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Zambo excluded in Covid ‘high-risk’ areas
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HILE THE number of Covid-19 cases are increasing here due to local community transmission, the University of the Philippines – OCTA Research Team has excluded Zamboanga City from the so-called “highrisk” areas for coronavirus disease. Read Story on page 3
Health workers brave barangays to immunize children DESPITE THE Covid-19 pandemic, Zamboanga’s brave health workers continue their daily immunization of children against Measles Rubella and Polio. Photos of health workers were also posted on Mayor Beng Climaco’s Facebook page and showed them immunizing children. “Regardless of the circumstances, our hardworking health workers are Continue on page 3
The Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity in Zamboanga City. Regardless of the circumstances, hardworking health workers are always on the go for the sake of the children. (Christine Lim)
MGCQ until end of November ‘Residents told to strictly follow guidelines, protocols’ CHIEF COVID frontliner Mayor Beng Climaco said Zamboanga City shall remain under Moderate General Community Quarantine until end of November following
the latest order from the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases. Climaco, who heads the local task force on Covid-19, again appealed
to residents to strictly follow the health protocols and quarantine guidelines. “El recomendacion base se na interpretacion Continue on page 2
Zambo barangays join ‘Project Converge’ FOURTEEN BARANGAYS in Zamboanga City have partnered with The Asia Foundation’s Project Converge which is a part of the “Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism” or PCVET program. Aside from Zamboanga City, Ipil and Tungawan towns in Zamboanga Sibugay province, are also participating in the Project Converge. The project includes a series of meetings and planning, and community plan of interventions which are designed to reduce drivers of violent conflict and increase community resilience in their respective area. Understanding Violent Extremism According to publication of The Continue on page 7
From the publication of The Asia Foundation.
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November 9-15, 2020
MGCQ until end of November ‘Residents told to strictly follow guidelines, protocols’ Continued from page 1 del Departamento de salud si cosa quarantine level ay esta el ciudad pero si el de atun maga vivientes, maga doctor ta recomenda mas alto el level del quarantina el gobierno local tiene discrecion para dale el apelo na RIATF (Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases) para hace este subi,” she said. “Ta apela lang tamen kita para ademas de este quere tamen kita balancea el livelihood del de atun maga vivientes por causa grande gayot el perdecion na livelihood that is why amediante de este si Attorney (Kenneth) Beldua (City Council Secretary), si Doctor Dulce (Amor Miravite – City Health Officer), Doctor Elmer (Apolinario - City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) y tambien el City Legal (Office) de atun, el DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) will work a protocol del enforcement with our security sector para hace kita el lo que debe.” “Ta apela gat yo con todo con ustedes favor gat kita coopera na de atun gobierno cay no quere gat kita subi mas el incidente del Covid para aquellos que quierre busca vida na nuevo normal ay puede tamen recubra el grande perdecion (na economia),” Climaco further said. The number of active Covid-19 cases is now under 700 with more than 2,000 people recovering from the deadly respiratory disease since the start of the pandemic in March. From previous weeks, the active Covid-19 cases rose above 700. Zamboanga City Health Officer Dr Dulce Miravite said community transmission remains to be the top cause of the surge in Covid-19 cases due to the complacent attitude of residents. Climaco also released
guidelines on the mandatory use of face mask and face shield outside residence after the DILG ordered all local governments to impose this immediately in an effort to contain the spread of the Covid-19. “All persons are mandated to wear face masks and face shields in all public transportation, supermarkets, public markets, malls and in all venues where government-initiated meetings and critical government services are being conducted or provided, or such other protective equipment which can effectively lessen the transmission of Covid-19, whenever they go out of their residences, pursuant to existing guidelines issued by the national government subject to fair and humane penalties or punishment imposed,” the DILG said. In the guidelines released recently, Climaco said those who are under 16 or over 65 years shall remain in their residence at all times. And for those 16 years up to 65 years without quarantine passes, they may present any valid ID, or in the case of senior citizens, any valid senior citizen’s ID card. The use of face masks, maintenance of social distancing protocols and no sharing of equipment shall be mandatory for persons engaged in indoor and outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercise. She said all persons are mandated to wear face masks and face shields in all public transportation, supermarkets, public markets, and malls and in all venues where government-initiated meetings and critical government services are being conducted or provided. These minimum health protocols shall govern the following: Public Places: Open spaces such as parks and gardens, roadways or streets, basketball court,
and similar areas, the wearing of face mask is mandatory. Government and Private Offices: Wearing of face mask and face shield are mandatory. Business Establishments: Such as banks, restaurants and other food establishments, groceries, supermarkets, wet markets, public markets, malls, agri-fishery supply stores, veterinary supply stores, pharmacies, drug stores, and other retail establishments engaged in the business of selling essentials and in all venues where government-initiated meetings and critical government services are being conducted or provided – the wearing of face mask and face shield are mandatory. For Transportation: Motorcycle (family member) wearing of face mask is mandatory for driver and back-rider. Face shield is not mandatory for back-rider only. Driver must wear a helmet and if helmet is without visor, driver must use face shield. Bicycle: Wearing of face mask is mandatory. Pedicab duly-issued plate by the City Treasurer’s Office, the wearing of face mask and face shield are mandatory for all. And for tricycle (Piaggio or Bajaj), the wearing of face mask and face shield are mandatory for all. For Jeepneys, Buses and Vans: Wearing of face mask and face shield are mandatory for all. And for Personal 4-wheeled Vehicle (family members only) the use of face mask is mandatory. For Personal 4-wheeled Vehicle (mixed or non-family members), the wearing of face mask and face shield are mandatory for all. And for Company and Government Vehicles: Wearing of face mask and face shield are mandatory for all. (Zamboanga Post)
A photo from the Zamboanga City Police Office shows a policeman inspecting a bus to ensure passengers are following health protocols and quarantine guidelines. Mayor Beng Climaco lauds policemen for their dedication to public service amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cops lauded for job well done MAYOR BENG Climaco lauded the local police force following a drastic decrease in crimes despite the heavy burden it carry due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In a recent joint City Peace and Order Council and City Anti-Drug Abuse Council virtual meeting presided by Climaco - being the chairperson of both councils - the Zamboanga City Police Office reported a 33.50% dropped in crimes. Police said from June to October, it only recorded 768 crimes which was
much lower compared to 1,155 from January to May. From January to October, the local police also achieved a crime clearance efficiency of 93.47% for having solved 3,250 crime cases. As the Covid-19 has taken its toll on the city, the police reported that 25 of their personnel had contracted the deadly respiratory disease and went on quarantine and medical procedures and 24 had recovered with the remaining one still infected.
“Muchas gracias con el de atun maga polis que ta mantene el de atun paz y orden y seguridad junto na militar. El de estos sacrificio para na maga compueblanos y bien del ciudad de Zamboanga. Thank you so much,” Climaco said. The mayor said the police force headed by Col. Rexmel Reyes is also in the forefront of the battle against Covid-19 being on the frontline along with medical professionals, the barangay health workers and the local government. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
November 9-15, 2020
Zambo excluded in Covid ‘high-risk’ areas From page 1 The number of active Covid-19 cases in Zamboanga City is now below 700 with more than 2,000 people recovering from the deadly respiratory disease since the start of the pandemic in March. From previous weeks, the active Covid-19 cases rose above 700. Zamboanga City Health Officer Dr Dulce Miravite said community transmission remains to be the top cause of the surge in Covid-19 cases due to the complacent attitude of residents. Mayor Beng Climaco, head of the local task force on Covid-19, has ordered a stricter measure to control the further spread of the disease as Zamboanga remains under Moderate General Community Quarantine. She has been reminding locals to follow the health protocols. But the UP scientists identified 9 local governments that are at risk of
experiencing an increased hospital burden due to high numbers of new Covid-19 infections, according to a report by CNN Philippines. In its October 25 to 31 monitoring report released recently, the OCTA Research Team identified as “high-risk” the following areas: Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province in Mindanao; the cities of Makati and Malabon in Metro Manila; Baguio City, the towns of Itogon and Tuba in Benguet province; Lucena City in Quezon province; Iloilo City in Western Visayas; and Catarman town in Northern Samar. CNN Philippines said the OCTA Research Team which is monitoring the pandemic situation in the country, based their reports on the number of cases recorded daily, the Covid-19 attack rate, and the hospital occupancy in those areas. “We are concerned
that these LGUs may experience high hospital burden in the coming weeks that may stress their health care systems and overwhelm their medical front-liners,” it said and urged the national government and local officials to intensify their efforts against Covid-19, including testing, tracing and isolation, in an effort to suppress a further spike in coronavirus cases. It also recommended more aggressive localized lockdowns with stricter border controls in the high-risk areas. The scientists reiterated its warning against complacency, saying the positive downward trends seen nationwide can easily be reversed, as evidenced by the current and very significant outbreaks in Europe and the US. According to OCTA Research Team, the country’s daily new cases continue to decrease even after the Philippine Red Cross re-
sumed its testing services recently after stopping it for nearly two weeks due to a debt row with the staterun Philippine Health Insurance, resulting in a 30% drop in the national testing capacity at the time. Last month, the OCTA
Research Team tagged the following areas as highrisk for Covid-19: The cities of Pasay, Makati, Pasig and Mandaluyong in Metro Manila; and in Luzon – Baguio City, Benguet, Calamba, Laguna; Angono, Cainta, and Taytay in Rizal
province; Lucena, Quezon; Ilagan, Isabela; Batangas City, and General Trias, Cavite. And in Visayas: Iloilo City and San Carlos City in Negros Occidental; and Davao City and Butuan City in Mindanao. (Zamboanga Post)
Health workers brave barangays to immunize children
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Mayors, pinagiingat sa scam PINAGIINGAT NGAYON ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ang mga mayors laban sa mga extortionist at con-men na nagpapakilalang matataas na opisyal ng ahensya na nagaalok ng ayuda para sa releasing ng Covid-19 emergency relief aid kapalit ng lagay o salapi. Sinabi ni DILG Undersecretary at Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya na marami silang natatanggap na mga report mula sa DILG regional at field offices at mga local governments na nakatanggap sila ng texts at tawag mula sa mga impostor na nagpapanggap na opisyal ng DILG at mag-aalok ng Covid-19 assistance at saka manghihingi ng salapi. “Pinapayuhan po natin ang ating mga LGUs at ang publiko na mag-ingat sa mga walanghiyang mandurugas na sindikato na nagpapakilalang DILG at nangingikil ng pera kapalit ng umano’y ayuda,” ani Malaya. “Kahit po ang inyong lingkod ay ilang beses ng ginamit ang pangalan para makapanloko. Kailanman ay hindi tayo nanghihingi ng pera sa kahit sinong Mayor, Vice-Mayor, o ka-
pitan kapalit ng serbisyo publiko na binibigay ng DILG,” dagdag pa nito. Sa isang report sa DILG ni Mayor Danilo Diamante ng bayan ng Tuburan sa Cebu, sinabi nito na siya ay nakatanggap ng tawag mula sa isang nagpakilalalang DILG Undersecretary at humihingi ng pera para diumano sa shipping ng 1,500 kaban ng bigas na ibibigay bilang assistance sa kanyang bayan. Nakatanggap din si Malaya ng mga report ukol dito mula kay DILG CALABARZON Regional Director Ariel Iglesia, Mayor Rachel Ubana ng bayan ng Lopez sa Quezon province at Mayor Nacional Mercado ng Maasin City sa Southern Leyte, gayun rin mula kay Mayor Melina Requinto ng bayan ng Estancia sa Iloilo. “Halos pare-pareho ang istilo ng sindikatong ito. Tatawag at magpakilalang DILG, magbibigay kunwari ng tulong na bigas o iba pang supporta ngayong COVID-19 at sa huli ay manghihingi ng pera para sa transportasyon at iba pang gastusin,” paliwanag pa ni Malaya. Sinabi nito na inalerto na ng DILG ang Philippine National Police- Criminal
Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) sa modus operandi at iniimbestigahan na umano ito. “Kung sinuman sa inyo ang makatanggap ng tawag o texts sa mga taong nagpakilalang ako o sinuman sa DILG top officials, magsumbong at makipag-ugnayan po kayo agad sa pinakamalapit na police station para mahuli at maparusahan ang mga impostor na ito,” wika ni Malaya. Ipinaliwanag rin ni Malaya na niruruta ng DILG ang mga official communication sa mga DILG regional at field offices, at sa mga LGUs sa pamamagitan ng official channels at hindi sa texts o Tawag sa cell phone o telepono. Pinayuhan nito ang mga LGUs na maging maingat at i-verify muna kapag makikipag-usap sa mga taong nagsasabing konektado sa DILG. “Sa mga nasa malalayong munisipyo at kabarangayan, magtungo po kayo kaagad sa pinakamalapit na police station o DILG field office para makasiguro at hindi kayo malinlang ng mga scammer na ito,” wika nito. (Zamboanga Post)
Continued from page 1 always on the go for the sake of the children,” according to the caption on the photos taken by Christine Lim, the City Health Office’s Health Education and Promotions Officer. Climaco said the immunization - which began October 26 and ends on November 25 - targets children 9 months to below 5 years old. The The Department of Health said an estimated 2.4 million children under the age of 5 are susceptible to measles - one of the most contagious diseases in the world. About 9 out of 10 people exposed to the measles virus - who are not immune - will contract the disease. It
can cause high-grade fever, rashes, cough, and eye infection and can lead to complications such as pneumonia, ear infection, blindness, severe diarrhoea, and swelling of the brain. Polio, on the other hand, is a potentially debilitating disease that causes fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness and can eventually lead to lifelong paralysis. There is an ongoing outbreak of polio with cases reported from Acute Flaccid Paralysis surveillance and presence of environmental samples with poliovirus. If severe enough, both diseases can ultimately lead to death. There is no specific treatment for these illnesses. The only reliable
protection is through vaccination. The nationwide Measles Rubella - Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization will be rolled out in two phases - Phase 1 from October 26 to November 25 in Mindanao Regions, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley Region, MIMAROPA Region, and Bicol Region. Phase 2 will be conducted in February next year in Visayas Region, National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON. Children 9-59 months old will be given Measles - Rubella vaccine while 0-59 months old will be provided with oral Polio vaccine. (Zamboanga Post)
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November 9-15, 2020
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go. (Photos by Christine Lim, Giana Andrion, Bong Serondo, Claire Pesebre, and ZCPO.)
November 9-15, 2020
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Across : 1. Exist 4. Corporate VIP 7. Coat part 12. Electrified particle 13. Vase 14. Informed 15. Beef, e.g. (2wds.) 17. Category 18. TV collie 20. Always, in verse 21. Happily ___ after 23. Green gems 26. Essence 27. Sandwich shops 28. Fertile desert spot 30. October birthstones 34. Recorded 38. New York’s canal 39. Florida Native American 42. Ship’s company 43. Period in history 44. Nullify 46. Nuzzles 49. Christian military expedition 52. Perfumes 53. Knockout count 54. Flee 55. Modernize 56. Group 57. Distress signal
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Zambo barangays join ‘Project Converge’ Continued from page 1 Asia Foundation “Understanding Violent Extremism: Messaging and Recruitment Strategies on Social Media in the Philippines,” violent extremist activity on social media in the Philippines is a relatively new phenomenon in the complex conflict environment that exists in the southern region of Mindanao. It noted the rise of online violent extremism emerged despite the Philippines’ significant strides in the Mindanao peace process. The 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between Manila and the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front was a landmark achievement. Yet a number of armed groups rejected the deal, many of which are now engaged in online extremism. It said the apparent affiliation of these groups with issues beyond Mindanao and the Philippine state signalled a potential new era of conflict in the country. Violent extremist activity on social media in the Philippines is a relatively new phenomenon in the complex conflict environment that exists in the southern part of the country, according to The Asia Foundation. Following the proclamation of the Islamic State (ISIS) caliphate in Iraq and Syria in 2014, a significant number of pre-existing Mindanao-based terror groups were seen posting images and video online pledging allegiance to ISIS and its caliph. In the months leading up to the May 2017 Marawi siege, extremist groups used social media to reach and recruit Moros across Mindanao. These actions were followed by the deliberate and tactical use of online media to spread materials about the attacks on the city, as well as online conversations linking local extremists to larger international violent extremist networks. The island-region has been facing armed rebellions for more than four decades now, caused largely by local grievances against the state. Protracted negotiations with
two major rebel groups in Mindanao ended in two peace agreements: the first in 1996, between the Ramos administration and the Moro National Liberation Front, and the second in 2014, between the Aquino government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. With these concerns as a backdrop, The Asia Foundation and Rappler worked together to explore how young Filipinos interact with social media networks, and look into the prevalence and characteristics of violent extremist messaging and recruitment in the Philippines in 2018. The project was built around the following key concern: How are youth young Moros in the Philippines radicalized online? The rapid four-month study from March to June 2018 tested these questions through an in-depth examination of extremist activity on Facebook as well as discussions and interviews with at-risk youths in Mindanao who spoke about their personal online experiences and interactions. The project observed numerous instances of violent extremist activity, and discovered complex networks of online coordination. A majority of the interactions are organic and unsophisticated, and mirror the daily social interactions of digitally active youth. Some of the key findings are the following: • The vast majority of violent extremist activities online are opportunistic and unsophisticated. Content is often basic or reactive to larger online discussions, while the range of contact is confined within small community networks. • Online networks replicate offline communities. This means that the scope for radicalization and recruitment often follows pathways already identified as being influential in the Philippines. To target individuals they already have a connection with, whether through their local communities or other channels, most recruiters regularly use networks such as Face-
book and its messaging platform. • Extremist messaging in the Philippines is highly localized, and connects with local grievances that often spring from the municipal or provincial level. Content expressing support for violent extremism is commonly shared in Moro languages, particularly Maranao, Maguindanaoan, and Tausug. • The dissemination of highly viral media on global Islamic State channels, as witnessed during the Marawi siege, has diminished. This suggests that those engaged in these activities were either killed or detained when the conflict ended in October 2017, or have shifted tactics. Violent extremist activity on social media remains a security concern in Mindanao, particularly since it is locally driven and not easy to detect. Further, the continued existence of private networks of communication means that efforts to eradicate public expression of violent extremism will only have limited effect. The lessons from this study show that the emerging risks of violent extremism on social media are hard to predict. While in general the immediate danger may appear low, the evolution of specific threats suggests that all actors must remain vigilant and engaged in monitoring developments in online activity. One recommendation based on this research is the crafting of niche, timely interventions to respond to the opportunistic approach extremists have taken online. The tactic of simply removing offensive content from social media sites has proven to be ineffective. The Asia Foundation said more proactive measures preventing and countering violent extremism in both online and offline environments need to be pursued. “It is the aim of this study to inspire evidence-driven policy and programming options for effectively countering and preventing violent extremism messaging and recruitment in the Philippines,” it said. (Zamboanga Post)
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SM City Mindpro opens its door November 27 SM CITY Mindpro is set to open soon in Zamboanga and making it the 76th Supermall in the country and the seventh in Mindanao, but first in the western region of Zamboanga Peninsula. Strategically located in a 13,078 square meter site along La Purisima Street and Campaner Street in Barangay Zone III, the four-level shopping mall creates a unique identity along the city’s popular thoroughfare and within a short walk to the well-known Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Pershing, Paseo Del Mar and nearby seaport. The new mall - which is set to open on November 27 - will house the SM Store and SM Supermarket as its major anchors. But SM City Mindpro will also bring to Zamboanga City a mix of SM mainstays like SM Appliance Center, ACE Hardware, Watsons, Surplus, Miniso, and Sports Central; as well as national and global brands in its 104 food and retail shops. In addition, eating out options include specialty restaurants, and international and local food chains. However, dining in the mall is experien-
tial, not only because of the exciting food choices, but also because of its four levels of restaurants, which give diners the opportunity to choose amongst the best. Along with the food tenant partners, SM City Mindpro will introduce new dining experiences using touch-free, cashless payment services. The mall will also bring great entertainment to Zamboanga with its state-of-theart four cinemas with 414 seating capacity. Shoppers and diners will also enjoy the best of local brands like Bay Tal Mal, Turkish Grille Plus, Casa Velyn, South Avenue, Kape Sur, and other brands such as Pancake House, Macao Imperial Tea, Cinnabon, Gong Cha, Hap Chan, Pretzelmaker, Bigby’s, Uniqlo, Owndays, Anello, Wristpod, Karimadon, Suarez and Sons, Lay Bare Waxing Salon, and more. SM City Mindpro said it would follow strict implementation of minimum health standards using advanced, touchfree technology – creating a seamless shopping experience for all. Ensuring shoppers of safest malling fun experience, it will im-
plement policies, which are aligned to the government’s effort in preventing the spread of Covid-19 such as “No Face Mask, No Face Shield, No Entry”, body temperature check using thermal scanners, disinfectant mats and alcohol in all the mall’s entrances, observance of social distancing, and mall sanitation. Making SM City Mindpro a haven of safe and innovative community space that enforces a high-standard hygiene check, the mall will use Trace Together, which is an end-to-end contact tracing solution to fight the spread of coronavirus disease. Mall-goers will be required to participate in Trace Together wherein they must scan the QR code at the mall entrances using their mobile device and declare information like name, address, mobile phone number, and health condition status. For customers’ convenience, SM City Mindpro has six levels of semi-automated parking system with 481 car slots, 12 PWD slots, 53 motorcycle slots, bike racks, as well as tourist transport terminals. (With a report from Zamboanga Post)
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November 9-15, 2020
November 9-15, 2020
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Barangays hailed for disaster response
SUNDAY REFLECTION by Mayor Beng Climaco
Mayor Beng Climaco assists in the distribution of food aid to typhoon victims.
M
AYOR BENG Climaco thanked barangay officials and all those who prepared for the onslaught of Super Typhoon Rolly (International code: Goni) that left a trail of death and destruction in the country. She said praised the in Barangay Talisayan, one of cyclones to enter the country bequick response of the Baran- the areas inundated by the flash fore the year ends. gay Disaster Risk Reduction floods. She said donation was The Philippine Atmoand Management Councils part of INC’s Lingap sa Mama- spheric, Geophysical and As(BDRRMCs) even before the mayan program in celebration tronomical Services Adminof the birthday of INC Executive istration (PAGASA) said more typhoon Zamboanga. Climaco had ordered the Minister Eduardo Villanueva tropical cyclones enter the soBDRRMCs to prepare for the Manalo on October 31. called “Philippine Area of ReTyphoon Rolly killed over sponsibility” or PAR than anytyphoon “para administra, responde y mitiga maga peligro a dozen people in the northern where else in the world. que posible causa el avenida, and central Philippines. With an average of 20 Zamboanga was also hit by cyclones entering PAR every landslide, daño na infrastractura y productos agricultura y Typhoon Quinta (International year, it said about 8 or 9 cross otro pa maga peligro por causa code: Molave) in October which the country and that the peak destroyed over P23 million of the typhoon season is July de lluvia.” She also ordered the worth on agricultural crops and through October, when nearly timely evacuation of residents fishery products, according to 70% of all typhoons develop. living near the rivers and sea- the City Agriculturist Office. Climaco told the City DisasIt said Quinta inundated ter Risk Reduction Management side and hillside to ensure their safety from the typhoon. nearly 570 hectares of rice and Office to always be on alert and to A landslide also occurred corn fields and fishponds in the quickly respond to emergencies, in Barangay Limpapa, partic- districts of Vitali, Ayala and Cu- and for barangay officials to monularly in Latap-Masalag, and lianan. The strong tropical cy- itor the situation in their respeccutting of travel and electric- clone impacted the Philippines tive areas and to take appropriate ity in the area, according to and Indochina in late October actions if the situation calls for it. Climaco. She said Limpapa is and killed at least 9 people. Climaco said PAGASA also Previous typhoons - Ofel warned of La Niña which can now passable and power in the and Pepito - also damaged over bring more rains in comings area has been fully restored. Climaco also thanked all P69 millions worth of crops in months. Citing a report by PAthose who helped facilitate in Zamboanga. GASA, she said the country may the public works in Limpapa. Climaco again called on ba- experience higher chance of “Gracias con todo por el es- rangay officials and residents to strong convective activity and fuerzo y asistencia para el nor- prepare for another typhoon, Si- tropical cyclone occurrence malisacion del situacion na ony (International code: Atsani). which may bring above normal lugar,” she said. She reminded residents, especial- rainfall. “Potential adverse imThe mayor also thanked ly those who live near foothills, pacts also include floods and Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) through seaside and riverbanks, including landslide over vulnerable areas its District Minister Gavino in low-lying barangays, to take with varying magnitude,” she Mabido for providing 1,000 extra precautions after weather said, quoting the weather bufood packs to indigent families experts predicted more tropical reau. (Zamboanga Post)
Zamboanga Peninsula
Basilan
November 1 - Solemnity of All Saints Rev. 7: 9-14 “Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” 1 John 3:1-3 Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. THE ABOVER verses come from today’s first and second readings as we commemorate a great feast of all God’s Saints who triumphed over the world. This gives us hope for in the homily of Fr. Jun Viray SJ, saints are the one’s who lived “extra ordinary lives in faithful love following Jesus in their ordinary lives”. Fr. Louis Catalan SJ, spoke of Pope Francis describing saints as genuinely and authentically happy people because of the Beatitudes! Matthew 5:5-12, list the 8 Beatitudes and Blessings Jesus listed as a recipe for happiness. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Sulu
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” By contrast Fr. Louie and Fr. Jun listed the opposites of Jesus’ call from what the world teaches: 1) Christ teaches the poverty of Spirit but how unfortunate those who have inordinate attachments; 2) Christ teaches the joy in grieving and the need to let go of the past and face the challenges of life to welcome the future; 3) The world upholds the arrogant because of power but Jesus calls us to be meek and humble. 4) We should not focus on superficial things and self-fulfilment but on justice. 5) Let us show mercy instead of being unforgiving, vengeful and holding grudges. Life is too short to carry unnecessary burden. Jesus led the way to forgiveness. 6) The world teaches us to be numero 1 but Christ values purity of intentions of our heart. 7) Peace instead of sowing War hatred and Disorder. Those
who suffer persecution are losers but the world looks to persecutors the spineless as winners. These are the digested versions of today’s homily which calls us to imitate Jesus and the saints. When I was in college, my first quiz under a new teacher, Fr. Nicomedes Yatco, SJ, I scored 65%. This led me to study very hard as the grade was devastating. With hardwork and determination, I studied what my teacher expected. I remember in one exam we were asked to choose which Beatitude I most sought. I chose the call for “purity of heart to see God!” I got a 99% in the exam and almost got a perfect score. When I graduated, I was invited by Fr. Yatco to teach in the Theology Department of the Ateneo. This was a meaningful affirmation which I did years later. Up to this day, I see this operative when Atty. Jesus Carbon teaches us the principle of “GOOD FAITH” in our actions in government. We need to always check our motives toward the greater good. (Tomorrow), we recall all our departed and I pray for my parents, Fr. Nick and all who have gone ahead. May they celebrate and see God in Heaven.
Mayor Beng Climaco
Tawi-tawi