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‘Team Climaco’ rallies, dinaragsa!

P

ATULOY NA dinadagsa ng libo-libong mga tao sa iba’t-ibang barangay ang campaign rally ni Mayor Beng Climaco na ngayon ay tumatakbo bilang congresswoman sa District 1.

Mistulang meeting de Team Climaco mula ng ya para sa mga lokal na avance ang bawat rally ng magsimula ang kampanContinue on page 2

Bird flu triggers stricter measures in Zambo THE LOCAL government has banned the entry of all species of live birds,

Punong-puno ng tao ang rally ni Mayor Beng Climaco sa Barangay Camino Nuevo, isa pang balwarte ng Team Climaco.

including day-old chicks and pullets or hens less than a year old; and fresh

Beng is ‘National Resilience Council’ Champion THE NATIONAL Resilience Council has recognized Zamboanga City’s Continue on page 7

Residents told to observe public health protocols CHIEF COVID fighter Mayor Beng Climaco told residents to strict-

ly observe public health protocols by wearing face masks in crowded areas,

Mayor Beng Climaco is one of the "National Resilience Council" Champions and cited her dynamic leadership and unwavering dedication to achieving resiliency and sustainability in Zamboanga City.

especially now that the campaign season for local Continue on page 5

Bongbong Marcos thanks Mayor Beng PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE Bongbong Marcos thanked Mayor Beng Climaco for the hospitali-

ty of the Zamboangueño people following his successful campaign rally in Zamboanga City.

Thousands of people attended the Marcos campaign rally last week, but Continue on page 5

Limited face-to-face classes begin THE LIMITED face-toface classes in public and private schools have Continue on page 3

Mayor Beng Climaco visits the Santa Barbara Elementary School despite her busy schedule to find time to meet and greet the children. (Argie Ramos)

Zamboanga Peninsula

Basilan

and salted eggs, among other poultry products Continue on page 2

La alcaldesa Climaco critica a la oposicion EL ALCALDE BENG Climaco ha vuelto a arremeter contra la oposicion y ha dicho a los aliados del ex congresista Celso Lobregat y del congresista Mannix Dalipe que no hagan politica con la vida de los zamboangueños, especialmente en esta epoca de pandemia.

“Cuando la mayoria de los miembros del Concejo elimino resueltamente Continue on page 3

Una anciana saluda al alcalde Beng Climaco durante su visita en Barangay La Paz. Los adultos mayores y sus familias están apoyando a Climaco, quien se postula para congresista en el Distrito 1.

Sulu

Tawi-tawi

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The Zamboanga Post

April 4-10, 2022

‘Team Climaco’ rallies, dinaragsa!

Continued from page 1 kandidato nitong Marso 25. Ayon sa ilang aides ni Climaco, kahit pagsamahin umano ang campaign rally ng Team

Colorao ni Celso Lobregat at Team Dalipe ni Rep. Mannix Dalipe ay di-hamak na mas marami ang mga dumadalo sa kampanya ni Climaco.

Nabatid pa na pawang “plataforma de gobierno” at accomplishments ni Climaco at ng mga kasamahan nito ang siyang pinakikinggan ng husto at

Siksikan ang mga dumalo sa rally ng Team Climaco sa Barangay Talon-Talon, na kilalang balwarte ni Mayor Beng Climaco.

Bird flu triggers stricter measures in Zambo Continued from page 1 following the breakout of bird flu in Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna and Camarines Sur provinces in Luzon.

Mayor Beng Climaco has issued Executive Order 720 on March 16 implementing a monthlong temporary total ban that covers ready-to-lay pullets, ducks and quails, balut, manure and other products and by-products from Luzon and other areas affected by avian influenza viruses.

These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed the outbreak of bird flu in Bulacan and Pampanga after birds, ducks and quails were tested positive for the Asian highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

The Zamboanga City Livestock and Poultry Board also urged the public to report unusual sickness and mortality of

poultry birds, ducks, pet birds to the local government and for residents to avoid contact with wild or migratory birds and not to touch or consume poultry birds, ducks, quails which have died from unknown causes.

Two years ago, the local government expanded its tight control on the entry of animals and processed meats in an effort to prevent local contamination or exposure to viruses and diseases with the Office of the City Veterinarian requiring all shippers of poultry to obtain a permit prior to the entry of fowls in Zamboanga City after the breakout of avian influenza and Newcastle diseases among fowls.

The World Organization for Animal Health said ND is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects birds including domestic poultry. ND is transmitted most often by direct contact with diseased or carrier birds.

It can also be a public health risk as it can infect humans, causing conjunctivitis although the condition is generally very mild and self-limiting.

Last year, Climaco

also established the African Swine Fever (ASF) Prevention and Control Committee in response to the viral outbreaks in Luzon and some parts of Mindanao.

Climaco issued Executive Order No. BC 5962020 which underscored the need for the immediate adaption of the National African Swine Fever prevention program to protect Zamboanga from the dreaded animal disease and protect the swine industry and stakeholders.

The ASF virus is transmitted by direct contact, ingestion of garbage or swill feeds containing unprocessed infected pig meat or pig meat products, ticks and biting flies, and contaminated premises, vehicles, equipment and clothing.

While not a human health threat, the ASF is capable of annihilating the entire swine industry.

As of yet, no vaccine or treatment exists to combat the virus. But stringent importation policies, early detection and strict biosecurity measures are being carried out to ensure Zamboanga City remains ASF-free.

(Zamboanga Post)

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pinapalakpakan ng mga tao.

Sa bawa’t simula at pagtatapos ng campaign rally ni Climaco ay nagdarasal ito ng taimtim at nagpapasalamat sa Panginoon Diyos sa patuloy na pag-gabay sa kanyang landas na tinatahak. Sa katunayan, bago pa nagsimula ang campaign rally ay nagtungo si Climaco at kanyang mga kandidato sa Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at nagdasal doon at tumuloy rin sa Fort Pilar Shrine upang magtirik ng kandila at muling nagdasal.

“El Ciudad de Zamboanga ta esta resistente y ta continua progresa. El esfuerzo del diatun administracion ta ayuda alevia el vida del maga vivientes amediante el pandemia para na bienestar y proteccion del entero familia Zamboangueño. Cristiano man, Muslim o Lumad, todo ta esta unido. El mas mejor seguridad, de calidad educacion, buen salud y mas vivo economia que ta dale trabaho y oportunidad asegurao, porcausa na grande amor y prosperidad ta ofrece para na Ciudad de Zamboanga,” pahayag pa ni Climaco sa kanyang Facebook page.

Kabilang sa line up ng Team Climaco ay sina Kim Elago bilang congressman

sa District 2; Jawo Jimenez sa pagka-mayor; at Pinpin Pareja bilang vice mayor.

Sa pagka-konsehal naman sa District 1 ay sina Los Eli Angeles, Ben Asdali, Gian Enriquez, Selina Espiritusanto, Joel Esteban, El King Omaga, at Marj Santa Teresa. At sa District 2 ay sina Philip Abuy, Tiffany Cabanlit, Sonny Boy Jalani, Jung-Jung Macrohon, Percival Miravite, Elong Natividad, Eddie Saavedra at James Siason.

Pinasalamatan rin ni Climaco ang lahat ng mga Zamboangueños

na walang humpay ang suporta sa kanya at mismong mga residente na ang nagbo-boluntaryong mangampanya para sa Team Climaco.

Nanawagan naman si Climaco sa publiko na iboto ang lahat ng nasa Team Climaco upang masigurong maipagpapatuloy ang iba’t-ibang mga pro-poor programs at projects para sa ikauunlad ng Zamboanga. “Vote straight Team Climaco si queremos que la paz y el progreso continua,” ani mayor. (Zamboanga Post)

The Zamboanga Post

April 4-10, 2022

3

La alcaldesa Climaco critica a la oposicion

Limited face-to-face classes begin Continued from page 1 resumed in Zamboanga following the recommendations by experts and the Department of Education as the country prepares for the new normal.

The Regional Peace and Order Council chaired by Mayor Beng Climaco is also supportive of the resumption of the limited face-toface classes. But Climaco pointed out that students and teachers and other school officials and personnel must be fully vaccinated and receive their booster shot against Covid-19 to ensure the safety of everybody.

The mayor, a teacher by profession, also visited the students at the Santa Barbara Elementary School despite her busy schedule to find time to meet and greet the children. Faculty members and the students were happy to see the mayor and thanked her for visiting the school.

The Department of Education has also allowed limited face-to-face graduation in schools in areas under Alert Levels 1 and 2. “With the continuous downward trend of Covid-19 cases and easing of restrictions, we are allowing the conduct of limited face-to-face and virtual graduation, depending on the alert level status in each region,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

For schools in areas under Alert Levels 3, 4 and 5, Briones said they will only allow virtual graduation rites through an appropriate social media platform.

Mayor Beng Climaco visits the Santa Barbara Elementary School despite her busy schedule to find time to meet and greet the children. (Argie Ramos) Schools nationwide are set to conduct graduation rites from June 27 to July 2 following the end of the school year on June 24, while private schools may implement the schedule as reflected in their respective school calendars. However, schools, divisions, or regions with an extended school year due to suspension of classes shall be guided by their approved revised school calendar.

Meanwhile, the City Health Office also dispatched its dental team led

by Dr. Rowel Lubian with

Dr. Elmer About and Dr. Zandro Benitez conducted dental checkup and fluoride treatment to some 300 elementary pupils at the Culianan Elementary School. They also conducted lectures on oral hygiene.

The project was a joint effort of the local government and the Department of Education headed by Dr. Rachel Sinon and her nurses. Culianan Elementary School Principal Victoriano Miguel thanked the City Health Office and the Department of Education.

(Zamboanga Post)

Continued from page 1 asignaciones vitales (para) Largo Vida, nos duele ver a los ciudadanos de la tercera edad suplicando la reactivacion de este programa que podria haberlos beneficiado a ellos, a sus familias de bajos ingresos y a sus comunidades desfavorecidas especialmente en el apogeo de la pandemia de Covid-19. No hagamos política con la vida de las personas,” dijo Climaco, quien se postula para congresista en el Distrito 1.

El alcalde dijo que Largo Vida fue destrozado por concejales aliados con Lobregat y Dalipe después de que acordaron colectivamente rechazar el programa a favor de los pobres.

Climaco identifico a los concejales opositores como Monsi de la Cruz, quien ya fallecio; John Dalipe, BG Guingona, Mike Alavar, Litlit Macrohon, Khymer Olaso, Lilibeth Nuño, Cary John Pioc, VP Elago y Jerry Perez.

Dela Cruz y el Dalipe mas joven compitieron bajo el partido politico de Climaco, pero finalmente rompieron lazos despues de ganar las encuestas de 2019 y se alinearon con el Team Colorao de Lobregat solo para separarse nuevamente del grupo y unirse al Team Dalipe de su hermano mayor.

Las familias de las personas mayores y aquellos que se beneficiaron de Largo Vida se comprometieron a hacer campaña y votar por Team Climaco para garantizar que el programa a favor de los pobres continúe.

“A medida que continuamos cuidando a los adultos mayores, el programa Largo Vida como estrategia liderada por LGU tiene como objetivo acercar nuestros servicios de salud a nuestros adultos mayores. A travas de los fondos LGU asignados a este programa, se minimiza la carga economica y se reducen los gastos de bolsillo de las personas de la tercera edad. Además, este es un apoyo adicional de la LGU a los suministros entregados por el DOH como parte de la acción de contingencia del gobierno de la ciudad para garantizar que no haya desabastecimiento y la provision continua de medicamentos de mantenimiento”, explico.

Climaco dijo que el programa, su creacion y el primero en Zamboanga, sirvio y distribuyo medicamentos a casi 17,000 personas mayores en 74 de los 98 barangays.

“Con los medicamentos de mantenimiento ya provistos por la LGU, brindo un alivio financiero a nuestros adultos mayores de tener que reservar fondos para comprar sus medicamentos de mantenimiento. Un adulto mayor puede ahorrar hasta P2,500 al mes siendo beneficiario del programa Largo Vida”, dijo.

Dijo que además del apoyo a los adultos mayores, el programa Largo Vida tambien brindo oportunidades de trabajo a mas de 360 personas que trabajaban como “life liner” que laboriosamente distribuian medicamentos diariamente a los adultos mayores.

El Largo Vida ahora se ha convertido en un gran tema político ya que los adultos mayores y los sectores vulnerables de la comunidad que en gran medida se benefician de el, recordaron la “gran perdida” de sus beneficios luego de que los concejales de la oposicion “mataran” el programa.

Los ancianos y los pobres podrían haber recibido mas beneficios si los concejales de la oposicion no hubieran destrozado el programa Largo Vida. Beneficiarios del Largo Vida responsabilizaron a los concejales opositores por el descalabro de la ayuda destinada a los adultos mayores y sectores desfavorecidos de la comunidad.

Los concejales de la oposicion eliminaron los fondos vitales del programa Largo Vida en el Presupuesto Ejecutivo 2021 de P4.38 mil millones que el alcalde pretendia expandir a mas de 60,000 beneficiarios este año.

La ciudad de Zamboanga tambien fue pionera en la asistencia en efectivo para personas mayores y personas con discapacidades (PWD), incluso sin el impetu de una ley nacional al crear una legislacion

El alcalde Beng Climaco es recibido por una anciana en Barangay Malagutay.

Los adultos mayores y sus familias estan apoyando a Climaco, quien se postula para congresista en el Distrito 1. local para que esto suceda, segun Climaco, y agrego que su administración ha trabajado para mejorar el acceso en empleo para PWD. “Las personas con discapacidad continúan recibiendo asistencia financiera por un monto de P1,000 para aumentar sus necesidades básicas y urgentes. Los objetivos de este programa amigable unico e inclusivo para adultos mayores y PWD apuntan a proporcionar el deber de cuidado para sus adultos mayores y miembros de PWD a través de programas de seguridad social; honrar a nuestros adultos mayores y PWD por su gran contribucion a la ciudad; y aumentar sus recursos para satisfacer sus necesidades económicas y de salud inmediatas y darles la libertad de decidir y administrar la asistencia y la oportunidad de disfrutar de sus privilegios”, dijo Climaco.

Climaco dijo que un total de 30,880 adultos mayores se beneficiaron a traves de este programa. “Tambien establecimos un mecanismo de reparacion de agravios, monitoreo y cumplimiento tanto para personas mayores como para personas con discapacidad para garantizar que nuestras politicas y programas sean observados incluso por entidades privadas. Estas modalidades unicas se pueden modelar, replicar y compartir como mejores practicas con otras LGU en todo el país”, dijo Climaco.

La alcaldesa dijo que con el sector de servicios sociales obteniendo continuamente la mayor parte del presupuesto anual del gobierno local en los ultimos 8 años, refleja claramente el compromiso de su administración de cumplir su promesa de servir a la comunidad.

La proteccion social ha sido una prioridad constante del gobierno local que, dado el espacio fiscal limitado, ha vuelto a priorizar el presupuesto para centrarse en preservar vidas y medios de subsistencia al tiempo que facilita la recuperación economica, especialmente en este momento sin precedentes de la pandemia de Covid-19, segun Climaco.

El crecimiento economico de Zamboanga se ha traducido en beneficios reales y tangibles, especialmente para los sectores pobres y vulnerables de la sociedad. “De 2014 a 2021, hemos asignado mas de P11.9 mil millones para el sector de servicios sociales que incluye S.H.E. (Seguridad, Salud y Educacion) o un equivalente de 105% de aumento en la asignación. Solo bajo el programa de servicios sociales de CSWDO, hemos asignado un total de P1.84 mil millones o un aumento de 813.86% en comparacion con el período combinado de nueve años de la administración Lobregat,” dijo el alcalde.

Climaco tambien agradecio a la gente por seguir apoyando su administracion y por apoyar sus numerosos programas a favor de los pobres. (Zamboanga Post)

4

The Zamboanga Post

April 4-10, 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, Argie Ramos, Giana Andrion and Christine Lim.

April 4-10, 2022

The Zamboanga Post Exclusive

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Zamboanga Pictures in the News

Residents told to observe public health protocols Bongbong Marcos thanks Mayor Beng Continued from page 1 his running mate Davao City Sara Duterte was notably absent.

Marcos’ group, including his local candidates led by Rep. Mannix Dalipe, held a caravan before going to the Universidad de Zamboanga Summit Center in the village of Tetuan where he spoke of his plans and used hand gestures projecting strong leadership.

His supporters cheered as Marcos spoke, promising unity among Filipinos, among other pledges he similarly said in every political rally he attended. The multipurpose indoor sport arena has a seating capacity of only 10,000. The venue of the rally was chosen by Professor Esnaen Catong, president of Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas in Zamboanga Peninsula, for security reasons and as a contingency for the unpredictable weather condition here.

Climaco approved the permit for the rally and ordered police and military to secure the university and the venue while Marcos was there. Marcos left the rally after a few hours of his arrival and headed to the airport where his jet was parked.

Mall goers continue to wear their face masks in Zamboanga City. (Image: Al Jacinto)

A photo from Mayor Beng Climaco’s social media page shows her meeting with presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos at the Zamboanga City International Airport after a campaign rally at Universidad de Zamboanga Summit Center in Barangay Tetuan.

Climaco was also waiting for Marcos at the airport and they briefly spoke, with the former senator thanking the mayor for her hospitality. They also gave each other a congenial embrace. Marcos was overheard saying “Oh my gosh, I forget, how are you, it’s been a long time,” and the duo shook hands several times.

The mayor and Marcos were former colleagues in the House of Representatives in the past and also worked together when the mayor fought for the non-inclusion of Zamboanga City in the Bangsamoro entity when Marcos was then the chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government. (Zamboanga Post)

Continued from page 1 candidates has begun.

“Ta hace acorda con todo el maga mejores para protege con el cuerpo desde el Covid-19 y maga nuevo variants, que ta esta un amenazo mundial,” Climaco said, referring to the Omicron variant and other mutations of the deadly respiratory virus.

“Tiene Cuidao Zamboanga continues to be our call for action. This campaign highlights the importance of minimum health standards and the need for personal responsibility,” she added.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, also aired a similar warning following a spike in Covid-19 cases in Asia and Europe.

“The global increase in Covid-19, cases continues driven by large outbreaks in Asia and fresh waves in Europe. Several countries are now seeing their highest death rate

since the beginning of the pandemic. This reflects the speed with which Omicron spreads and the heightened risk of death for those who are not vaccinated, especially older people.”

“We all want to move on from the pandemic, but no matter how much we wish it away. This pandemic is not over until we reach high vaccination coverage in all countries. We will continue to face the risk of infections surging and new variants emerging that evade vaccines,” he said.

Ghebreyesus said every country should target to vaccinate at least 70%

of its population to ensure herd immunity.

“The target remains to vaccinate 70% of the population of every country by the middle of this year with priority given to health workers, older people and other at-risk groups. Achieving that target is essential to save lives, prevent the risk of long Covid, protect health systems and increase population immunity. Other tools, including testing sequencing and contact tracing also remain essential and it's vital that countries don’t abandon the capacities they have built over the past two years,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)

6

The Zamboanga Post

April 4-10, 2022

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April 4-10, 2022

Beng is ‘National Resilience Council’ Champion

Books for day-care centers MAYOR BENG Climaco has distributed Early Childhood Care Development books to a child day-care center in Zamboanga City as part of her

administration’s literacy program.

Climaco, who is running for congresswoman in District 1, said tens of thousands of books will

Parents and guardians thanked Mayor Beng Climaco for the Early Childhood Care Development books distributed in Barangay Santa Barbara. Some 350 day-care centers will benefit from the literacy program of the Climaco administration. (Argie Ramos)

also be distributed to some 350 day-care centers in different barangays as part of her commitment to education.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) purchased a total of 55,555 activity books that include ABC practice books on reading, writing, science and math.

The mayor led social workers headed by Uldarico Fabian in the distribution of the books, authored by Raffy Gamad, a registered social worker. The practice book in reading was prepared and revised particularly for preschool children in daycare centers. Each lesson or page contains directions or instructions for the parents, workers and guardians on how to manage the lesson plan.

Child development workers and parents lauded the distribution of the books that will benefit the children.

In January 2019, the Climaco administration also distributed over 26,000 books to day- care centers.

(Zamboanga Post)

Continued from page 1 popular mayor Beng Climaco as one of the “Resilience Champions” during a virtual conference held recently.

In giving the award, the National Resilience Council cited Climaco’s “dynamic leadership and unwavering dedication to achieving resiliency and sustainability in Zamboanga City.”

During the conference, Climaco bannered the Zamboanga’s resiliency with its work on human security and public health, women and inclusion of the indigenous peoples in various agenda, public-private partnership, and pandemic containment, as well as her personal narrative of her experiences and insights as local chief executive.

“Throughout our resilience journey, I have learned to trust the process. The process is arduous, and requires judicious planning and preparation of teams, plans, and support systems but the hard work is all worth it,” she said.

The National Resilience Council is a science and technology-based public-private partnership that supports government, communities, the academe, and the private sector in advancing the intersecting goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement, the New Urban Agenda, and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s Making Cities Resilient Campaign.

Driven by the convergence of the visions of Ambassador Roberto Romulo and Hans Sy, of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., the National Resilience Council is cochaired by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Sy. The National Resilience Council has four vice-chairpersons representing government - Undersecretary Marivel Sacendoncillo; the private sector - Edgar Chua; academia - Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin; and civil society Professor Ernesto Garilao.

Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga is the National Resilience Council President with Marilou Erni as Executive Director and Marilou Suplido, the Senior Program Manager.

Climaco, now on her third and final term, thanked the National Resilience

Council for recognizing her efforts and hard work as mayor of Zamboanga and vows to continue working if elected congresswoman in District 1 where she is the top candidate and the only politician with the most experience. Before being elected mayor in the May 2013 election where she received the highest mandate in the city’s history, Climaco was a two-term city councilor from 1998 to 2004 after which she was immediately elected as vice mayor.

From being a local legislator and head of the City Council, she became Zamboanga’s representative in Congress for two consecutive terms (2007 to 2013).

During her second term in the House of Representatives, she became one of the six Deputy Speakers, overcoming the barriers of age and gender - she was both the youngest and the only woman who held that post during the 15th Congress.

Climaco was chosen as among “Top 5 World’s Best Mayors” by the prestigious City Mayors Foundation. She was 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 its award to Climaco, the City Mayors Foundation heavily cited the local mayor for her commitment to offer Zamboanga harmo-

ny, security and prosperity.

“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. In 2017, Mayor Climaco’s administration won the award for the most improved local government,” said the philanthropic international research think tank dedicated to local government.

The City Mayors Foundation said the award is 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.

Climaco was also recognized as the “Most Outstanding Mayor” 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

April 4-10, 2022

April 4-10, 2022

The Zamboanga Post

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Founded July 2019

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April 4-10, 2022

OPINION

Sunday Reflection

by Mayor Beng Climaco

“I SOUGHT the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” This psalm is a soothing, calming guide to me as we embark on this 9th Journey toward Public service: CAMPAIGN PERIOD FOR LOCAL CANDIDATES! The events of the past weeks when VP LENI arrived in Zamboanga and the tremendous outpouring of voluntary support showed genuine love for our Country. On a personal note, our eldest granddaughter Tania, who turned 18 this year and a Registered voter, gave VP Leni the replica of the VINTA as her contribution to LAYAG, a work of Silvie Agravante, a mother of two; and all the volunteers with Doc Anton, who stood braving the rain.

That night with the Zamboangueña valientes y Mujer mafuerza Pinpin Pareja, Tiffany Cabanlit, Selina Espiritusanto and Mommy Marj Santa Teresa, we immersed ourselves to honor Women’s Month. The Right of Suffrage was championed by my Abuelita Isabel. Being gifted with the right to vote and be voted upon, Tania and Aica, Tricia daughters of VP Leni, will exercise the right to vote. And Filipina voters must exercise our Sacred Right to vote, with men for the better Future of the Filipino Family!

PRODIGAL - “having or giving something on a lavish scale, “definition 2. The Gospel narrates the Prodigal son, who left home and wasted all the inheritance, and returned to his father because he was hungry. “Coming to his senses he thought, “How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”

So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.”

In an unexpected way the Father did not give a lecture, but responded with mercy and love for his beloved son. “But his father

ordered his servants, quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.” Then the celebration began.

Some commentaries say, the story can also be of God’s lavish generous love for us, wayward children. A Prodigal Father who lavishly pardoned and received his son with a great celebration. Parents are like that. Ya acorda yo telling my Mother who was sick with cancer after her cobalt treatment in UP-PGH, and my Dad confessing some thoughts. Mio mayores ya intende conmigo without any scolding. Mas pa el Dios recive nosotras si pedimos perdon.

Last week was a lavish and unexpected journey. We went to Cagayan de Oro for the ROSA (Robredo-Sara) launch, in support of Leni Robredo for President and Sara Duterte for Vice-President! Two Women, Two Mothers, Two Lawyers, Two Leaders who touched the lives of people by helping Zamboanga City during the Pandemic.

Being “praning” about having Covid because of soaking in the rain, my asthmatic cough, I started to ask for prescriptions for medicines and even underwent an antigen test. Following closely the Lenten Liturgy, I heard that “WE MUST NOT BE SELF ABSORBED!” Miraculously after another rainfall while departing, and the jolt of the plane, we landed safely. There, I thought less about myself and focused on the work that needed to be done. I felt better, that the symptoms still present, but less persistent in a way made the adventure meaningful.

Being afraid of getting sick because of the air con, Tania generously put it off to make me feel comfortable with my jacket, shirt, socks, pajamas and scarf covering my head. Tania wanted to sleep with Lola. And God allowed me to treasure a very special bonding that night. When I awoke, I turned on the air con for Taia, who said that I snored like a man…like her Lolo! God lavishes us with unexpected blessings and may we be grateful for all the encounters we have. Like MARY in the ANNUNCIATION- WE SAY FIAT/ YES TO GOD’s WILL! Embrace the journey courageously and obediently, let Mary our Mother lead us to JESUS! (MBC)

Zamboanga Peninsula

Basilan

Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco during the meeting with the City Peace and Order Council and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council. (Eugene Elnar)

Police bare areas with election concerns POLICE HAVE placed the cities of Zamboanga, Pagadian and Dapitan and over a dozen municipalities in the western Mindanao region under so-called “areas of immediate concern” due to the serious threats posed by terrorist groups.

Among the municipalities are La Libertad, Mutia and Sibutad, all in Zamboanga del Norte; Aurora, Kumalarang, Labangan, Lakewood, Midsalip, Pitogo and Tabina in Zamboanga del Sur; and Mabuhay, Siay and Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Police also said that 28 other municipalities were declared as “relatively peaceful and orderly”

Sulu

come election day and these are Piñan in Zamboanga del Norte; Tigbao, Tukuran, Ramon Magsaysay, Dumalinao, Margosatubig, Lapuyan, San Miguel, Tambulig, Vincenzo Sagun, Guipos, Mahayag, Dumingag, Josefina, Dimataling and San Pablo, all in Zamboanga del Sur. And Diplahan, Imelda, Ipil, Kabasalan, Malangas, Naga, Olutanga, Payao, RT Lim, Talusan, Titay and Buug in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The rest of the municipalities are under tight watch due to intense political rivalries.

This was bared by the Police Regional Office 9 during the recent Regional

Peace and Order Council meeting called by Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco, who chairs the council.

The mayor also convened the Zamboanga City Peace and Order Council and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council and discussed various issues. It was attended by officers of the Zamboanga City Police Office, Joint Task Force Zamboanga, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Department of Health, among other agencies.

(Zamboanga Post)

Tawi-tawi