The Zamboanga Post (June 6-12, 2022)

U.S. donate medical equipment U.S. EMBASSY Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) ad interim Heather Variava visited Zamboanga City to deliver Covid-19 assistance and reaffirm Washington’s Continue on page 2

Mayor Beng Climaco with U.S. Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires ad interim Heather Variava. (Bong Serondo)

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Mayor never runs out of loyal followers

L

OCAL RESIDENTS have praised Mayor Beng Climaco for resuming the “Dia de Alcalde” outreach program after it was temporarily shelved due to the government’s ban during the election period.

Climaco led the 26 and held in various vil- It was participated by varresumption of the pro- lages to bring basic health ious local government gram beginning May and other social services.

Continue on page 2

Scribes to hold assembly THE POST-election dynamics, amid the threat of disinformation and fake news in social media, are expected to redefine the way the media pursues its critical

role as a social catalyst.

Suffering from pessimism, the authentic press, especially the rural media, is also confronted with a bigger challenge of making itself relevant in

a badly disturbed democratic space.

Against the malicious imputations labeling genuine journalists as paid hacks and propagandists, Continue on page 3

Inday Sara thanks wellwishers on her b’day VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte thanked all those who greeted and wished her well during her 44th birthday celebration in Davao City.

Duterte celebrated her natal day by distributing food packs to poor residents in Davao City.

Some 2,500 food packs were distributed in the villages of Bunawan, Lasan and Lapu-Lapu in Agdao, and at Carmen dumpsite.

Zamboanga Mayor Continue on page 3

Vice President Sara Duterte with Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco.

Zamboanga Peninsula

Basilan

ALL SMILE. A senior citizen receives cash assistance from Mayor Beng Climaco. (Eugene Elnar)

Monkeypox now in 25 countries THE WORLD Health Organization has reported that monkeypox is now present in at least 25 countries, and warned

the public that there will be more cases as the virus continues to spread.

Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fe-

ver, body aches, and fatigue. The disease is similar to the smallpox virus, but much less Continue on page 7

NBI arrests woman posing as Zamboanga City disaster office executive A WOMAN posing as an official of the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Office (ZCDRRMO) was arrested after over a dozen people complained to the National Bureau of Inves-

Sulu

tigation (NBI) that they were allegedly recruited and promised jobs Continue on page 2

Tawi-tawi

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The Zamboanga Post

June 6-12, 2022

Mayor never runs out of loyal followers

Continued from page 1 departments and barangay officials and security forces.

The beneficiaries, especially the senior citizens, were provided medicines and health and dental services, among others.

The humanitarian caravan was also supported and participated by private groups and the military's Task Force Zamboanga.

The Dia del Alcalde continues to bring government services closer to local folks in line with the

Climaco administration's thrust on Security, Health and Education.

The mayor also resumed the distribution of cash incentives to senior citizens in different villages, particularly to octogenarians or 80-89 years old; and nonagenarians or those 90-99 years old.

Octogenarians received P10,000 each and the nonagenarians were given P20,000 each.

Climaco also provides cash incentives to senior citizens celebrating their

birthday as provided in a local ordinance.

Considered also as the first of its kind in the history of Zamboanga, the distribution of the cash gifts covers all the 98 barangays here. Under the ordinance, the birthday cash incentives will be given to all senior citizens: P500 for 60-69 years old; P700 for ages 70-79; P800 for ages 80-90; P1,500 for ages 9194 and P2,000 95-99 years old.

It is only during Climaco’s administration

Mayor Beng Climaco with senior citizens who are loyal supporters. (Mary Gathcalian)

that senior citizens are receiving the much needed attention and care through various local government humanitarian and pro-poor programs.

The benefits could have been more under the Largo Vida program, but opposition councilors who are allies of Rep. Mannix Dalipe and former mayor Celso Lobregat “killed” the humanitarian

project before the local elections.

Largo Vida was part of Climaco’s benevolent programs dedicated to the welfare or well-being of senior citizens and vulnerable sectors of the community. It is being implemented by the City Health Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office and Office of the City Mayor.

Many of the beneficiaries of the Dia de Alcalde, especially the elderly, were emotional upon seeing Climaco personally leading the program. Climaco lost her congressional bid in the last election, but is still working as hard as ever. She even called on all City Hall employees to support the new elected leaders. (Zamboanga Post)

NBI arrests woman posing as Zamboanga City disaster office executive Continued from page 1 in exchange for money, GMA News reported.

The report, quoting NBI Director Eric Distor, said agents from the NBI Western Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-WEMRO) arrested Jennifer Quebite Molina in an entrapment on May 23.

Distor said the arrest stemmed from the complaints of 13 individuals who claimed they were victimized by Molina. “In their sworn statements, complainants alleged that they were recruited by the subject to undergo intensive training to become an officer of ZCDRRMO, on different occasions beginning January to March

2022 in Barangay Ayala, Zamboanga City,” he said.

Molina promised the victims that they will be hired as medical officer or medic of the ZCDRRMO with a salary of up to P30,000 after finishing the training. The victims were also made to pay a total of P10,400 each for uniform, medical kit, and personal things.

“On the third week of April 2022, after almost three months of training, complainants began to question the legalities of their training because they observed some irregularities. They confronted the subject but the latter was evasive until such time that she could no

longer be reached. Because of these, complainants decided to have the matter investigated by NBI-WEMRO,” the NBI said.

It said upon receiving the complaints, the NBI contacted ZCDRRMO to confirm whether Molina is an employee or official, or authorized in any capacity to recruit. But the ZCDRRMO said Molina is not connected with them nor authorized in any capacity to recruit applicants for any department in the local government.

The NBI said it has filed estafa charges against Molina. (GMA News, Zamboanga Post, Mindanao Examiner)

U.S. donate medical equipment Continued from page 1 commitment to broader security and sustainable peace in Mindanao.

At Zamboanga City’s molecular testing center in the village of San Roque, Variava handed over essential medical equipment from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that will help boost the city’s capacity to manage and mitigate the negative effects of the ongoing pandemic.

The U.S. government, through USAID, has supported Zamboanga City’s pandemic response and vaccination rollout since June 2020. USAID has deployed mobile vaccination teams, composed of three emergency medical technicians and one information technology (IT) staff

to boost the city’s vaccination capabilities. In addition, USAID deployed six consultants in major vaccination sites to support data encoding and reporting.

In total, USAID provided a total of 19 health and IT personnel to enhance Zamboanga City’s human resource capacity to fight Covid-19.

“Combating the COVID-19 pandemic requires collective action.

I am pleased that the enduring partnership between our two nations has fortified Zamboanga City’s pandemic response. In collaboration with national and local governments, the private sector, and other key stakeholders, the United States will continue to implement adaptive solutions to strengthen local communities in

the Philippines,” Variava said.

Variava thanked Mayor Beng Climaco - who welcomed her team - for supporting U.S. partnerships and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to security cooperation in Zamboanga.

Climaco also hosted a welcome lunch for the U.S. Embassy officials at City Hall. Climaco and Variava exchanged tokens and discussed stronger bilateral ties and the various USAID projects and programs implemented in Zamboanga City. They were joined by alumni from the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative and Philippine Youth Leadership Program, who discussed activities undertaken by the U.S. Government Alumni Association in Zamboanga City. (Zamboanga Post)

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The Zamboanga Post

June 6-12, 2022

Inday Sara thanks wellwishers on her b’day

Scribes to hold assembly Continued from page 1 the struggling media practitioners have also become victims of warped revisionism and destructive falsehoods peddled by disparaging publicists.

To address the issues, the media scribes, disturbed by the pitiful downhill trajectory of the Philippine press, are joining forces to sieve the facts from untruths, and to understand the options available to save the much-abused media from the impact of partisan distortions and fake news.

On June 24, the Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines, Inc will host the Local Press Assembly 2022 entitled ‘The Role of the Community Press in the New Administration’ to define the role of the press as a vehicle of information and to revisit the community media’s role in the national reportage.

The Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. and and the Boracay Global Press Corps Philippines, Inc. are also conveners of the event which will be held t the PEZA Convention Hall at the DoubleDragon Center West Bldg., DD Meridian Park along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City.

Significantly, the conference takes a hard look

on how best to protect the working journalists from becoming social outcasts and understand the effect of the pandemic that has forced media outlets to downsize operations, retrench personnel, or even permanently shut down.

Even outfits that have already earned the honor as pillars of Philippine journalism have not been spared.

Outside the gargantuan task of braving the emergence of fake news and protecting press freedom, the survival of the working media is also an urgency. Foremost among the objects of the assembly is the feasibility of creating a Local Press Council and the establishment of a cooperative news agency whose implications extend to every rural media’s occupational needs.

With coercion from red-tagging, criminal libel cases, prostitution by pseudo-journalists, and the spooky influences politics has introduced, revisiting press freedom and introducing new cogent proposals, no matter how slight, should create a specter of hope among journalists who have always believed in the inviolability of honest and truthful reportage.

For the rural press, tagged as second-class

institutes, the greater role is to strengthen its resolve against negative challenges and to create a network that can feed the true media outlets in urban centers with reports that expose the inanities occurring in the way the bureaucracy is being run by scheming minds. It is a tall order, but the genuine press must not cower in dread.

The conference is expected to tackle the following: Catalytic role of local press under the new dispensation; significance of the new Department of Migrant Workers; PEZA as an investment haven in Asia; creation of a local press council in cities and provinces; establishment of a cooperative news agency; and expanding the role of the community media organizations in tackling critical issues.

The media convention will also endeavor to recommend a legislation pushing for the passage a law to decriminalize libel; endorse to Congress the Passage of stringent laws against fake news; propose to Congress a bill that defines human rights and the press; and, pass a law that protects legitimate media organizations and practitioners. (Zamboanga Post, Mindanao Examiner)

Continued from page 1 Beng Climaco, a political ally and a friend of Duterte, also sent her greetings and even offered prayers at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on May 31.

“Feliz cumpleaños! To my sister, this is your moment to shine and make your own 'herstory' as the 15th Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines. We offered mass for you at the MCIC on this special Feast of Our Lady’s visitation to her cousin, Elizabeth. We rejoice in your victory! Daghang salamat sa tanan! Cheers sa ginger ale! Happy birthday!” Climaco wrote on her Facebook page.

Climaco supported Duterte’s vice presidential bid in the last month’s election and Duterte also endorsed Climaco who ran but lost in the congressional race.

The mayor said at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Duterte facilitated the donation of two RT-PCR test machines, including 25,000 sets of disposable specimen sampling kits to the local government of Zamboanga City.

The local governments of Davao and Zamboanga City also signed a sisterhood accord in July of the same year.

In January this year, Duterte reminisced about her time with Climaco during their trip together to the United States two years ago. In her Facebook post, Duterte - popularly known as Inday Sara - said Climaco took care of her and ensured there is a steady supply of food in her room.

“Throwback muna tayo sa trabaho bago naging pandemic ang Covid-19.

January 23, 2020, two years ago today, dumalo ako sa

Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco with Vice President Sara Duterte.

88th Winter Meeting ng US Mayors, kasama ko Si Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco na aking naging kaibigan dahil sa work trip na ito,” Duterte said.

She said it was Climaco who gave her ginger ale, the first time she tasted the carbonated drink made from ginger root. “Alaga nya (Climaco) ako (at) laging may pagkain ang kwarto ko panlaban sa gutom at siya ang nag-introduce sa akin sa ginger ale na napakasarap pala,” Duterte continued on.

Both Duterte and Climaco were invited by the US government for a series of lectures and meetings for the project “Strong Cities, Strong Partnerships: A Comprehensive Approach to Preventing Terrorism in Southeast Asia” under the auspices of the International Visitor Leadership Program of the US Department of State.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, who welcomed Duterte and Climaco, branded the two leaders as “remarkable women.”

During their stay in

the US, Duterte said they went to Los Angeles and had talks with Mayor Eric Garcetti and learned about LA’s problems on gangsterism and the importance of how the government helps in guiding the children and youth to self-discipline and love of the country.

“Sa pagbisita namin sa Los Angeles andami namin natutunan ukol sa gangsterism, ang LA ay isa sa may pinakamadaming gangs na siyudad. Kaya mahalaga ang mga children at youth ay nagagabayan ng gobyerno sa disiplina at pagmamahal sa bayan. Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas,” she said.

Just like Duterte, Climaco has always been a champion and a strong advocate of children’s rights and welfare. Climaco, reacting from Duterte’s social media post, said: “It was a wonderful experience to learn side by side with Mayor Inday. We look forward to a stronger, safer Zamboanga City where children and young people are given the opportunity to chase their dreams and aspirations.” (Zamboanga Post)

Tight security for Basilan after twin blasts BASILAN – Security forces are on heightened alert following a twin explosions in Isabela City in the Muslim province of Basilan.

The first explosion occurred outside the Jollibee fast food restaurant, but no one was hurt or injured from the blast. The May 30 explosion was also caught on a security camera as well as the man who planted the improvised bomb before dusk.

Minutes later, a second bomb went off inside a bus depot and slightly

injured an army soldier and two civilians who were hit by flying debris.

The soldier said a cardboard box was left behind by an unidentified man to a bus conductor saying somebody would pick it up at the terminal.

The soldier said he even put the box beside a truck after the bus conductor left it at the terminal. He said the box exploded seconds later after he walked away.

“Nilagay ko pa nga yun box sa tabi ng truck at saka ako bumalik sa

puwesto ko pero seconds lang ay bigla itong sumabog,” he told radio station dxNO. The blast damaged the side of the truck and nearby structures, including a grocery store inside the bus depot.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the blasts, but the pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf is actively operating in Basilan, one of five provinces under the restive Bangsamoro autonomous region. (Mindanao Examiner)

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The Zamboanga Post Lifestyle

Photos by Eugene Elnar, Bong Serondo, Mary Gatchalian, Ron Aballe, and City Government.

June 6-12, 2022

June 6-12, 2022

The Zamboanga Post Exclusive

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The Zamboanga Post

June 6-12, 2022

Across : 1. Mister 4. Paddle’s kin 7. Separate 12. Garden implement 13. Gone by 14. River embankment 15. Drone 16. Johann ___ Bach 18. First game 20. Appends 21. ___ revolution 24. Christmas carol 25. ___-Mex cuisine 26. The I in TGIF 29. Basement 32. Covert 34. Braying beast 35. Weep 37. Locality 38. On a ___ (with little money) 41. Drifting 44. Least daffy 45. Not remembered 47. ___ loss (2 wds.)

50. Foreign 51. “Viva ___ Vegas” 52. Vat 53. Actress ___ Witherspoon 54. Squeak by 55. And so on (abbr.)

Down : 1. Quiet!

2. Promissory note 3. Redoes the kitchen 4. Desert stops 5. Contract negotiator 6. Actor ___ De Niro 7. Roker and Pacino 8. Flower feature 9. Enthusiastic 10. Peruse 11. Perfect scores 17. Zodiac ram 19. Haul 21. Andes native 22. Refusals 23. Hewing tool 26. Aggravate

Answer to last week’s crossword:

27. Juvenile 28. All-male party 30. Hardwood tree 31. Bird’s perch 33. Roadsters 36. Ringo Starr, e.g.

38. Wise people 39. Move furtively 40. Anxious 41. Not nearby 42. Only 43. Huron’s neighbor 46. Wallet bill 48. King ___ 49. CBS rival

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Monkeypox now in 25 countries

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OPINION

Sunday Reflection

by Mayor Beng Climaco

FROM THE Second Reading in Ephesians we read a summary of Jesus’ ministry and the prayer to the Holy Spirit for grace: “Brothers and sisters: May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.

May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might: which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.”

Our twin grandsons - Tres and Quatro - celebrated their anticipatory birthdays in Zamboanga City. They had the most beautiful Pizza and Burger Cake ordered ready by Wella. They announced their moving-up to grade 5. Since they loved to ask questions as is their curious nature. Tres wondered: Lola what will happen to you, when you won’t have a job? What will happen to Ate Garnette?”

How sweet and caring these words of

concern from the little ones.

Lolo informed me ahead of their “serious” talk about life. We ended with Tres praying to the Holy Spirit for wisdom imploring God to give Lola a good job and a good life!” Amen.

The Lord’s Ascension and departure leaves a tinge of sadness. That is why the previous readings were Jesus’ assurance of His help and presence through the Holy Spirit. I came from (Barangay) Patalon and offered prayers and gratitude to a dear friend of TP and mine - Kagawad Aripin Arasani. He died due to heart failure. He was a friend till the end who offered his home to feed and welcome my husband. His constant presence and support are memories we value. He was in pain due to our loss. I hugged his wife and daughter and offered condolences to his son. I thank him for all his friendship and commend him to God. As Jesus ascended, we find hope that the Holy Spirit, who we welcome in our life even among children like Tres and Quatro, will lead us to the Father. We look at the friendship of a dear brother Kagawad Aripin. Amidst the pain and heartache, we commend him to God with eternal joy. May we look to life with faith, with hope and love toward Jesus who brings new life. (MBC)

Continued from page 1 deadly. The disease can result in a rash that leads to red bumps on the skin.

As of last month, there have been over 1,600 cases and around 120 suspected cases, although no deaths have been reported. “The situation is evolving rapidly and WHO expects that there will be more cases identified as surveillance expands in non-endemic countries, as well as in countries known to be endemic who have not recently been reporting cases,” it said.

Since May 13, monkeypox has been reported to WHO from 23 member states that are not endemic for monkeypox virus, across four (WHO) regions. It said epidemiological investigations are ongoing, adding the vast majority of reported cases so far have no established travel links to an endemic area and have presented through primary care or sexual health services.

The identification of confirmed and suspected cases of monkeypox with no direct travel links to an endemic area is atypical, according to WHO, saying early epidemiology of initial cases notified to WHO by countries shows that cases have been mainly reported among men who have sex with men and just one case of monkeypox in a non-endemic country is considered an outbreak.

“The sudden appearance of monkeypox simultaneously in several non-endemic countries suggests that there may have been undetected transmission for some time as well as recent amplifying events,” WHO said.

It said immediate actions should focus on the following: Providing accurate information to those who may be most at risk of monkeypox; stopping further spread among groups at risk and protecting frontline health workers.

In addition to non-endemic countries reporting cases, WHO said it continues to receive updates on the status of ongoing outbreaks through established surveillance mechanisms for cases in endemic countries in the African region.

Zoonotic disease Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals)

with symptoms very similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. It is caused by the monkeypox virus which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family.

The name monkeypox originates from the initial discovery of the virus in monkeys in Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1958. The first human case was identified in a young child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970.

Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days.

Various animal species have been identified as susceptible to the monkeypox virus, according to WHO. “Uncertainty remains on the natural history of the monkeypox virus and further studies are needed to identify the reservoir(s) and how virus circulation is maintained in nature. Eating inadequately cooked meat and other animal products of infected animals is a possible risk factor,” it said.

Monkeypox is usually self-limiting but there is likely to be little immunity to monkeypox among people living in non-endemic countries since the virus has not previously been identified in those populations.

There are two clades of monkeypox virus: the West African clade and the Congo Basin (Central African) clade.

The Congo Basin clade appears to cause severe disease more frequently with case fatality ratio (CFR) previously reported of up to around 10%. Currently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is reporting a CFR among suspected cases of around 3%.

The West African clade has in the past been associated with an overall lower CFR of around 1% in a generally younger population in the African setting.

Since 2017, the few deaths of persons with monkeypox in West Africa have been associated with young age or an untreated HIV (Human

immunodeficiency virus) infection.

Historically, vaccination against smallpox had been shown to be cross-protective against monkeypox.

However, immunity from smallpox vaccination will be limited to older persons since populations worldwide under the age of 40 or 50 years no longer benefit from the protection afforded by prior smallpox vaccination programmes. In addition, protection may have waned over time since vaccination.

While one smallpox vaccine and one specific treatment (tecovirimat) were approved for monkeypox in different countries, in 2019 and 2022 respectively, these countermeasures are not yet widely available in most countries and not at all in some.

Countries with monkeypox cases The countries with reported monkeypox cases are Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Congo, French Guiana, United States, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Australia.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said although there is not a single case of monkeypox in the country, they are closely monitoring the latest developments about the virus and has intensified screening in all the country’s borders. He said the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine will be the main isolation facility for suspect, probable, and confirmed monkeypox cases.

The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI) said it is also preparing for a possible outbreak of the virus. PHAPI president Rene Jose de Grano said although no case has so far been reported in the country, their members and the Department of Health are now on high alert. “Binabantayan po natin diyan ay fever, muscle pain, pagkakaroon ng kulani at rashes na typical sa supposedly na monkeypox,” he said. (Zamboanga Post, Mindanao Examiner)

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400 pigs culled due to ASF Z

Vitali, Pasonanca get new school buildings VILLAGE AND faculty members thanked Mayor Beng Climaco who formally turned over two newly constructed school buildings recently.

The mayor led officials in turning over the three-storey building to school and barangay officials. “Este un simbolo de suporta y amor para el educacion del maga bata,” said Climaco during the simple ceremony at the Vitali Central Elementary School.

Also present during the ceremony were representatives from the City Engineer’s Office and the Department of Education, including students.

The mayor also turned over a two-storey, six classroom

AMBOANGA CITY - The outbreak of the African swine fever here has affected at least 130 hog raisers as the local government battle the spread of the virus which is deadly to pigs.

The Office of the City the efforts in controlling the bringing pork products Veterinarian said nearly 400 spread of the African swine from Manila or Davao, pigs were culled in recent fever. He said additional especially meats, because weeks in the villages of Pa- quarantine stations were Davao and Luzon areas sonanca, Bunguiao, Mangu- put up in various villagers are also under Red Zone,” su, Curuan and Manicahan to ensure no infected hogs he said. to prevent the spread of the are transported from areas Arriola emphasized virus. affected by the African swine that the African swine “The African swine fever fever. fever virus has no effect virus has affected some 133 He said as part of the on humans, but is fatal hog raisers here, racking up guidelines regulating the to hogs. “ASF is not a huan estimated loss of P1.9 mil- transfer and movement of man threat, however, it is lion,” said City Veterinarian pork products, only those particularly devastating Dr. Mario Arriola, but he as- with veterinary certificates to the hog industry as it is sured hog raisers that the lo- and meat inspection certi- highly contagious with no cal government will provide fications shall be allowed to treatment nor vaccination them assistance to cushion pass the quarantine check- available, and will result the impact of their losses. points, particularly in the vil- in 100% mortality for inThe Bureau of Animal lage of Limpapa which bor- fected herds within two Industry has placed Zam- ders Zamboanga del Norte days of infection,” he exboanga City under so-called province, and in Licomo vil- plained. “It is okay to con“Red Zone” category mean- lage bordering Zamboanga sume pork as long as this ing hog and pork products Sibugay province. comes from authorized from here cannot be shipped Arriola noted that bor- slaughterhouses and have out or transported to other der control will be particu- pass government inspecplaces. larly strict on returning res- tion. I keep saying this, if Arriola said upon the or- idents, especially those who in doubt, do not buy or ask der of Mayor Maria Isabelle carry pork products whether for meat inspection certifSalazar, they activated a task they are cooked or not. icate issued for the day,” force which shall oversee “We are very strict on he said. (Zamboanga Post)

SEAOIL to build bulk terminal in Zambo The new school building in Pasonanca. (Mary Gatchalian) building to education officials to the Upper Pasonanca Elementary School.

“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic and all other challenges, we persevere and continue to deliver the necessary services to the people.

We thank the barangay officials chaired by

Zamboanga Peninsula

Kapitan Efigenio Julian Jr and the teachers for all your efforts,” she said.

“Our commitment to provide quality education to our VIPs - our children, remains firm and unyielding.”

Aside from the building. Climaco also turned over a 230 square meter covered court to the village officials and led the “Dia de Alcalde” in Pasonanca where residents were provided free medical and social services.

The projects are part of Climaco’s Security, Health and Education priority program and is another example of the climate-resilient buildings that her administration pioneered. (Zamboanga Post)

Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY – SEAOIL said it has invested some P740 million into a bulk terminal construction at the Zamboanga Economic and Freeport Zone.

It is also SEAOIL’s first business venture into an economic zone, adding the depot is designed for 18 million liters of storage capacity and can receive direct imports.

The independent fuel company broke ground on May 25 in partnership with the Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (ZFA).

This solidifies a 50-year agreement with the ecozone to create development projects and activities for terminal and jetty operations.

The total leased area amounts to 2.12 hectares, with an option to further expand.

The terminal and jetty development is set to be completed by next year, and operations are projected to begin in the fourth quarter of the same year.

“This partnership with ZFA is much more than a busi-

Sulu

ZFA Chairman and Administrator Raul Regondola and two other officials with SEAOIL President for Commercial Business and COO Stephen Yu, and SEAOIL Vice President for Terminal Expansion and Development Ronaldo Itliong. ness decision for us at SEAOIL. By opening a terminal here in Zamboanga City, we can make our quality products more accessible to retail customers and commercial industries in the area,” said Stephen Yu, SEAOIL President for Commercial Business and COO. ZFA Chairman Raul Regondola lauded SEAOIL for investing in Zamboanga. “We welcome this partnership with

open arms as this is an excellent opportunity to pump more economic activity into the city. We also look forward to the jobs this terminal will bring to our locals,” he said.

SEAOIL has over 650 branches nationwide with more being built this year to meet its target of having 1,000 branches by 2023.

(Mindanao Examiner)

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