The Zamboanga Post (May 2-8, 2022)

Rio Hondo leaders, residents rally behind Mayor WHILE FORMER congressman Celso Lobregat has resurrected the collapse of a wooden foot bridge in Barangay Rio Hondo four years ago, residents there and local officials thanked Mayor Beng

Climaco for her untiring efforts in the rehabilitation projects in the area.

The planks of the bridge broke in April 26, 2018 - two years after it was built - while Climaco was leading a group

Photo from the Facebook page of Barangay Government of Rio Hondo shows Mayor Beng Climaco inspecting a new 'Hong Kong' bridge which was previously made from wood planks which broke in 2018.

of congressmen led by Housing and Urban Development Committee chairman Alfredo Benitez, including Lobregat, in the inspection of the national government’s project for the victims of the Moro National Liberation Front attack in September 2013.

The House Committee Continue on page 5 Picked from the wild, in the highlands of North Cotabato and Bukidnon.

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May 2-8, 2022

Opposition supporters defect to Climaco

Z

AMBOANGUEÑOS SUPPORTING congressional aspirant Mayor Beng Climaco continues to swell after many followers of Team Lobregat and Team Dalipe defected to her group ahead of Election Day, one of her aides said.

The insider, who is nies her in campaigning to the group of the mayor privy to Climaco’s polit- in different barangays, have cited her pro-poor Continue on page 2 ical plan and accompa- said those who defected

‘ROSA’ Tandem, malakas sa Zambo!

PATULOY NA lumalakas ang tambalang “ROSA” o Robredo-Sara tandem sa Zamboanga Continue on page 2

Isang malaking standee ng ROSA tandem ang sumalubong kay Mayor Beng Climaco - na tumatakbo bilang congresswoman sa District 1 - sa kanyang house-to-house campaign sa Zamboanga.

Globe Telecom vows to improve services GLOBE TELECOM executives have met with Mayor Beng Climaco, who is running Continue on page 7

‘Cong’ Beng, may mga proposed bills na

A woman greets Mayor Beng Climaco and her team as they campaign. Climaco is running for congresswoman in District 1.

ISUSULONG NI Mayor Beng Climaco - kung sakaling manalo ito bilang congresswoman sa District 1 - ang ilang Continue on page 3

Makikita sa larawang ito ang pag-endorso ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte kay Mayor Beng Climaco noong Marso 3, 2019 matapos ang isang pulong. Si Climaco ay nasa ikatlo at huling termino na, at ngayon ay muling tumatakbo bilang congresswoman sa District 1.

Zamboanga Peninsula

Basilan

‘People’s money’ put in good use: Beng MAYOR BENG Climaco said the nine years of her administration put

in good use the “people’s money” that resulted in a progressive Zamboanga

Sulu

with a vibrant economy – a legacy she will leave Continue on page 3

Tawi-tawi

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The Zamboanga Post

May 2-8, 2022

Opposition supporters defect to Climaco

Continued from page 1 programs and humungous accomplishment the past nine years as their reasons for switching support to the Team Climaco.

“People are coming to us and saying they no longer believe in Team Lobregat, as well as Team Dalipe, and pledged their all-out support to Ma’m Beng and her line up. These people are now helping us in the campaign because they believed in Ma’m Beng’s sincerity, honesty and how she runs the government. Her many achievements speak for her legacy,” the aide said in confidence.

The 55-year old Climaco, who is running in District 1, could not be reached for her reaction to the swarm of new supporters from the opposition groups, but she previously made repeated public statements assuring Zamboangueños that she will continue prioritizing their welfare and craft more laws - if she wins in the May 9 election - that will benefit the people, especially the poor and the marginalized sectors.

Querido compueblanos But in her Facebook page, the mayor - now called by her followers as ‘Cong Beng’ – wrote this: “Querido compueblanos, este si Beng Climaco. Por nueve años como alcalde del Ciudad, nunca ya deha con ustedes na tiempo man de guerra o pandemia. Ahora, por causa na todo diatun maga esfuerzo y programa,

mas ya queda vivo el diatun economia, ya abri mucho malls y negocio que ta dale mucho trabajo y oportunidad para na todo. Ta pidi yo con ustedes todo que suporta otra vez con el Team Climaco para asegurar que hay continua el progreso para na un Nuevo Vida na Ciudad de Zamboanga: Seguridad y Prosperidad para na todo!”

In another post, the mayor said: “Nuevo Vida na Zamboanga - seguridad y prosperidad para na todo!

Security, Health and Education was my campaign battle cry when I ran for Mayor for the very first time in 2013 – these priorities reflect the concerns and challenging realities we faced as a City that year and the previous years – (we were) worried of kidnapping incidents, always on the edge for a possible bombing or another terror attack and the feeling of trepidation compounded by the rising statistics of victims of gun violence.”

“We felt the fear and anxiety of families worried about their children, the business community worried about the loss of investments and even their own safety and the decaying trust and confidence of our people on their (previous) government because of its failure of making them feel protected and safe,” she said.

The mayor stressed the need for her successor to continue what she started nine years ago, referring

to the various welfare, and peace and development programs to infrastructure projects for a more progressive Zamboanga.

“Our message now in this 2022 campaign is a message of hope overcoming fear. A message of reassurance in uncertain times and a message filled with a fighting spirit ahead of an unknown yet promising future. You all gave me the highest mandate in our City’s history when I ran for Mayor and I will forever remain grateful to all of you.

Muchas gracias otra vez la confianza que ya dale ustedes conmigo, y por causa con este, la seguridad y prosperidad de todo amo el diatun numero uno prioridad cuando ya principia kita trabaja na City Hall,” she said.

Climaco is campaigning for Rep. Jawo Jimenez to succeed her with Councilor Pinpin Pareja as his running mate. She is also campaigning for lawyer Kim Elago, who is running for congressman in District 2. The multi-awarded mayor is expected to win the congressional race as she is the most qualified and even praised by the Department of the Interior and Local Government for her achievements; and so is President Rodrigo Duterte.

Defeated In the 2019 election, Climaco defeated Lobregat, now 74-years old, in what could be a historical victory against a veteran

Residents take a picture with Mayor Beng Climaco, who is running for congresswoman in District 1.

politician who belongs to a powerful political clan that ruled Zamboanga for many decades now. The re-elected mayor won overwhelmingly with over 30,000 votes against Lobregat despite his endorsement from Duterte and his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. Lobregat was once touted as the

richest mayor in Mindanao and one of the longest and oldest serving members of the House of Representatives.

Garnering over 130,000 votes, Climaco gave a humiliating defeat for Lobregat, who claimed to have the support then of nearly 80% of barangay chairmen and various sectors

in Zamboanga. His younger brother, Jomar, also ran for a congressional seat, but was defeated for the second time since 2013.

The mayor’s legendary grandfather, Cesar Climaco, considered the greatest mayor of Zamboanga, also defeated Lobregat’s mother, Maria Clara, 35 years ago. (Zamboanga Post)

‘ROSA’ Tandem, malakas sa Zambo!

Continued from page 1 City na kung saan ay todo ang suporta ng mga Zamboangueños kay Vice President Leni bilang Pangulo at Sara sa pagka-bise presidente sa darating na halalan.

Mismong mga residente na ang naglalagay ng mga tarpaulin ng ROSA tandem sa iba’t-ibang mga barangay dito.

Masaya naman si Climaco sa malaking suporta ng publiko sa ROSA tandem.

Matatandaang nitong Marso lamang ay inulansad ang ROSA tandem sa Cagayan de Oro City na dinaluhan ng napakaraming tao. Kabilang sa mga nagsusulong ng ROSA tandem ay sina Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco, Congressmen Joey Salceda and Rufus Rodriguez.

“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,” ani Climaco na ngayon ay tumatakbong congresswoman sa District 1.

“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,” dagdag pa nito.

Sisters Magkaibigan sina Climaco at Duterte at sister cities rin ang Zamboanga at Davao.

Magkasama rin ang dalawang alkalde sa America noong Enero 23, 2020 para sa isang international meeting na “Strong Cities, Strong Partnerships: A Comprehensive Approach to Preventing Terrorism in Southeast Asia” sa ilalim ng International Visitor Leadership Program ng Department of State.

Pinuri pa ni Sara si Climaco dahil sa kabaitan at kabutihan nito. Sa kanyang Facebook post, ito ang sinulat ni Sara: “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.

Naalala pa ni Sara na alagang-alaga umano siya ni Climaco habang nasa America at parang magkapatid ang turingan sa isa’t-isa. “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,” dagdag pa ni Sara.

DDS Ang paglobo ng suporta sa ROSA tandem ay kasabay ng paglipat umano ng mga DDS o Duterte Diehard Supporters sa kampo ni Climaco upang masigurado ang panalo ni Sara at Climaco.

Ayon sa mga sources, solid ang suporta ng DDS kay Climaco dahil isa umano ito sa mga nagsusulong ng ROSA tandem. “Maraming mga DDS ang sumusuporta kay Mam Beng as in talagang marami dahil ayaw nila kay BBM at si Sara lang at ang Team Climaco ang iboboto nila,” sabi ng isang source na malapit kay Climaco.

Unang ibinalita ng The Zamboanga Post na karamihan sa mga DDS ay ayaw diumano kay presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos dahil sa iba’t-ibang isyu, kabilang dito pagnanakaw ng salapi sa ka-

ban ng bansa noong panahon ng amang Diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos Sr. At ayon pa sa ilang sources, ayaw rin ng mga BBM kay Sara dahil sa mga banat ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte kay Marcos. Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit sa lahat ng campaign rally ni Marcos at tanging “BBM, BBM” ang isinisigaw ng mga supporters nito at hindi “Duterte, Duterte,” o “Sara, Sara.”

Nais kasi ni Duterte na ang anak nitong si Sara ang pumalit sa kanya bilang Pangulo at si Senador Bong Go naman ang vice president nito. Hindi rin inindorso ni Duterte si Marcos at ilang beses pa nitong ipinahiya at ininsulto sa publiko si Marcos at binansagang “weak leader” at may “bagahe.” Tanging si Sara lamang ang inindorso ni Duterte.

Si Marcos ay nagtungo sa Zamboanga nitong Marso lamang na kung saan ay nagsagawa ito ng campaign rally sa Universidad de Zamboanga Summit Center sa Barangay Tetuan na dinaluhan ng halos 10,000 katao.

Nasa ikatlo at huling termino na si Climaco bilang alkalde at dahil sa kagustuhan ng mga Zamboangueño na maipagpatuloy nito ang kanyang maayos na paninilbihan at tulong sa mga residente – Muslim, Kristiyano at indigenous people - lalo na sa mga mahihirap kung kaya’t nagpasya itong tumakbo bilang congresswoman.

Si Climaco ay dating nang nahalal na congresswoman at naging Deputy Speaker pa dahil sa kanyang talino at malawak na kaalaman sa pulitika.

Multi-awarded rin si Climaco at maging si Duterte ay ilang ulit itong pinuri. Marami rin natanggap na papuri si Climaco mula sa Department of the Interior and Local Government at iba pang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at nongovernmental at civic organizations.

Inaasahang mananalo bilang congresswoman si Climaco dahil pulos bagito sa pulitika ang mga kalaban nito at malayong-malayo sa talino at galing ni Climaco. (Zamboanga Post)

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The Zamboanga Post

May 2-8, 2022

‘People’s money’ put in good use: Beng

Residents now enjoy the progress and vibrant economy of Zamboanga under the Climaco administration.

FOR SALE Kampilan 21 ” (P13,000)

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‘Cong’ Beng, may mga proposed bills na Continued from page 1 mga panukalang batas na magbibigay ng tulong-pinansyal sa mga estudyante, OJTs sa buong bansa.

Maging ang mabagal na Internet connection sa Zamboanga ay pinuna rin ni Climaco at nangako itong maghahain ng batas upang palakasin ang serbisyo ng mga telecom companies tulad ng Globe Telecom, Smart Communication, PLDT at DITO. Ito ang inihayag ni Climaco sa nakaraang Youth Voters’ Education Forum sa Western Mindanao State University.

“Studies have shown that while education is free in public schools, some students still drop out of school because they had no money to cover their daily needs even for their transportation

fares,” ani Climaco said.

Sinabi pa ni Climaco na ang ipapasa niyang batas ay tatawaging “Student Subsidy Bill” at kukunin ang pondo nito mula sa pamahalaan. Isusulong rin nito ang “OJT Compensation Bill” na magbibigay ng government subsidy sa mga nasa on-the-job training.

“Sa batas na ito, makakasiguro tayo na mabibigyan ng allowance ang mga nagi-internship na mga estudyante at tax incentives naman para sa mga kompaniyang magsisiguradong may karampatang bayad ang serbisyong binibigay ng mga interns. Malaki ang gastusin sa OJT at internship kung kaya mahalagang mapag-tuunan rin ito ng aksyon ng pamahalaan,” paliwanag pa ni Climaco.

Sa naturang forum,

tanging si Climaco lamang mula sa hanay ng mga tumatakbo sa Kongreso ang nakasagot at nakapag-paliwanag ng mahusay sa kanyang mga plano kung sakaling mahalal bilang congresswoman.

Malawak ang karanasan at kagalingan ni Climaco sa pulitika at naging congresswoman rin ito ng dalawang beses at nahalal pang House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao. Nanilbihan rin ito bilang city councilor at vice mayor at wala pang talo sa halalan.

Inaasahang muling magwawagi si Climaco bilang congresswoman dahil sa kanyang talino at pagiging tunay na lider. Multi-awarded rin si Climaco at mahusay ang kanyang pamamalakad sa pamahalaang-lokal at suportado ng publiko. (Zamboanga Post)

Continued from page 1 behind when she steps down after serving three consecutive terms.

Climaco said under her administration, the local government invested a “historic” amount of over P2.3 billion for the security and safety of Zamboanga and its people which was more than 200% higher - in terms of appropriations on the city’s peace and order program - compared to the nine years of the previous Lobregat administration.

During Lobregat’s time, much of the government money was just deposited in banks instead of using them for various projects. Lobregat defended his decision to deposit the money in banks, calling it “good financial management.”

She said her administration practised and engaged the community - Christians, Muslims and indigenous people - who contributed to the safety of Zamboanga. Human security, according to Climaco, is her priority not just for a safer and crime-free Zamboanga, but the local government envisions a city enjoying economic growth and opportunities for all people to embrace.

“Today, crime volume has smashed one record after another, as it goes down every year in significant percentages because we never let our guards down.

We achieved zero bombings, zero kidnappings and zero piracy which was never before done by the past administrations,” she said, acknowledging the strong support of the police and military and other law enforcement agencies.

“With all our development work, the infrastructure projects we have poured in and our enhanced peace and order situation – we have seen an influx of businesses and investors coming to Zamboanga the last nine years and

creating an unprecedented increase of jobs and livelihood opportunities for our people. Mucho trabaho por causa que manada maga negocio el ya abri aki na de atun ciudad,” the mayor said, citing local economic data showing an exponential business growth under her incumbency.

“Our economy has grown exponentially from 8,397 registered businesses in 2013 to more than 12,000 businesses in 2021 and we are projecting more growth this year and the years to come.

Zamboangueños now enjoy a wide range of options from local, national and international brands.

Even amid the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen an avalanche of new restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores and other establishments sprouting up all over the city,” she added.

Climaco said the KCC Mall de Zamboanga, the biggest in Mindanao; the CityMall Tetuan and SM-Mindpro opened un-

der her administration.

CityMall is constructing another branch in Barangay Guiwan and SM Zamboanga is also opening a bigger mall in Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue. All these businesses, she said, only show the confidence the investors have in Zamboanga under her administration.

She said the improved peace and order situation and the volume of infrastructure projects she has accomplished - compared to the past Lobregat administration - attracted not only investors, but the attention of the national government and the many awards Zamboanga reaped.

“It is during our administration that we opened KCC Mall de Zamboanga and even after the (MNLF) siege (of 2013). CityMall in Tetuan also started operating and is now constructing another branch in Guiwan. The first SM branch in Zamboanga Peninsula also opened under our term.

The SM Mindpro is now serving our people and the surrounding provinces in the (Zamboanga) Peninsula and BASULTA (Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi),” the mayor said.

“We are also excited to announce that soon to rise is another SM mall – the SM City Zamboanga along Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue which is bigger than its current mall in La Purisima Street and the Filinvest Condominium - the first high rise residential project in the region. Indeed, through leaps and bounds, we have transformed Zamboanga City. Un Nuevo Vida na Ciudad de Zamboanga lleno de Esperanza, Seguridad y Prosperidad para na todo!” she added.

(Zamboanga Post)

4

The Zamboanga Post

May 2-8, 2022

Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by Bong Serondo, Eugene Elnar, Andrei Bantoto, JCI Bougainvillea, and CSWDO

May 2-8, 2022

The Zamboanga Post Exclusive

5

Zamboanga Pictures in the News

Rio Hondo leaders, residents rally behind Mayor

Photos from the Facebook page of Barangay Government of Rio Hondo show Mayor Beng Climaco inspecting a new 'Hong Kong' bridge which was previously made from wood planks which broke in 2018.

Continued from page 1 on Housing and Urban Development was inspecting the National Housing Authority project in Rio Hondo when the bridge collapsed.

Dreams fulfilled The Barangay Government of Rio Hondo quickly came to the defense of Climaco, saying only the mayor had helped them throughout since then. In a Facebook post, it said: “The entire Barangay Government of Rio Hondo headed by our active and energetic Punong Barangay, especially all our constituents, are sincerely grateful and thankful to our dear Mayor (Beng Climaco) of Zamboanga City for her dedication and help to

fulfil our long-awaited dreams to strengthen (so-called) Hong Kong bridges.”

“After the incident on April 26, 2018, no one helped our Barangay, (what others did was just to blame others). But our dear Mayor Beng Climaco found some ways and she did not stop until what Barangay Rio Hondo enjoys today is realized. Almost all the slander and blame had been levelled at our Mayor, however, instead of blaming them and fighting back, what our dear Mayor did was she proved that in the end she is still the one who truly cares about the people of Barangay Rio Hondo and all the inhabitants of the City of Zamboanga. To our City May-

or Beng Climaco, gracias and Magsukul from the bottom of our hearts.”

The mayor thanked all the leaders and residents of Rio Hondo. “Magsukul ha mga taymanghud natu ha agama Islam, iban mga lumad sin Barangay Rio Hondo, labi luba na ha mga Barangay Officials sin Barangay. Mag tabang tabang kita niyu para a bah’gu Kabuhi, Karayawan iban Paglasa ha raayat sin Zamboanga City,” Climaco said.

Lobregat The public statement of the Barangay Government of Rio Hondo came out after Lobregat posted on his Facebook page the following: “The infamous footbridge collapse that

went viral happened four years ago (26 Apr 2018). April 26 is my mother's birthday.

The falling bridge incident did not happen in London... but right here in Rio Hondo, Zamboanga City! This footbridge was constructed in 2016 and was part of the Build Back Better program in response to the 2013 Zamboanga Siege.”

“The collapse of the Rio Hondo bridge prompted two congressional hearings, but further hearings were suspended because of the 2019 elections. Had the hearings continued, we would have the answers to so many hanging questions including whatever happened to the P6.5 K deductions from the assistance to the

beneficiaries (victims of the siege) given for Zamcelco and Water District accounts?”

Climaco had nothing to do with the alleged collections of money from residents to pay for the installation of water and electricity in their houses.

New bridge Last February, Climaco, who is running for congresswoman in District 1, inaugurated the newly-rehabilitated Rio Hondo-Mariki Bridge, saying “it stands tall and proud after the 2013 siege.”

She also branded the bridge as a “symbol of resilience and unity.” She said the rehabilitation of the iconic bridge was funded by the local government and is one of the

projects that Zamboanga Rep. Jawo Jimenez pushed because of its importance to the residents of Rio Hondo and Mariki, which connects the two barangays to mainland Zamboanga.

The handover was attended by local government and barangay officials. “The bridge is the only structure that remained after the siege and is also considered as a symbol of unity of the Muslims and Christians, and also a symbol of peace,” said Climaco.

The mayor is popular among Muslims and other indigenous tribes here because of her many programs, especially in equality and welfare programs. (Zamboanga Post)

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The Zamboanga Post

May 2-8, 2022

Across : 1. Shade tree 4. Jewish feast 9. Major network 12. Iced ___ 13. Kind of number 14. Female fowl 15. Worried 17. Fin. fund 18. Father 19. More inexperienced 21. Expended 23. Legislative body 24. Untrue 26. Dads’ partners 27. Out ___ limb (2 wds.)

28. Author Jules ___ 30. Pep rally sound 33. Water barriers 34. Lions’ sounds 36. Baltimore athlete 39. Baseball glove 40. Bother 42. 60 secs.

43. Self 44. Unrest 48. Sped 49. Male voice 50. Time period 51. Capone and Roker 52. Margins 53. Agent (abbr.)

Down : 1. List ender (abbr.)

2. Zodiac lion 3. Nelson ___ of South Africa 4. Moved quickly 5. Go wrong 6. Bell sound 7. Ralph Waldo ___ 8. Savior 9. Beijing’s country 10. Flat cap 11. Catch 16. Rascals 20. Naval officer (abbr.)

21. Alien’s ship (abbr.)

22. ___ Diego 25. Assess

Answer to last week’s crossword:

26. Mr.’s mate 29. Came out 30. Mount ___ (Seattle view) 31. Museum offering 32. Truman’s monogram 33. Speck 35. Exclude 36. Soap ___ 37. Princely 38. Golf clubs 41. Snger ___ Crosby 42. Disfigures 45. Boot tip 46. Mine find 47. Forty winks

Weekly Sudoku:

Zamboanga City 062-9555360 / 0917-7103642

Answer to last week:

Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief

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The Zamboanga Post

May 2-8, 2022

Globe Telecom vows to improve services

Globe Telecom executives meet with Mayor Beng Climaco, who is running for congresswoman in District 1, to discuss the firm's projects and Internet connectivity improvement in Zamboanga City.

Villamero’s Enterprises For all your newspaper publications or subscription to The Zamboanga Post and The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper, please call or text Villamero’s Enterprises at these numbers (062) 955-8677 and 0917-1223496. Located at Campaner Street, Zamboanga City and serving Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

OPINION

Sunday Reflection

by Mayor Beng Climaco

“I WAS hard pressed and was falling, but the LORD helped me. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my Savior. The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just...”

On this great feast of Jesus, the Divine Mercy, we offer to God all we are and beg for forgiveness of sins. Pilgrims flocked to the Divine Mercy to offer prayers. As we celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter, we lift up our hearts filled with gratitude for God’s great love and mercy to save us all. Amid the distress, may we have endurance in Jesus, this we read from the Second Reading.

La noche del pasado domingo despues reza junto con mi marido, pasada la una de la mañana, ya tormenta yo durmi por causa de cosas que te distorba conmigo. Ya hace yo preciso ofrece mio vida con Dios! I surrendered my life in God’s hands since I felt the burden of an uncertain future.

La fiesta del Divino Misericordia, ta ofrece kita di aton vida na gran amor del

Dios di aton Salvador. Si Archbishop Romulo De La Cruz ya tiene el devotion del Divine Mercy Chaplet que yo tambien te reza. Mio Auntie Dita Tugbo de Cotabato ya lleva el 3 O’ clock devotion to the Divine Mercy. “Peace be with you,” Jesus greets the Apostles as he appears to them. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

I assured myself as doubts persist that I have committed my life to Jesus. Just like Thomas, we are full of doubts. Bien asigurista na vida. We face an unknown future and we are led to simply trust God and have faith. In this feast of the Divine Mercy, we ask our Lord to send His Peace and trust in Him. “You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen me, but still believe!” (MBC)

Continued from page 1 for congresswoman in District 1, to report the improvement of its mobile phone and Internet services, among other projects, and assured her the company continues to improve connectivity, especially in remote areas.

The executives told the mayor that Globe Telecom is upgrading cell towers to further boost 4G connection which would increase the speed and Internet reliability of their subscribers, but works are expected to start after the election period.

They said the construction of cell towers in Barangay Limpapa has been approved by the government and once completed, it will boost mobile phone connection in that part of the city, adding fixed line and fiber-optic connection in the east coast barangays shall be made available soon, providing residents faster access to the Internet.

Globe Telecom is targeting to put up at least 21 cell towers in Zamboanga City before the end of the year.

Aside from Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, Inc., a wholly-owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, is also operating here.

The meeting occurred after Climaco raised concerns over the slow Internet connection in Zamboanga which has largely affected students and teachers, especially this time of the Covid-19 pandemic where face-to-face classes are limited.

The mayor, during a recent Youth Voters’ Education forum held at the Western Mindanao State University, said if she wins the election she will pass a legislation that will compel the National Telecommunications Commission and the Department of Information and Communication, including telecom companies to review existing services and provide affordable and accessible data for all, especially students.

She also questioned the unreasonable data capping being imposed by telecom firms, saying the practice is prejudicial to those who cannot afford the high cost of data plans. “As many institu-

tions shifted to online classes and virtual learning, we need to ensure that no student is left behind (in their online classes due to data capping),” Climaco said.

Bandwidth cap According to industry experts at Tech Target, data cap also known as bandwidth cap, is a service provider-imposed limit on the amount of data transferred by a user account at a specified level of throughout over a given time period, for a specified fee. The term applies to both home Internet service and mobile data plans and results in lower rates of access to online materials, especially multimedia and streaming content.

Data caps are usually imposed as a maximum allowed amount of data in a month for an agreed-upon charge. As a rule, when the user exceeds that limit, they are charged at a higher rate for further data use. However, the provider may not charge overage but instead throttle the users’ transfer rate per second beyond the limit. For example, a mobile user paying for a 4G plan may be downgraded to 3G for mobile data beyond their data cap.

Climaco said Globe Telecom has committed to consider introducing a prepaid unlimited data plan for video conferencing apps for students in response to her calls for “no data cap and yes to unli-data.”

The mayor thanked Globe Telecom for quickly responding to her appeals on behalf of the students and teachers who continue to lament the poor state of Internet service in Zamboanga. “We thank Globe for the many years of fruitful

partnership and we look forward to more joint endeavors in the future that will ensure better services for our people, ” she said.

Data According to data published by Ookla, Internet users in the country could have expected the following internet connection speeds at the start of this year: Median mobile Internet connection speed via cellular networks: 18.68 Mbps and median fixed internet connection speed of 46.44 Mbps.

Ookla is a web service that provides free analysis of Internet access performance metrics, such as connection data rate and latency.

And data from GSMA Intelligence shows that there were 156.5 million cellular mobile connections in the Philippines at the start of 2022. However, note that many people around the world make use of more than one mobile connection – for example, they might have one connection for personal use, and another one for work – so it is not unusual for mobile connection figures to significantly exceed figures for total population.

GSMA Intelligence’s numbers indicate that mobile connections in the country were equivalent to 140% of the total population in January 2022. The number of mobile connections increased by 6.9 million (+4.6 percent) between 2021 and 2022.

Smart Communications has not responded to the concerns of Climaco, who was congresswoman for two terms and as Deputy Speaker for Mindanao before she was elected as mayor in 2013. (Zamboanga Post)

A PLDT speed check shared by a PLDT Internet service subscriber in Zamboanga City shows only a 9.8 mbps download speed and a 13.7 mbps speed. The subscriber pays about P2,000 month for the plan. (Zamboanga Post)

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Zambo Mayor Caling Lobregat remembered ‘Celso cites Angel number 1010, but Beng also has own Angel number 3’

Mayor Beng Climaco, who is running for congresswoman in District 1, and former lawmaker Celso Lobregat give each other a congenial embrace.

Z

AMBOANGA CITY commemorated the 101st birthday of one of its best mayors and former congresswoman Maria Clara Lobregat, whose sterling leadership not only touched the lives of many people, but left a legacy that remains up to now in the hearts of the Zamboangueños.

Mayor Beng Climaco, who Ma’m Caling por tu maga esfueris now running for congresswom- zo y contribucion para el bienean in District 1, led government star del Ciudad de Zamboanga,” employees in commemorating the mayor said. the birth anniversary of Lobregat She also offered a wreath of at the Holy Trinity Parish in Ba- flowers on Lobregat’s statue and rangay Pasonanca followed by a spoke during the program. program at the Jardin Maria Clara Lobregat was also Climaco’s at the Butterfly Garden also in Pa- godmother, who convinced her to sonanca. run for the city council and even“Muchisimas gracias tually won. Lobregat’s backing of

Climaco started her political career where she served as vice mayor and congresswoman twice and House Deputy Speaker before being elected as mayor in 2013.

Former mayor and lawmaker Celso Lobregat and other politicians were also present during the commemoration. He also spoke at the program and thanked Climaco for never failing to remember his mother.

Climaco and Celso also gave each other a congenial embrace.

Angel number 1010 In his speech, Celso said: “Muy

buenas dias con ustedes todo, especialmente con el alcalde del ciudad, Beng Climaco, con todo-todo el maga department heads, con todo-todo de mi familia…today is my mother’s 101st birthday in heaven.”

“On my way to church…in the car, Looie, my daughter and I were Googling on the number 101, and the first article that popped up on my cell phone’s screen was 1010, it is a number, it is an angel’s number recurring in people’s lives. It is an indication of luck and prosperity.

People see it as an indication that something good and something

positive is going to happen. It is an indication that you are on the right track. 101, Ma, Happy Birthday in heaven. I am me because of you. I am what I am, thanks to you.”

Celso, who is running for mayor and wears the number 8 on his shirt, was referring to the “Angel number 1010” which deals with higher divine power, guidance, and messages in Numerology.

According to the numerology website SaraScoop.com, adding this repeating number appears to many people during “times of trouble or confusion,” which the numerology chart suggests it has something to do with divine awareness.

It said 1010 is viewed by most numerologists as a mystical number. The meaning of the number 1010 is to encourage individuals to be their very best versions of themselves through positive vibrations, following their hearts, listening to their inner wisdom, and making choices based upon love instead of fear.

Angel number 3 Incidentally, Climaco’s number on the ballot is 3 and according to Numerology, it is a powerful “angel number” – also known as the number of harmony and is considered “The Number of the Master Builder” and represents divine intervention, guidance and direction.

Angel number 3 is believed to be a special message from God to draw upon personal inner guidance so that, with divine help, can recog-

nize own mistakes and learn from them.

When it comes to Angel numbers 3 meaning, the positive influence of this “master builder” has an uplifting effect on everyone who has the pleasure of encountering it in their life.

The number 3 is often represented by a white dove, which can be seen as angelic symbolism of angel number 3. It is also thought to have been the sacred symbol of the Goddess in various religions throughout history. Angel numbers messages – such as 333 or 1111 – are frequently associated with symbolic meaning and messages from Angels and Guides sending their love, guidance and support.

Pay attention to where magical numbers show up in your life.

It could be as simple as being in phone numbers, on license plates or even noticing it’s the 3rd hour of the day on a clock. Let the spirit guides presenting themselves lead you on the right path through higher powers and hard work.

According to Numerology, those who possess the Angel number 3 will soon see some good news coming their way.

Their angels may be trying to reassure that good fortune is coming as long as you listen to your inner voice and stay positive about the future. Angel number 3 tends to be a sign of positive energy. (Zamboanga Post)

3,000 people to benefit from summer job program SOME 3,000 students and out-ofschool youth in Zamboanga City are expected to benefit in the local government’s Special Program for the Employment of Students or SPES. The annual program is a joint undertaking of the Climaco administration and the Department of Labor and Employment or DOLE. Under the SPES, the City Government will shoulder the 60% of salaries of the students as its counterpart with DOLE paying the remaining 40%.

Climaco said the City Social Welfare and Development Office will implement the summer job program. She also reminded the students to spend wisely their salaries and help their family at

the same time. The program, she added, aims to provide temporary employment to poor, but deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or wouldbe displaced workers to augment the family’s income to help ensure that beneficiaries are able to pursue their education.

Last year, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the local government allocated some P19.83 million for the program that benefited about 2,765 students. Each student received a salary of P10,500 for the 20-day work-period or P525 a day.

Climaco, whose priority programs include Education, said the SPES beneficiaries will be assigned

in different barangays to assist in the office or barangay activities, undertake disinfection and sanitation, and other tasks with strict adherence to the health protocols and community quarantine guidelines.

And in 2019, more than 2,000 youths benefitted from the program which also lasted 20 days with the City Social Welfare and Development Office taking over the preparations for the implementation of the SPES. Climaco, who is running for congresswoman in District 1, stressed her administration for the past nine years had always been focused on job opportunities for students to pursue their education because “education has always been one of our top pri-

orities.”

In 2021, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) released a study showing the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on out-of-school youth.

The report showed that the number of out-of-school youth in the country rose in the first four months of 2020 from 16.9% to 25.2%. While the study found the pandemic disproportionately impacted education, employment, and livelihood opportunities for out-of-school youth, it identified opportunities to improve the situation of youth and their families through collaboration among government, non-government organizations, businesses, and academia.

USAID supported the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) by integrating new work readiness content into the curriculum for out-of-school youth. Also included in the report is how the pandemic highlighted the importance of environment-friendly and digital skills, which will become even more important as industries move to renewable energy sources and digital operations.

Through its five-year Opportunity 2.0 program which included Zamboanga City, USAID is also helping the country’s Alternative Learning System and technical-vocational

education pivot to distance learning to be more accessible to outof-school youth, and established Youth Development Alliances to help stakeholders collaborate toward common youth development and local economy goals.

The P1.9 billion ($35.5 million) program will work with DepEd and TESDA to augment their on-going programs and provide relevant education, employability skills, and work experience. The USAID praised Climaco for her continued collaboration on its various projects and programs in Zamboanga and even cited her “visionary leadership” that resulted in many accomplishments. (Zamboanga Post)