The Zamboanga Post (June 13-19, 2022) by Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper

Tweet sparks backlash Veteran journo criticized for tweet about Mindanao DAVAO CITY – Netizens continue to bash veteran freelance journalist Raisa Robles for her controversial tweet over the plan of incoming Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco to

open Mindanao to tourism. Even in her own Facebook page, the bashing is unstoppable with critics calling for Robles to be declared persona non grata or unwanted in Mindanao.

“I support (the) movement to declare Raissa Robles persona non grata sa whole island of Mindanao,” wrote Mangobat C Mar on the social media page of the self-proclaimed Continue on page 3

Raissa Robles, Vice President-elect Sara Duterte and Reps. Shernee Tambut (Kusug Tausug) and Mujiv Hataman. Picked from the wild, in the highlands of North Cotabato and Bukidnon. Available in 250g packs - roasted whole beans or fine ground. Cup to Go (16 oz.) also available and comes with 2 packets of brown sugar, one plastic stirrer, one drip bag and 12g of Civet coffee powder. Wholesaler, Retailer, Reseller are welcome.

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Ban on single-use plastics ignored

ESPITE THE government ban on single use plastic bags in Zamboanga during Saturdays and Sundays, many commercial establishments continue to ignore the order. Reynaldo Gon- the order. The OCENR the environment. zales, the chief of the even spearheaded a moJust last month, RayOffice of the City Envi- torcade in celebrating mond Padayhag, from the ronment and Natural the World Environment Office of the City Mayor, Resources (OCENR), month which focuses on met with representatives has repeatedly told es- the rampant use of plas- of various shopping malls tablishments to follow tics which is hazardous to Continue on page 2

Mayor breaks ground for new social center VARIOUS INFRASTRUCTURE projects continue in Zamboanga as Mayor Beng Climaco led the Continue on page 2

Mayor Beng Climaco leads a group of engineers and architects and social workers in the ground breaking ceremony for a new social development center in the village of Culianan. (Argie Ramos)

Safe to eat pork: OCVET THE OFFICE of the City Veterinarian has assured the public that it is safe to consume pork products or meat even if Zamboanga has declared an outbreak of the African swine fever

which is deadly to pigs. City Veterinarian Dr. Mario Arriola said there is no human health threat in eating pork or pork products even if there is an outbreak of the African swine fever, adding

Zamboanga Peninsula

the virus only affects pigs. Arriola and his employees and representatives from the Bureau of Animal Industry even released a set of photos showing them feasting on a roasted pig Continue on page 3

Basilan

Shop-o-Rama Supermarket, Yubenco Supermarket and KCC Mall de Zamboanga continue to use plastic bags during weekends. (Zamboanga Post)

Working together to serve more communities for a sustainable future: SM Prime CLIMATE CHANGE is one of the most pressing and defining global issues today and it has become imperative for both the public and private sectors to continue to band together to primarily, safeguard the welfare of the people and to step up to strengthen the resilience of the nation, said Hans T. Sy, SM

Sulu

Hans T. Sy

Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee. “I constantly encourage the private sector to work closely with the government. This way, we can be more cohesive in our efforts to make more meaningful progress Continue on page 7

Tawi-tawi

The Zamboanga Post

June 13-19, 2022

Ban on single-use plastics ignored Continued from page 1 and supermarkets to reiterate the implementation of Executive Order BC453-2019 signed by Mayor Beng Climaco. Climaco signed the order in February 2019 banning the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags during weekends as part of the local government’s ecological solid waste management program. The order enjoins all business establishments, markets and residents not tom use plastic bags and Climaco urged shoppers and market goers here to use paper or buri bags instead of non-biodegradable plastics, and for establishments, especially shopping malls and supermarkets, to make use of eco bags for their customers. But despite this, grocery stores and public and supermarkets continue to violate Climaco’s order. Shop-o-Rama and Yubenco Supermarket are also top violators of this order and continue to use plastic bag during weekends. And

now KCC Mall de Zamboanga is also using plastic bags during weekends. Climaco said most plastic bags are considered as non-biodegradable being made of polymer substance known as polyethylene that cannot easily be decomposed by microorganisms and shall remain as environmental pollutant, thus posing health risk. According to Climaco, data on waste characterization showed that non-biodegradable waste accounts for 40% of the total garbage disposed and 17% of this constitutes plastics. The order, she added, is complementary to the existing broad-based and comprehensive approach policy on solid waste management. “This (executive order) is an initial priority action on waste reduction for non-biodegradable materials towards the enactment of an ordinance, proposing an inclusive approach to regulate the use of non-biodegradable and disposable plastic sando

bags and the like as bagging materials, including the enforcement of regulatory procedures on the use and trade, and the penalty clause thereof,” she said. Climaco also instructed the Zamboanga City Health Office and Zamboanga City Environment and Natural Resources Office to conduct massive information and education campaign on the effects to the environment of the use of plastic bags. The local government also imposed a ban on the single-use plastics on both Great and Little Santa Cruz Islands to combat pollution and protect the environment. Those going to the islands were told to bring their own reusable containers, baskets or ecobags for their provisions, and prohibited the bringing of plastic bags, cups and spoons, forks water bottles and anything made from Styrofoam and even plastic wrappers of ice candies, among others. According to plasticfreechallenge.org, single-use plastics or dis-

MNLF to help security forces fight Abu Sayyaf ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has renewed its commitment to peace and vowed to fight alongside the Philippine security forces against the pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf in the southern Sulu province. Lt. Gen. Abraham Joel, Chief of Staff of the MNLF’s Bangsamoro Armed Forces, made this commitment during a meeting with Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, in the province. “Kasama ko ang aking mga field commanders upang personal na makipagkita kay Major General Patrimonio na itinuturing namin na aming kapatid upang ipahayag ang aming suporta sa kanya lalo na sa pakikipaglaban sa mga Abu Sayyaf Group,” Joel said in a statement released by the 11th Infantry Division. Patrimonio expressed his gratitude to Joel for the MNLF’s assurance to support the peace and development campaign to end terrorism in Sulu. “It is assuring to know that we have come into understanding on our one purpose and one mission to totally end terrorism in the province of Sulu. Let us continue to collaborate in attaining our collective vision of lasting peace and sustainable development in

Sulu,” he said. Joel was accompanied by the chief of the MNLF’s White Lion Command, Jul Ajani and his deputy Commander Bahid Pawaki; MNLF Coordinating Group chairman, Amilhamja Hadjiri and his vice-chairman, Commander Bala Badda; the chief of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi Command, Commander Al Abdurahman; vice-chairman of State of Sulu, Saikal Madjuri; Chief of Satellite Command 5 Ustadz Gabir Abbas; Chief of Samidin Command, Salih Muhamad; commander of Camp Macopa, Akmadul Totoh; and other MNLF members. No other details were made available by the military at the meeting, but the number of Abu Sayyaf in the province is dwindling following the government’s campaign against the militants and the mass surrender of its members in the past years. The MNLF under the former Libyan firebrand Nur Misuari signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the peace accord, he said there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were grant-

ed. Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards. In January 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Misuari as the country’s Special Envoy to the influential Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Duterte first announced his choice of Misuari in December 2019. Muslims in Mindanao, especially in Misuari’s stronghold in Sulu, welcomed Duterte’s official designation of the former rebel leader, saying, his expertise in Islamic diplomacy will greatly boost the Philippines’ relations with Arab and Muslim countries. Duterte vowed to continue talking peace to Misuari and both have agreed for the establishment of a coordinating committee between the MNLF and the national government. Misuari has previously asked Duterte to include OIC in the peace talks. The OIC, which has 57 member states, had played a vital role in the peace process between the Philippine government and MNLF in the past. (Mindanao Examiner)

posable plastics such as grocery bags, straws, coffee stirrers, soda and water bottles and most food packaging are used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. It said only 10-13% of 300 million tons of plastic are recycled each year because the nature of petroleum based disposable plastic makes it difficult to recycle and they have to add new virgin materials and chemicals to it to do so. Additionally there are

a limited number of items that recycled plastic can be used. “Petroleum based plastic is not biodegradable and usually goes into a landfill where it is buried or it gets into the water and finds its way into the ocean. Although plastic will not biodegrade (decompose into natural substance like soil,) it will degrade (break down) into tiny particles after many years. In the process of breaking down, it releases

toxic chemicals (additives that were used to shape and harden the plastic) which make their way into our food and water supply,” it said. “These toxic chemicals are now being found in our bloodstream and the latest research has found them to disrupt the Endocrine system which can cause cancer, infertility, birth defects, impaired immunity and many other ailments,” it added. (Zamboanga Post)

Mayor breaks ground for new social center Continued from page 1 ground-breaking ceremony of a social development center which shall house and care for disadvantaged children. Climaco, a strong advocate of children’s rights and welfare, said the one-storey building in the village of Culianan will further enhance and expand the local government’s social services. Once completed, the social development center shall provide welfare services, among others, to the disadvantaged children, she said. “So we will put up the first-ever mendicancy hall. I'm very particular about the toilets and comfort of

Mayor Beng Climaco poses with members of the Bureau of Fire Protection following the turnover of the newly rehabilitated fire station in the village of Sangali. (Argie Ramos) our people and in the able leadership of our engineers,” she added. The center, which can

Mayor Beng Climac inspects an area in Pettit Barracks in downtown Zamboanga where a three-storey office building will be constructed. (Argie Ramos)

accommodate at least 100 children, is symmetrical in size with separate sleeping quarters for boys and girls and double-deck beds; and bed rooms for adults. It will also have a kitchen and a laundry area, including comfort rooms with cubicles and showers. The building is also designed to allow natural light and ventilation in the building. Aside from the center, the mayor also inspected an area in Pettit Barracks in downtown Zamboanga where a three-storey office building will be constructed. The building will house the Housing and Land Management Division, the City Treasurer’s Office collection unit and the Department of the Interior and Local Government office, among others. Climaco inspected the site to ensure the project is in accordance with the provisions of the contract between the local government and the private contractor. The mayor also turned over to the Bureau of Fire and Protection the newly-rehabilitated and improved fire station in Sangali village. The bigger and more convenient facility will house fire trucks, including those donated by the Climaco administration in 2019. (Zamboanga Post)

The Zamboanga Post

June 13-19, 2022

Tweet sparks backlash Veteran journo criticized for tweet about Mindanao

Safe to eat pork: OCVET Continued from page 1 and assured the public that it is safe to eat pork. Pig raisers and meat vendors have reported a decrease in sales due to the public fear of the African swine fever which eventually pushed further the prices of dressed chicken and poultry products. Before the outbreak of the African swine fever, prices of pork was at P270 a kilo and today, a kilo of meat is priced at over P300. Dressed chicken now sells at P210 a kilo from P180 in previous months. The price of roasted pig is now P600 a kilo from P500 last year and P480 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Arriola said the local government has implemented strong measures to ensure the virus causing the African swine fever will not spread to other villages. The outbreak of the African swine fever here has already affected at

least 130 hog raisers as the local government battles the spread of the virus. Hundreds of pigs were culled in recent weeks in the villages of Pasonanca, Bunguiao, Mangusu, Curuan and Manicahan to prevent the spread of the virus. “The African swine fever virus has affected some 133 hog raisers here, racking up an estimated loss of P1.9 million,” Arriola said and he assured hog raisers that the local government will provide them assistance to cushion the impact of their losses. The Bureau of Animal Industry has placed Zamboanga City under so-called “Red Zone” category meaning hog and pork products from here cannot be shipped out or transported to other places. Arriola said upon the order of Mayor Beng Climaco, they activated a task force which shall oversee the efforts in controlling the spread of the African

swine fever. He said additional quarantine stations were put up in various villages to ensure no infected hogs are transported from areas affected by the African swine fever. He said as part of the guidelines regulating the transfer and movement of pork products, only those with veterinary certificates and meat inspection certifications shall be allowed to pass the quarantine checkpoints, particularly in the village of Limpapa which borders Zamboanga del Norte province, and in Licomo village bordering Zamboanga Sibugay province. Arriola noted that border control will be particularly strict on returning residents, especially those who carry pork products whether they are cooked or not. “We are very strict on bringing pork products from Manila or Davao, especially meats, because Davao and Luzon areas are also under the Red Zone,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)

Continued from page 1 investigative journalist. Ortega Adawag Wel also wrote on Robles’ Facebook page, calling for the same persona non grata declaration on the writer. An online petition started by Frederick Alvarez, a native of Mindanao, in change.org is also getting traction with nearly 200 people signing the petition which calls for Robles to apologize for her tweet. “Raissa Robles painted a negative and inaccurate portrait of Mindanao. It is spiteful and speculative, and it will have a significant impact on Mindanao's people. Therefore, she should apologize,” Alvarez said. Robles, who writes for the South China Morning Post and other international newspapers, tweeted on June 2: “Apparently, Frasco would like to open Mindanao to tourism. I’m sure the extremist Abu Sayyaf and other bandits would be pleased by the prospects of so many potential kidnap victims. Way to go, Frasco. Prep for ransom negotiations…” Sarcastic The first to react to Robles' tweet was Kusug Tausug Rep. Shernee Tambut, who has criticized the writer for her tweet. Tambut, a native of Sulu province, wrote a lengthy open letter on June 3, and protested Robles’ tweet and called it “sarcastic.” “On behalf of the people of Sulu and other Muslim Mindanao provinces alluded to in your sarcastic June 2nd Twitter post…on the plan of incoming Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco to open up Mindanao to tourism, I strongly protest the ugly picture you project of Mindanao, particularly its Muslim provinces, as the stronghold of kidnappers and bandits. I am utterly dismayed that a journalist like you, with connections to international papers, would carelessly suggest in a public forum like Twitter that tourists in Mindanao will be sitting ducks for kidnappers and other criminals. That is totally untrue. Mindanao is peaceful and progressive and its Muslim provinces are doing their best to contribute to our nation’s growth,” Tambut said. “I do not hold it against you that you are strongly opposed to the incoming administration; we are free to side with whoever we believe in. But, as a responsible journalist, you are duty-bound to put fairness and facts before your biases. Your overpowering dislike for the President-elect should not give you a reason to pass unfounded judgment on policies that are yet to be implemented; neither should it give you a license to make false assumptions that mock the efforts of the Muslim Mindanao provinces to maintain peace and stability so that they can draw in investors and

tourists. Please do not spread falsehoods and damage the achievements of the Muslim Mindanao provinces to keep the peace,” she added. Tambut said she would like to give Robles an opportunity to experience the peacefulness of some southern Mindanao provinces by inviting her to visit Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City to see for herself the peace and order situation there. “I am inviting you to Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City at any date suitable for you. I will personally accompany you there so you can see for yourself how the people live in peace in these places and how they work hard to earn a living. Should you decide to take up my offer, kindly contact my office in Congress and my staff will promptly relay your message to me,” Tambut said. BARMM A Member of Parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Amir Mawallil also reacted to Robles’ tweet and said: “I hope you find time to visit Mindanao and see for yourself that it is more than just terrorism, or the Abu Sayyaf Group. Mindanao is more than all this vitriol. It is a beautiful destination, the homeland to many peaceful people who will welcome you with gracious kindness. A reader of Mawallil’s post, Emy Bahjin-Jalani reacted to Robles’ controversial tweet and said: “This girl is full of pessimism and evil wishes for her fellow countrymen while painting a picture of bygone days that her side of the political spectrum has been so notorious about. We pray for the continuing peace in Mindanao. We were enjoying the peace and development during PRRD’s time that we are sure will be pursued by the in-coming administration. Sana hindi na guluhin ng mga the likes of this girl and their benefactors!” Robles, who wrote the book “Marcos Martial Law: Never Again,” said she has replied to tweets accusing her of being irresponsible about Mindanao being opened up to tourism. In a Facebook post on June 3, Robles admitted she received a lot of bashing for the tweet she made. “Apparently, a tweet I made on making Mindanao a tourism destination has opened me up for a lot of bashing,” she said and urged those who bashed her to read her post. “Pls read. And if you still don't agree, just block me,” she said. Sayyaf is toothless On June 4, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman also released a statement, saying Robles must be held accountable for what she tweeted. “Nais nating sagutin ang mga pahayag na binitawan ni Ms. Raissa Robles kamakailan

sa Twitter bilang babala o reaksyon sa plano ng bagong kalihim ng Department of Tourism na buksan ang ilang bahagi ng Mindanao sa turismo. Sa pagsagot ni Ms. Robles sa kabi-kabilang puna ng ibang netizen sa Twitter, nabanggit niya ang security concern na dala ng Abu Sayyaf Group o ASG at pati na rin ang ating lalawigan sa Basilan.” “Gusto ko lang linawin: WALA NANG PANGIL ANG ASG SA BASILAN. At ito ay bunga ng maraming taon na pakikipagtulungan ng security forces, lokal na pamahalaan, komunidad at mga imam sa ilalim ng Program Against Violent Extremism na ating inilunsad maraming taon na ang nakakaraan. Ang mga mamamayan ng Basilan ay malaya nang nakakagalaw at nawala na ang takot na noon ay bumabalot sa aming lalawigan. Pinagtulungan namin kung anuman ang kapayapaan na tinatamasa naming mga Basileño ngayon,” Hataman said. Irresponsible This was followed by a June 5 statement issued by Vice President-elect Sara Duterte, who branded Robles’ tweet as “irresponsible and discriminatory” views of Mindanao and its people. “The views expressed by Raissa Robles on Mindanao in reaction to the plan of incoming Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco to develop the region as a tourist destination are replete with journalistic recklessness and irresponsibility — something that calls for our collective condemnation as it grossly discriminated against all Mindanawons, especially those living in Moro communities. What Robles did was a demonization of Mindanao and an insult to its people, who also deserve to experience the gains of the Duterte administration over the past six years. Robles clearly wanted to undervalue everything that the Duterte administration has done in keeping the peace and security in Mindanao and ensuring that concerns caused by terrorist organizations, including kidnap for ransom groups, are addressed appropriately with the help of local governments and leaders of communities,” Duterte said. She said since 2016, the kidnapping operations by Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao have been significantly reduced compared to the previous years — and the authorities have successfully rescued all victims. All other incidents concerning Abu Sayyaf had been about the arrests and surrenders of their members and leaders. “As a Filipino, Robles should be ashamed of herself for dangerously trying to stoke and encourage terrorist groups to target tourists in Mindanao,” Duterte said. (Mindanao Examiner)

The Zamboanga Post Lifestyle

June 13-19, 2022

Photos by Eugene Elnar, Bong Serondo, Mary Gatchalian, Argie Ramos, Dem Gen team and City Government.

June 13-19, 2022

The Zamboanga Post Exclusive

The Zamboanga Post

June 13-19, 2022

Across : 1. Atlas chart 4. EMT’s word 8. Vatican leader 12. ___ Thurman of “Kill Bill” 13. Ice cream holder 14. Individuals 15. Bro’s sib 16. Take turns 18. Intrigued 20. Brat’s stocking stuffer 21. Applied henna 22. Ike’s inits. 25. GI’s club 27. Fix 29. Elude 32. Church official 33. Do again 35. Aussie creature 36. Always, poetically 37. Actor ___ Connery 39. Birch or spruce 43. Front of a scence 45. Jakarta’s country 48. Blushing 49. Band instrument 50. Ditty 51. Pierre’s buddy 52. Reminds excessively 53. Gorillas 54. Caustic substance Down : 1. “The Sound of ___” 2. Kind of acid 3. Italian staple 4. “The Lion King” villain 5. Ohio port 6. Restless 7. Wobble 8. Small lake 9. Stop ___ dime (2 wds.) 10. Domestic animal 11. Opposite of WNW 17. Use coupons 19. Avoid capture 22. Mom’s mate 23. “___ Hard” (Willis film) 24. Make mistakes

Answer to last week’s crossword:

26. Add spices 28. Dwarf planet 29. Before, to Shakespeare 30. Victory letter 31. Mar. Follower 34. Calcutta’s Mother ___ 35. Diesel ___ 38. Fable author 40. Rustic 41. Foe 42. Comedian ___ Murphy 43. Enemies 44. Dustcloths 45. Electrified particle 46. Hoop gp. 47. Canine

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The Zamboanga Post

June 13-19, 2022

HEALTH

Pamamanhid ng katawan: Baka Diabetes o Stroke na Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong MADALAS KA ba makaramdam ng pamamanhid? Ito ay isang karaniwang nararamdaman na karaniwan ay walang seryoso o malubhang kahihinatnan. Para sa mga typist, mga mechanical workers at kababaihan na naglalaba, karaniwang sila ay nakararanas ng pamamanhid ng mga kamay, na dahil sa carpal tunnel syndrome. Ang kondisyong ito ay nangangahulugang na ang ugat (median nerve) na nagbibigay ng lakas sa kamay ay naiipit. Ipahinga ang iyong mga

kamay. Ang isa pang karaniwang lugar ng pamamanhid ay sa hita sa pag-upo at pag-higa. Ito ay dahil sa naiipit ang sciatic nerve sa may balakang natin. Ngunit dalawang mas malubhang sanhi ng pamamanhid ay stroke at diabetes. Bagamat bihira lamang ito, may ilang mga pasyenteng na-stroke ay ang reklamo lamang ay bahagyang pamamanhid sa katawan. Kaya naman kung may pag-aalinlangan, ang mga doktor ay maaaring mag-request ng isang CT Scan sa ulo para masuri ang stroke.

Ang diabetes ay maaari ring maging sanhi ng pamamanhid, karaniwan sa mga binti at paa. Kung hindi mo mapananatili ang iyong blood sugar ng mas mababa sa 120 mg/dl, maaari itong magresulta sa pinsala sa mga ugat. Ang may diabetes ay dapat mag-ingat sa kanilang mga binti dahil ang karaniwang senaryo ay ang pagkakaroon ng pamamanhid sa paa muna, pinsala sa paa at impeksyon. Sa mga napabayaang mga kaso, maaari itong humantong sa amputation o pagkaputol ng binti.

Working together to serve more communities for a sustainable future: SM Prime

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OPINION

Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco

WE REJOICE in the Trinity as the Holy Spirit is sent unto us! This was a sought after Feast, a great feast, especially in the Charismatic Movement. The reception of the Holy Spirit brought boldness and courage to give testimony to God’s loving providence and mercy in the struggles and successes of life. Last week, we began the day with the priest rejoicing at a Dental Clinic blessing on the birthday of the Church’s ministry. A comparison of Dr. Ella Falcasantos’ start of her work as dentist. God’s grace has been a constant guide in all our trials in life. We go to the Holy Spirit to infuse us with wisdom to think, speak and act in all our undertakings. Looking back at my life from 18 when my brother and I acknowledged the Holy Spirit through a baptism, commitment and renewal, we surrendered to God our struggle with our mother who battled cancer. I testify to the work of the Holy Spirit, the source of wisdom who gave me my voice, shy as I was, fearful and a late bloomer. May we recognize the Holy Spirit who showers God’s enlightenment on us,

in all we do. “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.” It is God’s love that has guided me. As I end my term as Mayor in the City, I am made aware of love that is the source that moves us to act. After Mass, Fr. Moga asked: “So Beng, what will you do now?” By God’s grace I hung on to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom. I welcome this REBOOT in life and surrender my life constantly to the Lord. With it, I offer my pains to Jesus. What’s it like? I feel like entering into a dark casket like an MRI and Mammogram combined, pressing in heavily on my chest. All is a suffocating darkness. I awake during Easter with the Angelus, Queen of Heaven Rejoice! The most difficult Easter 2022 in my life. I hung on to Mary, our Mother who cradles me with Jesus in the Pieta. Amediante de todo el palabra de Dios ay sustene canaton. “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.”

Continued from page 1 towards a better and sustainable future. As a private enterprise, SM Prime will continue to do its share in addressing climate change for the benefit of communities,” said Sy. The Philippines currently ranks third globally when it comes to climate change vulnerability. In relation to its geographical location, it is more exposed to altering intensities of climate change manifested through erratic weather systems and natural calamities. The private sector is called upon now more than ever to align with the principles of sustainable development and to take on the same firm stance on environmentally sound practices in its operations. Water conservation Sy said sustainability at SM Prime is at the core of its corporate identity. SM Prime has spearheaded sustainable practices as well as set records in pioneering programs to consciously protect the environment and strongly focus on resilience in its developments, he said. The property conglomerate embarked on a campaign to substantially reduce its water consumption. It pioneered the installation of sewage treatment plants even before the measure was required by way of the Clean Water Act in 2004. Today, its sewage treatment plants recycle 8.7 million cubic meters

of water, lessening its dependence on fresh water sources for air conditioning operations, gardening, water closet flushing and other non-potable uses. SM Prime’s water catchment basins across 20 SM malls can also catch and store almost 79 million liters of water in total every time it rains, or as much as 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools. By controlling the flow of flood water, surrounding communities have been provided more protection against the devastating effects of floods, alleviating what communities would normally fear when the rains come, according to Sy. Renewable energy He said SM Prime continues to explore ways to promote environmental consciousness in its operations and developments to minimize environmental impact. In 2014, SM Prime achieved an important milestone in the country with SM City North EDSA becoming then the world’s largest solar-powered mall. Today, SM Prime is adding eleven more malls with solar roof decks, Sy said. Showing its firm resolve to advance its sustainability agenda, the company is committed to increase the use of renewable energy by 50% this year across its various business segments, ahead of the national goals to be 35% renewable by 2030. Through these efforts, Sy said SM Prime is committed to provide afford-

able and clean energy to its tenant-partners, minimizing the carbon footprint emission in its operations. Collaboration toward resilience As a key figure in the private sector, Sy and his dedication to environmental protection continues to serve as a testament to how Philippine businesses can usher positive change toward disaster resilience and risk reduction management in the country. In 2012, Sy joined the United Nations Private Sector Advisory Group for Disaster Reduction. In 2015, he was also inducted as the first and only Filipino member UNDRR ARISE (Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies) International Board. He currently serves as cochair in the ARISE-Philippines network and National Resilience Council of the Philippines, representing the private sector. He continues to help develop multi-sectoral partnerships in the country to strengthen the ability of corporations, including MSMEs, to prepare and respond to disasters brought about by natural hazards such as earthquake. “Climate change is looming over our Mother Earth. If we can contribute no matter how little and if I can get everybody to be aware of it, I think we will make an impact. It’s never too late,” said Sy in a video interview for the 50 Sustainability and Climate Leaders initiative. (Richard Ebona)

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June 13-19, 2022

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June 13-19, 2022

Lazada, Shopee urged to cut on plastic packaging

HE ENVIRONMENTAL group called “EcoWaste Coalition” called on online shopping portals Lazada and Shopee to do their part for the environment by cutting back on the use of disposable plastic materials for their packaging and deliveries.

BION members hailed

Mayor Beng Climaco speaks during the training of BION members recently. (Eugene Elnar)

A delivery man leaves a package wrapped in plastic in a mailbox. (Zamboanga Post) “We urge these companies to implement a genuine plastic use reduction scheme and to support their sellers and logistic providers to implement similar measures,” said Coleen Salamat, Plastic Solutions Campaigner of EcoWaste Coalition. The rapid growth of e-commerce was observed during the Covid-19 pandemic and according to the Department of Trade and Industry, the sector is valued at P1.2 trillion

which is equivalent to 5.5% of the country’s economy. However, Salamat laments that plastic waste generated from e-commerce packaging adds an additional and unnecessary burden to cities and communities that are already having a hard time coping with increased solid waste brought by the pandemic. “Lazada and Shopee should be responsible for the waste that they help create and support global efforts to save our climate and environment. Cutting

back on their plastic waste should be a very simple step for these multi-million companies. Let us stop sacrificing our environment for profit,” she said. Last October 2021, more than 15,000 people signed a petition by “Youth Strike for Climate Philippines” and “Greenpeace” demanding Lazada and Shopee to reduce unnecessary plastics such as bubble wraps, and multi-layer plastics used in packages and deliveries. (Zamboanga Post)

Cop busted in drug sting POLICE ARRESTED a local cop during an undercover drug sting where agents seized crystal meth worth at least P34,000. Col. Alexander Lorenzo Jr, the chief of police, said Carlo Anthony Burgas Tabo-Tabo was arrested following the drug bust in the village of San Jose Gusu last week. He said the 26year old cop is currently assigned at the central police station under temporary status.

“The suspect was tagged as a high-value individual,” he said, adding the operation was mounted by members of the Police Station 10 and City Drug Enforcement Unit where Tabo-Tabo is detailed. “The operation was part of the PNP’s ongoing intensified cleanliness policy aimed at penalizing erring members of the organization defying strict directives and other policies,” Lorenzo said. “The Zamboanga

Zamboanga Peninsula

City Police Office urges the public to continue to support the government's nation-building efforts, particularly our battle against illegal drugs and criminality and to report any illegal activities in the area of responsibility to the nearest station,” he added. It was unclear how Tabo-Tabo managed to pass the strict police recruitment or how he evaded regular but random drug tests here. (Zamboanga Post)

Basilan

MAYOR BENG Climaco has cited the hard work of the members of the Barangay Information Officers’ Network in Zamboanga and thanked them for their dedication in providing accurate and timely information not only during the Cobid-19 pandemic but even in other issues and concerns of their respective villages.

Climaco said she fully recognized the tireless efforts of the BION members in all 98 villages. She made this statement during a keynote address of the BION Capacity Training for the first batch of participants. The training was organized by the City Communication and Demand Generation Team composed of the Public Information Division under the Office

of the City Mayor, the City Health Office and Philippine Information Agency and with support from the USAID REACHEALTH. The mayor said the training is intended to make BION members more effective and efficient in addressing information needs of their constituents, as well as the spread of misinformation and fake news. (Zamboanga Post)

300 solar street lights installed OVER 300 solar street lights were installed in seven villages in Zamboanga with Mayor Beng Climaco leading government officials in the unveiling of the project. The streetlights were installed along the stretch of the highway covering the villages of Guiwan, Putik, Boalan, Divisoria and Culianan, and in Tugbungan. The mayor embarked on a series of activities and public engagements to wrap up her nine years of continued service until the end of this month. Climaco also regularly conducts her humanitarian program called “Dia de Alcalde” in various villages in an effort to bring government services to the grassroots, especially in poor areas where res-

Sulu

Mayor Beng Climaco during the unveiling of solar street light installation in Zamboanga highway. (Argie Ramos) idents are provided free health and social services, among others. The mayor has thanked village officials and department heads involved in the program

for their continued support. Climaco started the program, one of her many projects, to provide residents with welfare services. (Zamboanga Post)

Tawi-Tawi