela and Quirino in Region II; Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Olongapo City, Pampanga and Tarlac in Region III; Cavite and Laguna in Region IV-A; Marinduque, Puerto Princesa City and Romblon in Region IV-B; and Naga City and Catanduanes in Region V. Also Aklan, Bacolod City, Capiz and Guimaras in Region VI; Siquijor in Region VII; and Biliran in Region VIII. Protocols Under Alert Level 1, the following protocols must be strictly observed, according to the IATF: Well-fitted face masks shall be worn properly at all times, whether outdoors or in indoor private or public establishments, including in public transportation by land, air or sea, except when eating and drinking, participating in team and individual sports in venues where ventilation standards can be maintained, and practicing outdoor sports/ exercise activities where physical distance can be maintained. All private offices and workplaces, including public and private
construction sites, may operate at full 100% capacity, consistent with national issuances on vaccination requirements for on-site work. However, they may continue to provide flexible and alternative work arrangements as deemed appropriate based on function or individual risk. Agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall likewise adhere to 100% on-site workforce. Off-site work shall be under such work arrangements subject to relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the President. On the other hand, public transportation in areas under Alert Level 1 shall be at full seating capacity. For intrazonal and interzonal travels involving public land transportation between an area with a higher alert level classification and an area under Alert Level 1, the passenger capacity shall be that which has the lower passenger capacity rate between the point of origin and point of destination. For aviation, maritime and rail public transport operating in and out of Alert Levels 1 areas, the passenger capacity will be at 100%. The use of acrylic and/or plastic dividers in public transportation shall not be required. The use of the Safe, Swift and Smart Passage (S-PaSS) travel management system shall likewise not be required for interzonal travel to areas under Alert Level 1. On contact tracing, the use of health declaration forms/paper-based contact tracing shall not be required for all the agencies and establishments under Alert Level 1. On the other hand, the use of digital contact tracing such as the StaySafe. PH application is optional for all the agencies and establishments. On testing prioritization, testing protocols shall be implemented, consistent with national guidelines, for individuals who are unvaccinated or have higher exposure risk. In addition, testing using RT-PCR shall be recommended and prioritized for: Priority Groups A2 (persons above 60 years old) and A3 (persons with comorbidities) and Priority Group A1 or healthcare workers. Testing shall be optional for other groups not stated above. It shall not be recommended for asymptomatic close contacts unless symptoms will develop, and should immediately isolate regardless of test results. Instead, symptom monitoring is recommended. Should testing still be used, testing should be done at least 5 days from the day of last exposure. Testing shall also not be recommended for screening asymptomatic individuals. Meanwhile, testing using antigen tests shall be recommended only for symptomatic individuals and in instances wherein RT-PCR is not available, consistent with previously issued guidelines. The Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Committees may implement testing protocols in health facilities for health workers and patients based on their assessment of risk and benefit. On isolation and quarantine, updated quarantine protocols for incoming international travelers shall be consistent with IATF Resolution No. 160 A/B, and updated isolation and quarantine protocols for general public and healthcare workers and authorized sectors shall be consistent with DOH Dept
Memo No. 2022-0013. Under Alert Level 1, establishments are no longer required to set-up isolation facilities within the workplace. On treatment, close contacts, asymptomatic confirmed cases and mild to moderate confirmed cases shall be managed at the primary care level, such as health centers, private clinics thru face to face or teleconsultation, while confirmed cases with severe and critical symptoms shall be managed in the appropriate health care facility. In the case of reintegration, isolation can be discontinued upon completion of the recommended isolation period, provided that they do not have fever for at least 24 hours without the use of any antipyretic medications, and shall have improvement of respiratory signs and symptoms. For the purpose of claiming sick leave, health benefits or other relevant processes wherein the proofs of Covid-19 management are necessary, a medical certification may suffice provided it should include the following minimum information: name of patient, severity of symptoms, diagnosis as probable or confirmed Covid-19, and date of end of quarantine and/ or isolation period. Meanwhile, individuals 18 years old and above will be required to present proof of full vaccination before participating in mass gatherings or entry into indoor establishments, such as but not limited to: 1. In-person religious gatherings; gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals for those who died of causes other than COVID-19 and for the cremains of the COVID-19 deceased; 2. All indoor dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants and eateries. For outdoor or al fresco dining and take out channels, no proof of full vaccination is required; 3. All indoor personal care establishments such as barbershops, hair spas, hair salons, and nail spas, and those offering aesthetic/ cosmetic services or procedures, make-up services, salons, spas, reflexology and other similar procedures including home service options; 4. Fitness studios, gyms and venues for exercise and sports; 5. All indoor cinemas or movie houses operating at full capacity; 6. Meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibition events and permitted venues for social events such as parties, wedding receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers ; 7. Venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls and theaters; 8. Indoor ancillary establishments in hotels and other accommodation establishments; and 9. Venues for election-related events. Proof of full vaccination shall be required before entry in the list of establishments identified under the principles of 3C’s strategy against Covid-19. Children ages 17 and below shall not be required to present proof of vaccination status. (Zamboanga Post)
Mayor praises Darul Ifta, thanks Grand Mufti Continued from page 1 and programs that benefit everybody in Zamboanga. Climaco, accompa-
nied by Jojo Abdusalam, her Executive Assistant on Muslim Affairs, visited the Darul Ifta to personally thank Grand Mufti Sheikh
Mayor Beng Climaco meets with the Darul Ifta headed by Sheikh Abdul Baki Abubakar, the Grand Mufti for Region 9 and Palawan. (Bong Serondo)
Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Baki Abubakar. (Image: Darulf Ifta Facebook Page)
Abdul Baki Abubakar (Region 9 and Palawan) and other prominent Muslim leaders - Sheikh Walid Abubakar, Sheikh Abdulwakil Tanjili and Sheikh Abdulmujib Arip. The mayor also confirmed this with the Zamboanga Post in a briefed phone interview, saying: “I wanted to personally thank the Darul Ifta for its support to our peace projects and programs, the dialogues we held with them throughout my three terms and I am deeply grateful to the Darul Ifta, to Grand Mufti Abdulbaki Abubakar for partnering with us in various programs.” The influential Darul Ifta, the Islamic advisory body, also thanked Climaco, who is running for congresswoman in District 1, for quickly approving its request to establish a mosque and office in downtown Zamboanga. The Grand Mufti and his group similarly expressed gratitude to Climaco for her strong leadership and for supporting the Muslim sector, especially in promoting harmony among peoples in Zamboanga, and advocating the culture of peace and unity. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
March 7-13, 2022
March 7-13, 2022
The Zamboanga Post
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March 7-13, 2022
Zambo honors local achievers
T
HE CITY government feted two internationally-acclaimed local athletes along with eight other Zamboangueños who brought honor and prestige to Zamboanga through their dedication and commitment in their fields of endeavors. Mayor Beng Climaco dilyn Diaz and boxing bronze recipients of the “Orgullo de led officials in honoring medallist Eumir Marcial, Zamboanga Premiar,” the Olympic gold medallist Hi- who shared the limelight as highest achievement in the
2022 Local Achievers Awards. The other awardees were newly-appointed Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr. for Public Service; Engr. Rodrigo Sicat - City Government Service; Universidad de Zamboanga - Academe (institutional); Sheikh Loderson Gustaham - Community Service; Atty. Rosendo Castillo Jr. (posthumous) - Academe (individual); Engr. Jaydrick Yap - Investment Promotions; Ramon Navarro - Culture and the Arts; Ticket 1 - Tourism-Oriented Establishment; and Rose Jean Ra-
mos for Sports. This year's Top Local Corporate Taxpayer is the Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. while the Top Local Individual Taxpayer is Al Hassan Hasiman. The awarding coincided with the celebration of the 85th Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga. The 2022 Local Achievers Award recognizes exemplary Zamboangueños in the fields of sports, culture and the arts, public service, city government service, community service, investment and promotion, tourism,
and the academe. It also recognizes the top local corporate and individual taxpayers for business taxes paid to the Office of the City Treasurer. The Dia de Zamboanga marks the day when the first set of appointed officials led by Mayor Nicasio Valderosa was installed into office on February 26, 1937. This year’s guest of honor was Philippine Marine Commandant Maj. Gen. Nestor Herico, who is also a Zamboangueño. (Zamboanga Post)
Drug haul hailed Mayor Beng Climaco poses with Eduardo and Emelita Diaz, the parents of Olympic gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz. (Bong Serondo)
OPINION
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco
THE FIRST Reading speaks about Perseverance amidst tribulations with the gift of fortitude to be resilient! When a sieve is shaken, the husks appear; so do one’s faults when one speaks. As the test of what the potter molds is in the furnace, so in tribulation is the test of the just. The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so too does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind. Praise no one before he speaks, for it is then that people are tested. Di aton maga difficultad lo mismo maga trials de vida hace canaton mas fuerte dale resiliencia por gracia de Dios! Bawal ang judgemental! We borrow this game show segment to elaborate Jesus call to look inwardly before we criticise and judge others. I have always tried to keep my mouth shut if I do not have anything to say, and best keep quiet, esta silencio condena mal actos de otro. But dificil hace, kay bien pronto jusga, hace bajo na otro. Bien popular ahora maga Marites y otras palabras que ta dale mira el vicios de chismis! Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your broth-
er, “Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,” when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.” Pope Francis helps us see that politics can be used to have good people serve others. It shows the value of goodness as basis for good work! Bien mabuling el politica poreso del 2004, ya pidi yo man resign na partido para estudia na America. Aquel dia, January 2, amo el dia ya informa yo, hinde mas yo corre, ya muri si Ma’am Caling. Ya tiene yo jura como el alcalde. Quien pensa este tiempo 24 años ya ya pasa cuando ya contesta yo el llamada de mi Madrina Caling ayuda na Zamboanga! Bien facil conversa aserca de otro gente, hasta di ila maga mal actos. En este tiempo el Dios ta initia el manera de responde con aquellos ta supervisa canaton. Kay serca ya el eleccion, mucho maga botante debe oi el verdad kay mucho ahora noticias de negativismo y disinformacion! Aquellos maga gente “rabyao na mundo” ay queda mas miserable kay el rabyo ya dura pa puede ser hasta na fin de vida. Ta reza kita el milagrosa mano de La Virgen desata con el maga amaro de vida bien gumun! Sigui con el llamada de Dios amediante na criticismo, mal palabra y rabyo. Levanta kita con fe na misericordia de Dios! (MBC)
Zamboanga Peninsula
Basilan
ZAMBOANGA MAYOR Beng Climaco hailed the police for seizing over P27 million worth of crystal meth that resulted in the killing of a notorious drug dealer. She commended those involved in the operation that also left one policeman wounded following a gunfight during an undercover bust in the coastal village of Sinunuc. The mayor said the local government would assist the wounded cop and lauded him for his gallantry. Col. Alexander Lorenzo,
chief of the local police force, identified the slain suspect as Puruti Taraji. "Suspect, Puriti J. Taraji, alias Bossing, was a big-time drug pusher in (island-town of) Pata in Sulu and transporter of illegal drugs to Regions 9 (Western Mindanao) and 10 (Northern Mindanao) was the subject of the buy-bust operations conducted at around 11: 00 p.m. of Friday during the Law enforcement operation in the (village) of Sinunuc," he said. Lorenzo said security forc-
es involved in the drug bust were able to recover around four kilos of crystal meth, a 9mm pistol and the drug money used in the sting. He said the slain drug dealer was a native of Sulu and listed as a high-value target by the police. No other details were released by the police, but Climaco said she ordered an intensified anti-drug campaign here in support of President Rodrigo Duterte's order. (Zamboanga Post)
Surveillance center bares new safety system THE LOCAL government's Security and Surveillance Coordinating Office (SSCO) said it is completing the installation of at least 70 Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) to dozens of vehicles and motorcycles it provided to the Zamboanga City Police Office, Joint Task Force Zamboanga, Bureau of Fire Prevention and Emergency Medical Services as part of the Emergency Dispatch System. Christopher Mandi, head of the SSO, said the high tech system which will be the backbone of the localized emergency hotline with a one-push alert button accessed through cell phones. He said this sophisticated public safety system is only the second being installed in the country after Valenzuela City. He said with the AVL, the SSCO command center will have
Sulu
SSCO monitoring center. a dashboard (live map) showing the real time location of all the vehicles which can immediately respond to an emergency and even suggest the easiest route to take. The dashboard will display the real-time traffic situation. Mandi said the system is comparable to the 911 emergency hotline in the United States. "On top of this, the dashboard will display all global alerts that
occurred in the last seven days as to earthquakes, tsunamis among others and will also provide weather forecasting. Suffice to say, it’s a broad system," he said. He said in case of emergencies, residents may call the SSCO or 911 and these telephone numbers 992-3164, 9923179, 992-3166 and 992-3187. (Zamboanga Post)
Tawi-tawi