Robredo-Sara tandem launched
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco has publicly admitted supporting the tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Davao City Sara Duterte, saying both women are empowered leaders, and even helped launch the ROSA 2022 or Robredo-Sara campaign in Cagayan de Oro City. Robredo is running for president with Senator Francis Pangilinan as her running mate; while Duterte is the vice presidential candidate of former senator and namesake of Dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Both belong
to different political parties – Robredo with the Liberal Party and Duterte is with Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats. Climaco was with Congressmen Joey Salceda and Rufus Rodriguez in Cagayan de Oro City on March 21 to promote the ROSA 2022 tandem. The trio also held a news conference at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City and a campaign rally later in the day. Continue on page 5
VP Leni Robredo and Mayor Sara Duterte. Picked from the wild, in the highlands of North Cotabato and Bukidnon. Available in 250g packs - roasted whole beans or fine ground. Cup to Go (16 oz.) also available and comes with 2 packets of brown sugar, one plastic stirrer, one drip bag and 12g of Civet coffee powder. Wholesaler, Retailer, Reseller are welcome.
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Beng trends on Twitter!
E
NERGETIC MAYOR Beng Climaco trended in Twitter after Netizens wowed the politician dancing on stage alongside Vice President Leni Robredo during a campaign rally in Barangay Pasonanca attended by an estimated 27,00035,000 strong supporters.
Read Story on page 2
Kitty Duterte, trending rin sa social media TRENDING NGAYON sa social media ang bunsong anak ni Pangulong
Duterte na si Veronica o mas kilala bilang “Kitty” matapos itong maglabas
ng dalawang video clips sa Twitter na masayang Continue on page 2
Mayor thanks, praises partnership with CSOs NOW ON her third and last term, Mayor Beng Climaco thanked the
various civil society organizations in Zamboanga City and cited the strong
partnership her administration had with them Continue on page 3
District 1 congressional candidate Mayor Beng Climaco with Vice President Leni Robredo who is running for president, during the political rally in Barangay Pasonanca. Behind them is Senator Francis Pangilinan, Robredo's vice presidential bet. (Image: Mayor Beng Climaco Facebook page)
Climaco administration wins anew in vax program THE DUTERTE administration has congratulated the Zamboanga City
government for being Number 1 in the country in the implementation of
the national vaccination program dubbed Continue on page 3
‘Job well done’ Mayor Beng Climaco speaking to members of the various civil society organizations in Zamboanga City during the annual assembly of the local Federation of Civil Society Organizations held recently in Barangay Malagutay. (Images: City Govt.)
More indigent Zamboangueños get cash aid from Beng NEARLY 1,400 poor residents in the west coast received financial aid
from Mayor Beng Climaco, who led social workers in the distribution of
Zamboanga Peninsula
assistance in an effort to help the families this time Continue on page 7
Basilan
THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government has again awarded Continue on page 3
DILG Regional Director Faizal Abutazil poses with Zamboanga Mayor beng Climaco who was awarded by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año for her exemplary performance as chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council the past six years. (Eugene Elnar)
Sulu
Tawi-tawi
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The Zamboanga Post
March 28-April 3, 2022
Beng trends on Twitter!
The Robredo rally held at Barangay Pasonanca. (Images: City Govt.) From page 1 Video clips and photos of the mayor quickly went viral with Netizens praising Climaco’s dance move as Robredo - who is running for president in the May election - happily looked on and briefly joined her political ally as the huge crowd cheered the duo.
“Muchas Gracias, Twitterverse for making me trend! I love the energy!” Climaco, who is also running for congresswoman in District 1, wrote on her Facebook page. Twitterverse - also known as twitosphere or twittersphere - is social media jargon used to describe
the collective number of members of online social media network Twitter. The twitterverse refers to all Twitter users, regardless of their gender, location and overall activity/tweets on Twitter. Climaco also thanked Twitter and tweeted: “Muchas Gracias, Twitter world for making us trend! Vaya
Kitty Duterte, trending rin sa social media
Continued from page 1 sumasayaw sa political jingle ni Vice President Leni Robredo. Kasama ni Kitty ang kanyang mga kaibigan sa naturang kasiyahan at ilang beses rin itong gumawa ng hand gesture na L – ang unang letra ng pangalan ng abogadong si Robredo na tu-
matakbo bilang Pangulo sa darating na halalan. Sa isang clip, makikita ang masayang si Kitty at mga barkada na tumatalon sa kama habang sumasabay sa indak ng Robredo jingle. Ilang oras matapos na i-upload ni Kitty ang kanyang dalawang video ay agad itong nag-trending sa Twitter at sa
Facebook at umani ng papuri mula sa mga Netizens na tuwang-tuwa sa ginawa ng 17-anyos na bunso ni Duterte kay dating beauty queen Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña. Pumalo na sa mahigit 1.4 million view at nag-like sa naturang videos ni Kitty sa Twitter. Walang pahayag ang mga magulang ni Kitty sa kanyang videos, ngunit kamakailan lamang ay sinabi ni Duterte na nais nito na ang susunod na Pangulo ay isang abogado. “Ang ano nga is, hindi naman ako nagsabi it’s the best quality, but one of the good qualities of a president, sana abogado. Isang tingin mo lang, maka-decide ka na kaagad. And the repercussions, alam mo na kung ano. Whatever kind of, how would you say, issue or alam mo na,” ani Duterte. Mahigpit na kalaban ni Robredo sa pagka-Pangulo si Bongbong Marcos, na anak ng dating diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos. Ilang beses na rin tinira ni Duterte si Marcos at binasagan pa itong “weak leader” matapos nitong almahan ang pagtakbo ng kanyang anak na si Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte bilang vice president ni Bongbong. Nais ni Duterte na si Sara ang siyang maging susunod na Pangulo ng bansa, subalit sinuway naman nito ang kagustuhan ng kanyang ama. (Mindanao Examiner)
Con Dios! #ZamboangaIsPink.” The news website Politiko Mindanao also reported that Climaco trended on Twitter, saying: “Pak na pink! Ms. Pure Energy Beng Climaco trends on Twitter.” It reported: “The Zamboanga Kakampink sortie trended on Twitter! Mayor Beng Climaco recently trended on Twitter as she brought the highest pink energy during the sortie of Presidential candidate Leni Robredo in Zamboanga. Kakampinks were more than glad to see the bongga energy from the City Mayor, who supports the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem. Twitterverse even called her, Ms. Pure Energy of the People’s Campaign. Way to go!” Both Robredo and Climaco are both members of the Liberal Party. Praises The mayor praised Robredo, saying: “Kahit gaano pa man kalaki ang unos at kahirapan, si VP Leni at ang kanyang tatlong anak na babae na sina Aika, Tricia at Jillian ay nagsakripisyo para sa bayan. Tumulong sa Zamboanga sa panahon nang pandemia, tumulong para maiahon tayo sa kahirapan upang mabigyan nang pagasa ang kababaihan at pamilya pati na rin ang buong Mindanao. Si VP Leni hindi nakalimot tumulong sa oras nang pangangailangan upang makaahon ang bansang
Pilipinas.” “Ngayong gabi, ako naman ang pipili kay Leni Robredo - tataya ako kasama ninyo, at sa ating pinagsamang lakas, magiging possible ang isang gobyernong tapat na kung saan angat buhay ang lahat,” she said during the rally. Climaco continued on to say that: “Today, we are called again to respond to the call to safeguard our sacred right to vote amidst the tempestuous sea. Tayo po ay lalayag, bagamat napakalakas ng alon at lalayag man tayo sa dilim, ngunit pag tayo ay nananalig sa Diyos at nasa panig ng tama at kabutihan, tayo ay magtatagumpay para sa ikauunlad ng Pilipinas.” “Kahit gaano pa man kalaki ang unos at kahirapan, si VP Leni at ang kanyang 3 anak na babae na sina Aika, Tricia at Jillian ay nagsakripisyo para sa bayan. Tumulong sa Zamboanga sa panahon nang pandemia, tumulong para maiahon tayo sa kahirapan upang mabigyan nang pag-asa ang kababaihan at pamilya pati na rin ang buong Mindanao. Si VP Leni hindi nakalimot tumulong sa oras nang pangangailangan upang makaahon ang bansang Pilipinas. Ngayong gabi, ako naman ang pipili kay Leni Robredo tataya ako kasama ninyo, at sa ating pinagsamang lakas, magiging possible ang isang gobyernong tapat na kung
saan angat buhay ang lahat. Yo si Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar, hija de Zamboanga, nieta de Isabel, abuela de Tania, yo ta escoge kun Leni Robredo para Presidente del Republica de Filipinas na favor de Dios y La Virgen Maria junto con todo con ustedes, navega kita con victoria por amor y el buen futuro del Pilipinas,” she added. Robredo - who came all the way from Zamboanga del Norte’s Sindangan town where she also campaigned on March 21 - visited the monument of former mayor Cesar Climaco, the mayor’s uncle and offered flowers and candles. She also went to meet with supporters at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University for a townhall meeting. “Maraming, maraming salamat po sa AdZU community for inviting us and bringing different sectoral representatives for a townhall meeting. Bahagi ito ng ating pangarap - gobyernong nakikinig sa boses ng lahat. We are thankful for this opportunity and see you all again,” she said. Climaco thanked all those who attended the rally. “Muchas gracias con todo con ustedes, con el maga organizers y volunteers, con el sector de seguridad y con todo vivientes de Zamboanga quien ya dale mira di ila suporta este noche! Vaya con Dios a todos,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
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March 28-April 3, 2022
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partnership with CSOs
Climaco administration wins anew in vax program Continued from page 1 “Bayanihan Bakunahan” and the Safety Seal certification, including the digital vaccine certificate. Zamboanga City was hailed 1st placer for the “2nd Doses Accomplishment” category, followed by Agusan del Sur and Taguig City while under the “A2 Doses” category, Ilocos Norte was the top-performing province followed by Ilocos Sur and Pampanga. Nueva Ecija was 1st placer for the “Total Doses Administered” category followed by Cavite and Bulacan. The winners for best performing local governments in support of the Bayanihan Bakunahan were determined by the Department of Health and categorized according to the percentage of accomplishments for 2nd doses, A2 doses, and total doses administered. The Department of the Interior and Local Government said Duterte congratulated the winning local governments and the chief executives for their able leadership amid the health crisis, and for being invaluable partners of the national government in executing important programs that contributed to the improved Covid-19 status of the country. “Salute to all the recipients of this day’s awards for your robust commitment and partnership with the national government as we altogether implement these programs down to the grassroots. I know and acknowledge that without your support, we would have not surmounted the past two years of this pandemic. Kaya nais kong ipaabot sa inyo ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat,” Duterte said in a statement released by DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. Last November, Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista hailed Zamboanga City’s vaccination program following a meeting with Climaco. The official Philippine Information Agency in Western Mindanao (PIA) said Bautista went around Zamboanga during his November 30 visit and was pleased with the vaccination program. “The official (Bautista) is satisfied with the roll-out of the vaccination as the turn-out of residents is high,” PIA reported. Bautista also spoke with Climaco and assured the mayor of the support of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the government’s pro-poor program.
The mayor said the vaccination drive was a success and called it “an impressive feat that demonstrated strong collaboration between the local government and the private sectors.” Climaco, who is running for congresswoman in District 1, repeatedly thanked and expressed her gratitude to all the vaccination teams, volunteers, government and private agencies, business establishments, medical associations, security sector, City Health Office and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Emergency Operations Center team and the others who contributed to the successful conduct of the massive vaccination campaign. “Gracias a Dios por todos esfuerzos, sacrificio y amor por la vacunacion nacional. Con todo ya trabaja hasta na 98 barangay voluntarios y agencia national y aquellos que ya contribuye tambien todo que ya manda man vacuna. Ustedes de aton fuerza a favor de Dios,” Climaco said. Año said that two years into the pandemic, the winners have demonstrated synergy with the government’s implementation of various programs. He said the rest of the local governments can learn from the winners and implore them to emulate their victory. “The victory of today's winners are founded on their cooperation and support to these programs which have changed the landscape of the country's Covid-19 response. Pagbati sa inyong tagumpay at hangad namin na kayo ay pamarisan ng iba pang mga LGU sa bansa,” Año said. “Vaccination is our main weapon against Covid-19 and to have the full commitment and support of the LGUs in this life-saving government initiative is an essential ingredient in public health protection. Congratulations to the winning LGUs at salamat sa inyong patuloy na paghahatid ng mga bakuna sa bawat Pilipino,” he added. Año said as more people are vaccinated against the deadly respiratory disease, millions more also are able to register for the VaxCertPH with the cities of Marikina, Iloilo, and Davao hailed as best performing local governments under the “Highly Urbanized City” category. He said that for the “Component City/Independent Component City” catego-
ry, Antipolo City, Rizal is the winner for Luzon; Roxas City, Capiz for Visayas; and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon for Mindanao. For the “Municipality” category, San Simon in Pampanga bagged the citation for Luzon; Caluya in Antique for Visayas; and Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon for Mindanao. Winners were chosen using the percentage of line list submission, and the percentage of closed requests and were collated by the Department of Information and Communications Technology. The winners for the Safety Seal certification program were categorized depending on the issuing authority either the local government or the DILG. For the LGU-issued Safety Seals, Quezon City led the winners under the “Highly Urbanized City” category with 5,800 certifications granted to establishments and followed by Makati City with 3,538; and Pasay City with 2,181. Dasmariñas City, Cavite issued 500 certifications to get the 1st place for the “Component City/Independent Component City” category followed by Bacoor City, Cavite with 324 Seals, and Santa Rosa City, Laguna with 281. For the Municipality category, Bambang in Nueva Vizcaya was hailed the winner with 807 Safety Seal certifications issued followed by Santa Niña in Cagayan with 541; and Naujan in Oriental Mindoro with 529. On the other hand, DILG-Manila City bagged 1st place for the DILG-issued Safety Seal certifications under the “Highly Urbanized City” category with 557 followed by DILG-Zamboanga City with 317; and 247 for DILG-Quezon City. With 284 Safety Seal certifications issued, the DILGSan Carlos City in Pangasinan led the “Component City/ Independent Component City” category followed by Candon City, Ilocos Sur with 272; and 231 for DILG-Ormoc. The winners for the “Municipality” category was DILG-Santiago taking home the 1st place with 289 Safety Seal certifications issued and followed by DILG-Narvacan with 258; and DILG-Magsingal with 208. The Safety Seal program awards public and private establishments or buildings with a Safety Seal indicating that a particular building or establishment is compliant with health protocols against Covid-19. (Zamboanga Post)
A photo released by the ZABIDA shows Mayor Beng Climaco during the annual assembly of the local Federation of Civil Society Organizations. Continued from page 1 throughout her term. “We are optimistic that our feats in mainstreaming CSOs in the local government bureaucracy can be sustained,” Climaco said during the annual assembly of the local Federation of Civil Society Organizations held recently. Climaco, who is now running for congresswoman in District 1, vowed her unwavering support and partnership with the CSOs, saying her administration had really focused in promoting people participation that largely benefited the Zamboangueño people. She also praised the active participation of the ZABIDA led by its Executive Director Esperancita Hupida; the Zamboanga City Federation of Civil Society Organizations through its president Juliet Tigo; and the Reach Out to Other Foundations led by its president, Dr. Grace Rebollos.
Hupida said Climaco emphasized the importance of organized CSOs and their voice in representing Sectoral issues to the local government. ZABIDA is a consortium of four nongovernmental organizations namely the Katilingban sa Kalambuan, Inc.; Peace Advocates Zamboanga; Reach Out to Others Foundation; and Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. which are all committed to uplift the quality of life of disadvantaged sectors in Zamboanga City and Basilan. Climaco said the strong partnership between her administration and CSOs is made possible by the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator under Engineer Rodrigo Sicat through Jessie Lapinid. In 2016, the Climaco administration had implemented the Empowerment Program for Basic Sectors, a
series of training intended to increase capacity of CSOs in investment programming, planning, project development and management, project monitoring, preparation of proposal, meeting minutes and budgeting. And in 2017, the ZABIDA and other CSOs partnered with the local government in the implementation of the first-ever Community Based Monitoring System in Zamboanga City. The next year, the local government also launched the Community Engagement Program for Basic Sector which was instituted by the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator to capacitate CSOs in the local government bureaucracy. And last July, Climaco signed Executive Order 668 creating the CSO Desk which institutionalizes the promotion of people participation. (Zamboanga Post)
‘Job well done’
Mayor Beng Climaco, chairwoman of the Regional Peace and Order Council, after its first quarter meeting in Zamboanga City. (Eugene Elnar) Continued from page 1 Mayor Beng Climaco for her exemplary performance as chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council the past six years. Interior Secretary Eduardo Año sent the award through DILG Regional Director Faizal Abutazil for a “job well done” after the first quarter meeting of the RPOC-9 in Zamboanga City. Climaco thanked Año and Abutazil for the appreciation of her strong leadership as she also expressed gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for the trust and confidence in appointing her as chairwoman of RPOC-9.
The RPOC plays a vital role in maintaining peace and order in the region as it is tasked to formulate plans and recommend such measures which will improve or enhance peace and order and public safety in its area of responsibility. During the meeting, Climaco authored and passed a resolution which seeks for the designation of special lawyers that would render free legal services to law enforcers - members of the Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency - involved in the government’s anti-drug campaign. She said most anti-drug
enforcers are often exposed to charges while in line of duty, adding the PNP and PDEA should designate their own lawyers, who would provide free legal assistance to enforcers facing charges in line of duty. This, she added, is in full accord to President Rodrigo Duterte’s public statement to the anti-drug enforcers: “Ako ang bahala.” Climaco also commended the PNP and PDEA, and other law enforcement agencies and even the military’s support, for the successful anti-drug campaign not only in Zamboanga City, but the entire region as well. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
March 28-April 3, 2022
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go. Photos by : Bong Serondo, Eugene Elna, Giana Andrion and Christine Lim.
March 28-April 3, 2022
The Zamboanga Post Exclusive
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Robredo-Sara tandem launched
Photos released to the Mindanao Examiner regional newspaper show Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez at the launching of the ROSA 2022 tandem in Cagayan de Oro City on Monday evening, March 21, 2022. Continued from page 1 It was unclear if there were other politicians or groups behind the ROSA 2022 tandem campaign apart from Climaco’s group. “VP Leni and Mayor Inday are both empowered women. Pareho silang hindi iniwan ang Zamboanga City at tinulungan kami lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya. VP Leni instituted Angat Buhay livelihood programs in Mindanao at diyan ko nakita ang pagmamahal niya sa bayan at ang kanyang abilidad na masolusyonan
ang problema ng kahirapan. Si VP Leni hindi rin nakalimot sa Zamboanga City sa panahon ng pandemya. Nagpadala siya ng mga PPEs, launched E-Consulta and gave Covid Care kits for our covid positive patients,” Climaco said. “Like VP Leni, is another woman - a daughter, a mother, a lawyer and Mayor of Davao City - si Inday Sara Duterte. She is a leader who is courageous in battle. Mayor Inday, like VP Leni, also helped Zamboanga City in the time of
pandemic - whether it was the newborn screening tests for babies or the provision of RT-PCR machines. Hindi niya kami iniwan. She also assisted victims of the (military) C130 plane crash (in Sulu province on July 4, 2021) and airlifted them from Zamboanga to Davao - she showed her dedication to help and left a mark on how a woman's passion for service like that of VP Leni can go out of their way to serve with a heart,” she added. Climaco said Zambo-
anga and Davao are sister cities and that Duterte considered her as a big sister. “Davao City is a Sister City of Zamboanga and I am Mayor Inday's Big Sister. She considers me as her Ate,” she said, recalling their trip to the United States two years ago. Even Duterte posted on her Facebook page in January about the trip – on the invitation by Washington for a series of lectures and meetings for the project “Strong Cities, Strong Partnerships: A Comprehensive Approach to Preventing Terrorism in Southeast Asia” under the auspices of the International Visitor Leadership Program of the Department of State. Duterte said Climaco took care of her and ensured that there is a steady supply of food in her room
during their stay at the US. “Throwback muna tayo sa trabaho bago naging pandemic ang Covid-19. January 23, 2020, two years ago today, dumalo ako sa 88th Winter Meeting ng US Mayors, kasama ko Si Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco na aking naging kaibigan dahil sa work trip na ito,” Duterte said. She said Climaco even gave her ginger ale, the first time she tasted the carbonated drink made from ginger root. “Alaga nya (Climaco) ako (at) laging may pagkain ang kwarto ko panlaban sa gutom at siya ang nag-introduce sa akin sa ginger ale na napakasarap pala,” Duterte said. Climaco, reacting from Duterte’s social media post, said: “It was a wonderful experience to learn side by side with Mayor Inday. We
look forward to a stronger, safer Zamboanga City where children and young people are given the opportunity to chase their dreams and aspirations.” In 2020, Duterte facilitated the donation of two RT-PCR test machines, including 25,000 sets of disposable specimen sampling kits to the local government of Zamboanga City. The local governments of Davao and Zamboanga City also signed a sisterhood accord in July of the same year. The sisterhood agreement intends to create and fortify an open communicative atmosphere to induce a heightened exchange of ideas, particularly in the fields of tourism and culture, agriculture and trade and commerce. (Mindanao Examiner)
Zambo unveils another historical marker ZAMBOANGA CITY has added another historical marker in the island-barangay of Manalipa documenting the documenting the passage of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Department of Tourism led the unveiling of the marker which was attended by local officials. In a statement from the local government Facebook page, it said: “Mula sa katubigan ng Cauit (Cawit, Lungsod ng Zamboanga) at Subanin (tinatayang bahagi ngayon ng Lungsod ng Zamboanga), narating ng ekspedisyon ang katubigan ng pulo ng Monoripa (Manalipa, Lungsod ng Zamboanga), Oktubre 1521.” “Naisulat ni Antonio Pigafetta, tagapagtala ng ekspedisyon, na ang mga bangka rito ay sya ring tirahan ng mga tao (tinatawag ngayong Bangkang Lepa). Naglayag sila pahilagang-kanluran ( Tangway ng Zamboanga) at sunod na narating ang katubigan ng Sulltanato ng Maguindanao. Ang panandang pangkasaysayang ito ay pinasinayaan bilang ambag sa paggunita sa ika- 500 anibersaryo ng unang
pagikot sa daigdig.” Last December, Mayor Beng Climaco also led representatives from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Department of Tourism in the unveiling of a similar marker in Barangay Cawit. Magellan led a voyage in 1519 and was concluded by a Spanish navigator Juan Sebastian Elcano in 1522. The Magellan-Elcano expedition was the earliest known to circumnavigate the globe and this expedition reached the Philippines in 1521. A third historical marker is expected to be unveiled soon in a Subanin territory in Zamboanga. The markers are part of the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, a series of observances organized to mark the 500th anniversary of various events in the country, notably the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines, the role of the country in the Magellan–Elcano circumnavigation, and the victory of Lapulapu in the Battle of Mactan. When the NHCP traced this voyage in the Philippines, it found out that Magellan traveled to Zamboanga City, specifically in Cawit, Subanin
and Manalipa and based on the chronicles of Italian scholar and explorer Antonio Pigafetta where they traded Cinnamon with the locals in Cawit. Pigafetta joined the expedition to the Spice Islands led by Magellan under the flag of the emperor Charles V and after Magellan’s death in the Battle of Mactan, the subsequent voyage around the world. Climaco thanked the NHIP for including Zamboanga City in the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines. “We have a long and colorful history and Zamboanga and its people are proud to be part of this historical commemorations,” she said. Zamboanga was chosen in 1569 as the site of the Spanish settlement and garrison on La Caldera (now part of Barangay Recodo). Zamboanga City was one of the main strongholds in Mindanao, supporting colonizing efforts in the south of the island and making way for Christian settlements. It also served as a military outpost, protecting the island against foreign invaders and pirates. In 1599, the Zamboanga fort was closed and transferred to Cebu due to
The Manalipa historical marker. (Image: City Govt.) great concerns about an attack by the English on that island, which did not occur. After having abandoned the city, the Spaniards as well as some Latin-American mercenaries from Peru and Mexico, joined forces with troops from Pampanga and Visayan soldiers from Bohol, Cebu and Iloilo, and reached the shore of Zamboanga to bring peace to the island against pirates. In 1635, Spanish officers and soldiers, along with Visayan laborers, settled in the area and construction began on Fort San Jose or what is
now known as Fort Pilar to protect the inhabitants of the area from piracy. Zamboanga became the main headquarters of the Spaniards on June 23, 1635, upon approval of King Philip IV of Spain, and the Spanish officially founded the city. Thousands of Spanish troops, headed by a governor general from Spain, took the approval to build the first Zamboanga fortress or Fort Pilar to forestall enemies in Mindanao. There were also a hundred Spanish troops sent to fortify the nearby Presidio of Iligan.
The Zamboanga fortress became the main focus of a number of battles between Moros and Spaniards during Spanish rule in the region from the 16th century to the 18th. Spain was forced to abandon Zamboanga temporarily and withdraw its soldiers to Manila in 1662 after the Chinese under Koxinga threatened to invade the Spanish Philippines. Zamboanga became a chartered city under Commonwealth Act No. 39 and it was inaugurated on February 26, 1937. (Zamboanga Post)
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March 28-April 3, 2022
Across : 1. Doctors’ org. 4. Highway entrance 8. Hill of sand 12. Traitor 13. Realm 14. Larges continent 15. Weep 16. Declaration 18. Liveliness 20. Ranting speeches 21. Recipe verb 23. Part of the UK 24. More congenial 26. Expressed scorn 30. ___ Thurman of “Paycheck” 31. Prepares copy 33. Aussie bird 34. Molded dessert 36. Fainthearted 38. Foil metal 39. Love excessively 40. Embellished 44. Sizzling 45. Tiny 47. Spud bud 50. Frozen desserts 51. Salty drop 52. Witness 53. School table 54. Shade providers 55. Asphalt Down : 1. Rainbow shape 2. Spoil 3. Out of the ordinary 4. Grating sound 5. Gallery exhibi 6. Steak, e.g. 7. Doctor’s client 8. Ham 9. Not new 10. On cloud ___ 11. Snacks 17. Author ___ Hemingway 19. Before, in verse 21. Cozy 22. Use a stopwatch 25. Eye part 26. Vice
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Answer to last week’s crossword:
3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro St., Tetuan, Zamboanga City Phone & Fax: (062) 9555360 Mobile: (0915) 3976197
27. Most distant 28. Send out 29. Guy 32. Eating area 35. In danger (2 wds.) 37. Altar vow (2 wds.) 40. Between 41. Gambling cubes 42. Till bills 43. Fencing event 44. That woman’s 46. Battering ___ 48. Positive vote 49. Poet’s eternity
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The Zamboanga Post
March 28-April 3, 2022
Man in Leni bomb threats on FB freed
A police photo shows Franz M. Delos Santos being investigated for posting a bomb threat during Vice President Leni Robredo's political rally in Zamboanga City on Thursday, March 17, 2022.
A screen shot of Delos Santos’ post was also shared by a Netizen on the police Facebook page. LOCAL POLICE freed a Marcos loyalist after investigators failed to file charges against him for posting a bomb threat on his Facebook page during a political rally here of Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running for the presidency in the May election. The Zamboanga City Police Office released a statement saying the suspect, Franz M. Delos Santos had deleted his post after it went viral, and that the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit under Lt. Col. Allan Docyogen “issued a certification that their unit was not able to conduct Facebook preservation relative to the said issue as the original post was already deleted and the Facebook was already deactivated and the pieces of evidence at hand will be baseless and cannot be used as material evidence in filing a case against the doer.” A screen shot of Delos Santos’ post was also shared by a Netizen on the police Facebook page. Delos Santos is a supporter of Bongbong
Marcos, who is also running for president. Delos Santos posted this on his social media page: “What if may bomb threat sa abong abong mamaya? kasalanan ba ni BBM yun? Hehehe sana meron.” Abong-Abong in Pasonanca Park was where Robredo and Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar held the rally which was attended by an estimated 27,000-35,000 people on March 17. Police said Delos Santos had apologized for his mistake which he posted on his Facebook page before finally deleting it all. “Dear VP Leni and for my fellow citizen (sic) of the Zamboanga City. I want to say sorry sa mga sinabi. Sana mapatawad nyo ako sa post na nagawa ko kanina. Sana mapatwad nyo ako. To Ma’am Beng (Salazar), our beloved city mayor, sorry po talaga for my actions for putting Zamboanga City in bad light. Sa Facebook friends ko na nakakita ng post ko, sana mapatawad nyo po ako, and please delete the screen-
shots and refrain from posting. Thank you, I hope you’ll give me another chance,” he said. The police Facebook page was flooded with comments from angry residents who criticized Delos Santos while others wanted him jailed. “You're willing to endanger others just because fanatico ka ni BBM? Who is your role model? Him? Shame on you,” wrote Maria Noveliz Arcillas Hannah. Mel B Ras also said: “Let this be a lesson to others. Think twice, thrice before you post and be ready for the consequences.” “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes, smh. Imagine going to jail simping for a politician who doesn't even know you exist,” wrote Hiraya Manawari. Corleone Juan Roque also criticized Delos Santos, saying: “Yikes, Desperado naman galawan kahit makapaminsala basta manalo manok.” He was referring to Marcos’ candidacy. “Example yan ng mga taong lahat gagawin masira lang ang kalaban ni BBM… di naman kayo bibigyan ng medal ng candidate nyo ayan patulong ka sa kanya... para fi ka makulong,” said Mhineflor M Magalang. Eenare Camp Liver also lauded the police for successfully tracking down Delos Santos. “Ayun good job policemen/policewomen .Ganyan kakitid mga utak ng fanatico ng mga BBM dahil dehado, desperado at insecure na kaya ganyan na laman ng mga utak nila.. cla yung tunay na lutang at obob. MORE REHAS PA,” the post reads. Abby Castillo Barrion also shared the screenshots of Delos Santos post and said: “Calling the Zamboanga City Police Office...ito po ba ang kailangan nyong pruweba…kya pakikulong na po yan..pra hindi na po pamarisan!!Marami pong salamat mga Sir. Mabuhay po kayo!” The mayor has not issued any statement on Delos Santos. (Mindanao Examiner)
More indigent Zamboangueños get cash aid from Beng
Mayor Beng Climaco during the distribution of cash aid in the west coast. (Bong Seronda) Continued from page 1 of the health crisis. The cash aid is part of the Local Social Amelioration Program (LSAP) of the Climaco administration to help poor families cope with the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. “Esta asistencia es parte de nuestro programa: sanar a los enfermos y alimentar a los hambrientos, y ayudar a los pobres en este momento de la pandemia,” (This assistance is part of our program to heal and the sick and feed the hungry, and help the poor in this time of the pandemic) she told the beneficiaries of the pro-poor program. The cash distribution was held in Barangays Cawit, Ayala and Labuan. Since last year, Climaco made sure that poor Zamboangueños will continue to benefit from the LSAP, which
covers not only those severely affected by the pandemic, but also senior citizens who get P6,000 each from the program on top of other benefits such as birthday cash gift, among others; and people who recovered from Covid-19 also get as much as P5,000 for severe infection and P3,000 for moderate or mild infection. The cash aid covers only those who were infected with the Covid-19 starting June 1, 2021, as the 2021 Supplemental Budget 1, where the funds are taken, was approved only last June. The LSAP rollout for Covid-19 survivors started in August. Climaco, now in her third and last term, said the financial aid to the vulnerable sectors is intended to help alleviate their plight. “The financial aid we are giving to the people is also
the people’s money, thus it should go back to the people in the form of financial assistance and projects and programs aimed at improving their welfare, their lives,” Climaco, who is running for congresswoman in District 1 in the May election. The distribution of cash aid is being facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) with paymasters from the City Treasurer’s Office. LSAP covers different sectors affected by the pandemic from the indigent to people with disabilities – with each receiving P1,500. The CSWDO said indigent residents can go to the CSWDO field office and register to be able to benefit from the LSAP, which has already helped a huge number of the indigent population. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
March 28-April 3, 2022
March 28-April 3, 2022
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Urban poor sector praises mayor
M
EMBERS OF the Cabatangan Urban Poor Federation thanked Mayor Beng Climaco for continuously assisting them and for other pro-poor programs and projects her administration has implemented. Climaco, who graced the recent thanked the members for their strong welfare of the urban poor sector. general assembly of the Cabatangan support of her administration as she The mayor, who is running for Urban Poor Federation held, also outlines her priority programs for the congresswoman in District 1, vowed to
continue and prioritize the urban poor sector should she win in the May polls. “I have a lot of things to continue after my term should I win the congressional race. The poor have a special place in my heart and they will always be,” she
Mayor Beng Climaco with members of the Cabatangan Urban Poor Federation. (Bong Serondo)
told the Zamboanga Post when asked about her meeting with the federation members. Climaco lamented that her Largo Vida program was discontinued by councilors allied with former lawmaker Celso Lobregat, whom she defeated in the 2019 election; and Rep. Mannix Dalipe. She said the Lobregat-Dalipe councilors not only “killed” the Largo Vida program, but they also trashed other important pro-poor projects when they slashed the local government budget because of their own vested interest. The mayor was referring to opposition councilors Monsi dela Cruz, who is now deceased; John Dalipe, BG Guingona, Mike Alavar, Litlit Macrohon, Khymer Olaso, Lilibeth Nuño, Cary John Pioc, VP Elago, and Jerry Perez – who removed the Vida program’s vital funding in the P4.38 billion 2021 Executive Budget. The Largo Vida program was Climaco’s initiative that started in 2018 and which she had intended to expand to over 60,000 beneficiaries had it not trashed by the councilors.
The mayor said the Vida program was really aimed at creating a more lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of all its beneficiaries, including the urban poor sector, because it contained various projects such as Salva Vida and Cuida Vida, which could have benefited senior citizens, low income families, disadvantaged communities, marginalized sectors, most affected families of the Covid-19 pandemic and other vulnerable members of society. Climaco said the actions of the Lobregat and Dalipe allies in the City Council not only affected some 17,000 senior citizens, but also the 400 “lifeliners,” including women and those who are out-of-school and mostly breadwinners of their families, who were tapped to tirelessly deliver health assistance door-to-door to every elderly beneficiaries of the Largo Vida. It is only during the time of Climaco that such programs and social services benefitted thousands of senior citizens and the vulnerable sector. (Zamboanga Post)
Repairs of sports swimming pool completed THE ZAMBOANGA City Sports Division announced the completion of repairs of the swimming pool at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex and is now ready for public use. City Sports Director Dr. Cecil Atilano said the rehabilitation and repair of the Olympic-sized swimming pool started two years ago along with the fencing of the four tennis courts inside the 619,000 square foot multiuse sports complex which can hold around 10,000 people. Last January, the Department of Public Works and Highways, which is responsible for the rehabilitation of the sports complex, and its contractors, also committed to repair damaged rubberized track at the stadium after Mayor Beng Climaco together with Vice Mayor Rommel Agan and Councilor Bong Atilano and personnel from the City Engineer’s Office and City Sports Division made a surprise inspection.
After the inspection, Climaco’s group held a meeting with representatives from the DPWH and contractors RCDG Construction Corporation and R.U. Aquino Construction and Development Corporation. The project is a joint venture between the two contractors and they committed to undertake rehabilitation of damaged facilities, particularly the rubberized track. It was started on March 21, 2016 and completed on January 1, 2019. In September last year, DPWH Project Engineer Shadimar Jalaidi said they told the private contractors to immediately repair the damaged portion of the rubberized track. Jalaidi said the contractors will start the repair soon because the project is still within the oneyear warranty period since the formal turnover of the P199-million sports complex in February 2021. He said the certificate of completion and other bills for final payment have also been with-
Zamboanga Peninsula
held pending corrective measures on the defects. DPWH Assistant Secretary Maximo Carvajal, who led the turnover of the sports complex together with DPWH Regional Director Cayamombao Dia, bragged that the stadium, built in 1992, is now back to its old glory. They even claimed the complex as “world class” after the rehabilitation and Dia praised those behind it and the perseverance and hard work of the men and women of DPWH-9, including the designers, the estimators, the project supervision team and the contractor for successfully implementing the project that started.” The project involves the construction of the oval track, ball game courts, playing field, bleachers, toilet and shower, and other facilities. It also includes general painting works for the entire building and roofs, replacement of lighting fixtures, installation of roll-up doors, upgrading of plumbing systems, construc-
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tion of new septic vault, and new gates along the Western Mindanao State University and R.T. Lim Boulevard. The stadium was damaged
after it was used by the government as temporary shelter for thousands of families displaced by the siege of 2013 when loyal supporters of Moro National
Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari raided Zamboanga and street battle lasted for three weeks leaving dozens of people dead. (Zamboanga Post)
OPINION
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco
“I AM has sent me to you!” Moses notices the burning bush and listens to God’s call. In the Reflections of Creighton University, we are asked to imitate Moses. Refliji el maga momento de vida ordinario que tiene espesyal significancia. Tiene vez we take things for granted that we miss opportunities that could be God’s message to us. That’s why in the Daily Examen of St. Ignatius we review the events that transpired in the day and see God’s presence, ask God’s loving mercy and be thankful and hopeful for life. They say, what could’ve happened if Moses did not stop to look at the burning bush? The Psalm: The Lord is kind and merciful. He pardons all your inequities, heals all your ills, He redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with kindness and compassion. The Homily last week expresses God’s love and
Sulu
mercy, bien largo paciencia. El Señor quiere aspiri kita, levanta otra vez desde maga culpa kay ele ta dale perdon y misericordia! This was narrated when the fig tree was spared from being cut. The gardeners asked for a year, the three years he has been tending the tree to bear fruit. It has been two years since Covid-19 locked down and what did the lockdowns teach us. Losing my 100 year old uncle and his wife are realities of Covid burials which are quick. I was blissful seeing the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. It has been two years and we see more people out with their children like the opening of Kidzoona, the Layag Rally for Leni, assemblies for Urban Poor Communities, Civil Society Assembly and the Basketball VisMin cup. All our patience and sacrifices will pay off knowing our Lord and Saviour Journeyed with us from the cross to Calvary to victory to salvation! (MBC)
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