The Zamboanga Post (May 23-29, 2022)

Panel for animal disease prevention formed THE LOCAL government has formed a multi-agency committee to prevent and control the entry of transboundary animal diseases which can affect local economy and public health.

Mayor Beng Climaco signed Executive

Order 738-2022 creating a multi-agency committee on the prevention and control of zoonotic and non-zoonotic transboundary animal diseases.

Zoonotic disease or animal-borne diseases are those that exist in animals,

but can be transmitted to humans. These include, but are not limited to, rabies, avian influenza, mad cow disease, nipah virus, Ebola, and foodborne diseases.

Non-zoonotic diseases are those that infect Continue on page 2 Picked from the wild, in the highlands of North Cotabato and Bukidnon.

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African swine fever now in Zamboanga T

HE OUTBREAK of African swine fever has forced the local government to ban the transport or entry of live hogs and pork products, including its by-products from several villages affected by the disease which is deadly to pigs.

The Office of the City of the virus. The local govAs Zamboanga batVeterinarian (OCVET) has ernment also maintains tles the spread of the Afrequested the police and another checkpoint in the rican swine fever, Mayor military to put up a check- village of Licomo at the Beng Climaco has urged point in several villages boundary of Zamboanga hog raisers to register Continue on page 2 here to prevent the spread Sibugay province.

WSAP kicks off Davao Wedding Expo Beng urges civil workers to support new leaders OUTGOING MAYOR Beng Climaco called on City Hall employees to support newly-elected

leaders as she thanked civil workers for their hard work the past nine years.

The 55-year old Cli-

maco expressed gratitude to the department heads and the entire city Continue on page 3

Abalos is next DILG chief, Sara as DepEd secretary P R E S I D E N T- E L E C T Bongbong Marcos Jr. has named his campaign manager Benhur Abalos

as his next secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Zamboanga Peninsula

This was confirmed

by Marcos’ spokesman Victor Rodriguez, who Continue on page 3

Basilan

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The Zamboanga Post

May 23-29, 2022

African swine fever now in Zamboanga

Continued from page 1 with the local government to be able get indemnity for every pig culled due to the disease.

Climaco held an emergency meeting with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Executive Director Rad Donn Cedeño, Assistant Regional Director Melba Wee, City Veterinarian Dr. Mario Arriola and Livestock and Poultry Board Chairman Eric Harina to discuss efforts in helping hog raisers affected by the ASF breakout in the villages of Canucutan in Pasonanca and Mangusu.

Harina said his group is willing to help facilitate the insurance registration of hog raisers for insurance.

“We coordinated for registration of livestock raisers because we really want to

mitigate the ASF and assist our hog raisers,” Climaco said, adding the insurance premium is free and hog raisers just need to register to avail the program.

The insurance program is a localized version of the DA’s livestock insurance program which offers free premium payments for backyard raisers and discounted premium for commercial hog raisers, and increased indemnity payments for culled pigs.

Arriola said they are also looking for funds to assist the affected hog raisers, and campaign for the registration of animal or livestock farms.

He said the City Ordinance 566 grants indemnification to hog raisers for their animals culled due to diseases like ASF, the amount of

which will depend on the pig species.

He said these mitigating measures would redound to reduction of prices of livestock, such as chickens and pigs, due to the ASF outbreak, and to address the possible shortage of meat supply.

Arriola also urged the public not to resort to panic buying and for businessmen not to jack up prices of pork products. He said they are coordinating with the DA and the Department and Trade and Industry to intensify the price monitoring of pork products and strengthen surveillance and census initiatives.

Members of the Zamboanga City African Swine Fever Task Force also convened to address the issues and concerns surrounding

the unusual pig mortalities since April in the villages of Pasonanca, Pasobolong and Mangusu.

The DA reiterated its call to all concerned: 1 – For small backyard raisers – Report to your City, Municipal or Provincial veterinarian any sign of disease or deaths of pigs in their area. Refrain from swill feeding, particularly those from airlines, hotels and restaurants. Do not slaughter sick or dead pigs and sell the meat to traders; 2 – For traders – not to buy and slaughter sick pigs. Any backyard or illegal slaughtering, or use of meat from infected pigs will contribute to the spread of the disease, and will only result to further deaths, and losses to the P260-billion swine

industry that supports millions of Filipinos.

3 – For the public – Pork is safe to eat. When buying pork in the market or meat shops, always look for the seal and certificate issued by the National Meat Inspection Service.

Climaco has ordered a strict border control to prevent the entry of the deadly hog disease and underscores the need for the immediate adaptation of the National African Swine Fever prevention program to protect Zamboanga from the dreaded animal disease and protect the swine industry and stakeholders.

City veterinary personnel continue to inspect and conduct disinfection of trucks transporting live pigs and other animals to

Zamboanga to protect the hog population against the ASF, according to the mayor, adding strict protocols are also being observed to monitor and regulate the entry of hog and pork products here as a measure against the spread of the contagious animal disease 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. (Zamboanga Post)

Panel for animal disease prevention formed Continued from page 1 only animals and are non-transmissible to humans. These include African swine fever, foot and mouth disease, rinderpest, also known as cattle plague, rift valley fever, and others.

Transboundary animal diseases are epidemic diseases which are highly contagious or transmissible and have the potential for very rapid spread and the potential to cause serious socio-economic and public health consequences.

The mayor sits as the Committee chairperson with the City Veterinari-

an and City Health Officer as vice chairpersons, and local government offices and national agencies as its members.

The Committee is tasked with functions to formulate policies and regulations on zoonotic and non-zoonotic transboundary animal diseases, formulate and issue zoning and movement plans for the prevention and control of the same, implement public awareness campaigns, develop programs to aid affected sectors, and enhance contingency plans for emergency disease control.

The Executive Order also constituted task groups which will mobilize during a declared animal outbreak or emergency the Surveillance Team, the Rapid Action Team, the Quarantine Team, the Census team, and the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Teams.

The Surveillance, Rapid Action, Quarantine, and Census team are led by veterinarians under the Office of the City Veterinarian, while the IEC team will be under the Public Information Division. (Jasmine Mohammadsali, Zamboanga Post)

A quarantine checkpoint in Zamboanga City. (Image: Dr. Arnedo Agbayani)

City Government photo shows Mayor Beng Climaco with stakeholders following the outbreak of African swince fever in Zamboanga.

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The Zamboanga Post

May 23-29, 2022

Beng urges civil workers to support new leaders

WSAP kicks off Davao Wedding Expo Continued from page 1 2022, visit https://philippineweddingsuppliers. com/ or visit their official Facebook page Wedding Suppliers Association of the Philippines Inc. - WSAP. The Wedding Suppliers Association of the Phil-

ippines Inc., is a non-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2018. WSAP, Inc. is one of the most well-known, most prominent, and fastest-growing wedding companies in the country.

Its mission is to protect the wedding industry by assisting suppliers in being the most respected professionals and using their voices to create a long-lasting impact and value to the community.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Abalos is next DILG chief, Sara as DepEd secretary Continued from page 1 said that Abalos, a former mayor of Mandaluyong City and chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, accepted the offer.

"I would also like to announce that Chairman Benhur Abalos has been nominated to lead the Department of the Interior, and he has accepted the challenge to lead the Department of the Interior and Local Government,” Rodriguez said.

Aside from Abalos, Marcos also Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio as his secretary of the Department of Education.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has welcomed Abalos’ appointment, saying the “DILG organization,

including all our attached agencies, welcomes the announcement that former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Benjamin Abalos, Jr. will be nominated and appointed as the next DILG Secretary.

We have worked closely with Chairperson Abalos during the height of the pandemic and we have seen how he ably steered the Covid-19 pandemic response in the National Capital Region which has resulted to the downward trend of coronavirus cases and the successful roll-out of the vaccination program in Metro Manila.”

“We are confident that as a former City Mayor of Mandaluyong and MMDA Chairperson, Abalos will be able to provide good direction and leadership to

both the interior and local government sectors in scaling up their performance in peace and order, public safety and local governance for the benefit of the Filipino people. We are hopeful that Chair Abalos will continue and build on the ongoing campaign against criminality, illegal drugs, corruption and communist terrorism that we have focused on and which has reached unprecedented heights of accomplishment in the past six years,” Año added.

He said they will work closely with Abalos and his transition team for the smooth turnover of responsibilities, especially with the implementation of full devolution to local governments which started this year.

(Zamboanga Post)

Continued from page 1 government workforce for all their efforts and urged them to continue doing their best to make Zamboanga the best city that it can be.

She said the May 9 elections are over with a new set of officials elected into office and hoped that God will anoint the new leaders as they steer the Zamboanga starting noon of June 30.

The mayor said she embraces her defeat and that she looks forward to the day when she will be Mrs. Salazar - a housewife, a grandmother and a citizen of Zamboanga.

“After the results of May 9 elections, I just cling on to Jesus praying most fervently to the Holy Family. This loss is the reason why I was born, why I entered politics and this is where I am right now.

In all humility, I accept defeat and pray for God’s grace. The operative word that guides me is Gratitude to God for all,” she said.

Climaco also thanked the Zamboangueño people for supporting her throughout her nine years in public office, saying the peace and progress the city achieved is unprecedented and not comparable to any past administrations.

The mayor fell victim to a massive black propaganda and disinformation campaign in social and mainstream media by her political foes whom she accused of spreading lies, especially in the purchase of welfare goods at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Even Climaco’s supporters also condemned the black propaganda and the spread of fake news against the popular mayor. They blamed Climaco’s political foes for spreading black propaganda in social media and during their political campaign in different barangays where they renewed vicious political and personal attacks.

Black propaganda Climaco branded as black propaganda all issues raised by her opponents against her – the controversial flyover issue and the rice purchased by the local government for Zamboangueños affected by the pandemic two years ago.

The overpass project of the Department of Public Works and Highways had been halted since 2019 after DPWH failed to comply with the local government requirements, among them the widening of roads, to ensure the project will not cause heavy traffic.

Climaco said with respect to the allegations of overpriced rice, the local government only followed the laws. The mayor said the characterization of the expenditure would be determined by the “circumstances of time and place, behavioral and ecological factors, as well as political, social and economic conditions.”

In other words, she said, the expenditure would be judged on varied factors to include its legality, regularity, necessity, reasonableness, and moderation. “Este el verdad y claro que el gobierno local nohay viola ley na este maga proceso,” Climaco said.

By the book In June 2020, the Bids and Awards Committee or BAC flatly

also rejected the allegations by the opposition of overpricing in the purchase of some 250,000 bags of rice intended for each household in all 98 villages here affected by the pandemic.

Erwin Bernardo, the BAC chairman, said the acquisition of rice went through negotiated procurement under emergency cases, particularly in the instance, “when time is of the essence arising from natural or man-made calamities.”

The BAC approved the purchase of rice at P1,300 per 25 kilo-bag after the supplier, 5MJ Marketing, submitted all legal documents required by laws. Bernardo explained that in order to determine whether the supplier is technically, legally and financially capable to address the emergency, BAC required 5MJ Marketing to submit the following documents – the PhilGeps (Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System) Platinum Certificate, Omnibus Sworn Statement, Latest Income Tax Returns and Business Permit.

He said aside from the submission of the documents, it is very important that the supplier has an excellent track record with the procuring entity. “It is equally important to use the contents of the PhilGEPS electronic registry of suppliers to determine the eligibility of a supplier relative to its past transactions with other entities of the government,” he told The Zamboanga Post newspaper, adding, “the procurement of rice was done within the bounds of the procurement law and the price is reasonable based on the prevailing market price.”

Bernardo said the procurement of rice went through the process and it was done within the bounds of the procurement law and the price is reasonable based on the prevailing market price. “It cannot be denied that we are in a state of worldwide calamity. Hence, this alternative mode of procurement was resorted to instead of the usual competitive bidding because it relates to time element as the primordial reason,” he said.

He further explained that the procedure is, upon receipt of the purchase request together with supporting documents to include the approved budget for the contract from the end-user which is the City Social Welfare and Development Officer, the BAC may directly negotiate with a supplier with technical, legal and financial capability to deliver the goods. And upon confirmation and ascertainment of such capability to address the emergency, the head of the procuring entity, upon recommendation of the BAC, shall immediately award the contract to the supplier.

He said while rice is sold by retailers and traders at lower price, the Procurement Law (RA 9184) mandates that local government units only transact with “technically, legally and financially” eligible suppliers, that is, compliant with requirements set by law.

“Inasmuch as we want to buy directly from traders and retailers, requirements of the law (RA 9184) preclude us from doing so. The amount of P1,300 per sack was indicated in the purchase request

and the approved budget for the contract before it reached the BAC. And upon receipt of the purchase request, the BAC made its own calculation based on the prevailing market price. During the market survey, the price ranged from P1,120 to as high as P1,250.”

“Allowing the 10% mark-up under COA rules, the allowable price per sack would be around P1,232 to P1,375. The 10% markup is intended for handling costs, labor costs, other overhead expenses incurred by the supplier and his allowable profits,” Bernardo said.

He said the BAC cannot settle with the lowest amount only because, considering the instability of supply and abnormal demand in the market, the supply for the lowest priced premium rice may not suffice the demand of the City Government which is 250,000 sacks.

Hence, the ceiling price was pegged at P1,300 so that the supplier can still go for other rice brands of higher price without going beyond the ceiling price.

Bernardo clarified that the price of rice is variable and can easily change depending largely on the law of supply and demand amid the pandemic. “We are in a state of extraordinary times and not normal times where time is of the essence in the procurement process. The City Government cannot purchase it directly from the retailers or wholesalers, as some would tend to believe, because of the volume of the transaction nor can it split the contract since it is prohibited by law. It needs the services of the supplier who will buy it from retailers and traders and deliver it and collect (it) later from the (local) government,” he said.

He also cited that COA allows 10% mark-up on normal or ordinary times and considering the different factors affecting price and supply in the market such as higher labor cost due to scarcity of laborers, doubling of cost of transportation of goods, disruption of normal supply in the market since even ordinary buyers hoarded for their own supply, “the City Government complied with the 10% allowable mark-up during this pandemic to religiously comply with laws and rules. Had the City Government not provided the allowable higher maximum price per sack, we would not be able to procure the needed 250,000 sacks and be able to distribute the same to the people of Zamboanga City, because the supply for the lowest price is not sufficient.”

Bernardo said the few reported cases of spoiled rice were immediately replaced by the supplier.

“As admitted by the supplier, rice spoilage may not be easily detected in big volumes of rice. The immediate replacement of spoiled or low quality rice signifies the City Government's commitment in assuring that the supplier fully complies with its obligations,” he said.

Climaco’s foes have used the rice issue in attacking her despite the transparency and strict processes imposed by the local government in the procurement of welfare goods and other necessities in the middle of the health crisis. (Zamboanga Post)

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The Zamboanga Post

May 23-29, 2022

Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by Eugene Elnar, Ron Aballe, Christian Cabato, Red Cross, and City Government.

May 23-29, 2022

The Zamboanga Post Exclusive

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The Zamboanga Post

May 23-29, 2022

Across : 1. Row 5. October’s stone 9. “___ Doubtfire” 12. Sting 13. Olympic sled 14. Cereal grain 15. Sweats 17. UN member 18. Makes level 19. James Bond, e.g.

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40. Carnival attractions 42. Holds 43. Conducting contact 48. Supplement 49. “___ Enchanted” (movie) 50. Eve’s guy 51. ___ Plaines, Illinois 52. Brad 53. Diner list Down : 1. Recipe measure (abbr.)

2. solid water 3. Lobe site 4. Hotel units (abbr.)

5. Green shade 6. Unadulterated 7. Programs 8. School assignment 9. Rodent catcher 10. Scrape roughly 11. Hang around 16. Baseball’s ___ Rose 20. Char 21. She, in Marseille 22. Large sets of computer info 23. Lagoon’s boundary

Answer to last week’s crossword:

25. Expensive fur 27. Deface 28. Soothe 29. Eve’s home 31. King Kong, e.g.

34. Soup vessel 35. Most excellent 37. Sticker 38. Tool building 39. Accept 41. Sub store 44. Lamb’s dad 45. Keats work 46. Anchorman ___ Rather 47. Australian bird

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The Zamboanga Post OPINION

Sunday Reflection

by Mayor Beng Climaco

“THEY STRENGTHENED the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” This is my understanding of the reality of life that things are difficult and we must undergo these challenges. Ademas este el realidad, di aton fe, amor y esperanza ta sustena canaton.

We are called to PERSEVERE IN FAITH. After the results of May 9 elections, I just cling on to Jesus praying most fervently to the Holy Family. This loss is the reason why I was born, why I entered politics and this is where I am right now. In all humility I accept defeat and pray for God’s grace. The operative word

that guides me is Gratitude to God for ALL! There is this saying for those who lost: “Ta coge apan!” Catching Dragonflies. I do not know the exact meaning of this and how it came about. But on our Miting de Avance, dragonflies swarmed me and I saw a dead dragonfly. I searched what it meant: A dead dragonfly is an omen that we must allow transformation in our life in order to reach the best version of ourselves. Allow what no longer serves you to leave your life. Remember, even though it might be painful, every ending allows for a new, beautiful beginning to flourish. May 15, 2021. (https://symbolsandsynchronicity.com) Lo and behold even in my table in the City Hall, the pot where I put candies had a dragonfly. “Then I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth.” There is a call for renewal and faith in God. “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.”

The One who sat on the throne said: “Behold, I make all things new.” Lord renew us unto your image and likeness! And so as was Commanded by Jesus, I abide by Him. “My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (MBC)

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The Zamboanga Post

May 23-29, 2022

May 23-29, 2022

The Zamboanga Post

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More students to benefit from summer jobs

M

AYOR BENG Climaco spearheaded the orientation of some 845 college students who are beneficiaries of the second batch of the Summer Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

Climaco, along with The annual program family’s income to help personnel from the De- is a joint undertaking of ensure that beneficiaries partment of Labor and the Climaco administra- are able to pursue their Employment (DOLE) tion and the DOLE. Under education. and City Social Welfare the SPES, the City GovLast year, despite and Development Office ernment will shoulder the the Covid-19 pandem(CSWDO) and the City 60% of salaries of the stu- ic, the local government Human Resource Man- dents as its counterpart allocated some P19.83 agement Office, remind- with DOLE paying the re- million for the program ed the students to spend maining 40%. that benefited about wisely their salaries and Climaco said the 2,765 students. Each stuhelp their family at the CSWDO will implement dent received a salary of same time. the summer job program. P10,500 for the 20-day About 3,000 peo- The program, she added, work-period or P525 a ple will benefit from the aims to provide tempo- day. Climaco, whose priprogram with each ben- rary employment to poor, ority programs include eficiary receiving a salary but deserving students, Education, said the SPES of P547 per day. The City out-of-school youth, and beneficiaries will be asGovernment has allocat- dependents of displaced signed in different baraned a total of P19 million or would-be displaced gays to assist in the office for the 2022 SPES. workers to augment the or barangay activities,

Kin of great Zamboangueño hero thank Climaco, Agan

A City Government photo shows Mayor Beng Climaco orients some 800 beneficiaries of the Summer Program for the Employment of Students. 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 priorities.” (Zamboanga Post)

Day-care center, covered court eyed in Mercedes

Mayor Beng Climaco leads officials in the commemoration of the Dia de General Vicente Alvarez. (Eugene Elnar) THE ALVAREZ family has thanked Mayor Beng Climaco and Vice Mayor Rommel Agan and other officials who joined them in commemorating the heroism of Zamboangueño General Vicente Alvarez, who bravely fought the Spanish occupation in May 1899.

Climaco led government officials in honoring the great general

during the “Dia de General Vicente Alvarez” on May 18. The commemoration program was held at the Plaza Vicente Alvarez here.

Alvarez led Zamboangueño forces in fighting and eventually the surrender of Spanish forces under Governor General Diego de los Rios on May 18 at Fort Pilar.

The Dia de General

Zamboanga Peninsula

Vicente Alvarez, is an annual observance in his honor and is institutionalized through the City Ordinance 334. The observance of the Dia de Gen. Alvarez is intended to drum up awareness on the contributions and heroism of Gen. Alvarez which led to the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1899. (Zamboanga Post)

Basilan

THE LOCAL government inspected the proposed construction of a daycare center, a covered court with stage and bleachers at the Azcuna Resettlement Village in Barangay Mercedes.

It said the site development and construction of social service facilities was part of the tripartite agreement with Filinvest Development Corporation and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on July 3, 2019.

The project is funded by Filinvest as part of its corporate social responsibility in compliance with the socialized housing requirements for high-end housing development projects.

Sulu

The proposed site of new day-care center.

The site inspection was conducted by personnel from the City Planning and Development Office, City Engineer’s Office and the Housing and Land Management Division. Also present during the inspection were the president and officers of the Azcuna Resettlement

Village Homeowners Association, and representatives from Filinvest.

The resettlement programs remain a priority of the Climaco administration in line with its thrust towards social security and equitable access to basic services.

(Zamboanga Post)

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