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November 23-29, 2020
Zambo slowly winning over Covid-19
T
HE NUMBER of active Covid-19 cases in Zamboanga continues its downward trend with a little over 300 from nearly 800 in previous data due to the strict enforcement of the health protocols and quarantine guidelines. Chief Covid front- from the deadly respiraZamboanga has over liner Mayor Beng Clima- tory disease is now over 3,100 total coronavirus co said the number of 2,700 since the pandemic cases. But despite the patients who recovered broke out in March. Continue on page 3
Zambo to craft mental health program MAYOR BENG Climaco has ordered the City Health Office to formulate a mental health program and for the City Budget Office to fund the project following the rising number of suicides here. Climaco said there were 20 cases of suicides since early this year and City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite Continue on page 2
Health workers from the City Health Office. (Zamboanga Post)
Beng orders road repairs, disaster preparedness
Mayor tells barangay officials to clear roads of obstructions Members of the Task Force Ordinance dismantle an illegal structure in Barangay Baliwasan. Mayor Beng Climaco orders barangay officials to help the government implement President Rodrigo Duterte’s directives to clear all public roads and spaces of illegal structures. Read Story on page 3
Photos released by the Office of the City Engineer show road repair works in San Jose Gusu-San Roque Roads.
THE OFFICE of the City Engineer has resumed repairing the portion of a dilapidated road in Barangay San Jose Gusu leading to Barangay San Roque. The road in front of Yubenco Supermarket was damaged due to heavy trucks passing in the area and further aggravated by rains. The immediate repair was ordered by Mayor Beng Climaco in an effort to ease the traffic problem, especially Continue on page 2
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The Zamboanga Post
November 23-29, 2020
Zambo to craft mental health program Continued from page 1 attributed these incidents to many factors, including stress due to the current health crisis, the Covid pandemic. “With what is happening right now due to the pandemic, this contributes to our stress. Those who cannot cope with or handle the stress well get depressed and some of them commit suicide,” Miravite said. The mayor said mental health program is important, especially during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Our local government requested the City Budget Office to study the program together with our mental health professionals,” she said. Climaco said a team of medical officers from the City Health Office and other agencies have already met and will come up with a program addressing mental health issues. “We are concerned with everybody’s mental health and mental health awareness is very important and we need to raise the collective consciousness about mental health,” she said. Depression The World Health Organization (WHO) said suicide is a serious global public health issue and it
is among the top twenty leading causes of death worldwide, with more deaths due to suicide than malaria, breast cancer, or war and homicide. WHO said depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 264 million people affected. It said depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Especially when long-lasting and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition. It can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school and in the family. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Close to 800 000 people die by suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-yearolds. According to Pine Rest, the two most common mental health conditions are: Anxiety Disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and specific phobias) and Mood Disorders (depression and bipolar depression).
The Department of Health (DOH) said it is also raising awareness on the importance of public mental health, especially amidst the Covid pandemic. Though the Philippines has consistently ranked in the Top 5 of a global optimism index, the National Center for Mental Health revealed a significant increase in monthly hotline calls regarding depression, with numbers rising from 80 calls pre-lockdown to nearly 400. Mental health-related deaths are also the second leading cause of fatalities in this age group. These numbers illustrate the need for more conversations and programs that will break the stigma around mental health, according to DOH, adding most Filipinos do not feel comfortable sharing their mental health challenges for fear of alienation or prejudice. “The importance of mental health initiatives is just as crucial as those for the Covid-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, we need to promote holistic health, where we are caring for the body, the mind, and even the spirit,” DOH Secretary Francisco Duque said. (Zamboanga Post)
Beng orders road repairs, disaster preparedness Continued from page 1 when vehicles slowed down to avoid potholes on the road. The repair is being carried out in several phases covering up to four blocks at a time, according to the Office of the City Engineer. Climaco also ordered the Office of the City Engineer to fast track other infrastructure projects and repairs and maintenance, particularly barangays that are susceptible to flooding. Alert Many areas here were inundated by floods due to typhoons that struck Zamboanga in succession in recent months. Climaco reminded barangay officials of the various disaster prevention and management plans in case of disasters. “This is why we created the barangay disaster risk reduction management teams that will respond to these hazards in their barangay in order to protect their people,” she said. Considering the diffi-
culty to instantly respond to a calamity, the mayor said the local government launched the Incident Command System and operationalized the same in all 98 barangays to minimize losses. “Our priorities are really the elderly, the pregnant women and children, and the vulnerable population. We would want to ensure that there will not be any casualty in any disaster,” she said. Climaco reminded residents, especially those who live near foothills, seaside and riverbanks, including in low-lying barangays, to take extra precautions after weather experts predicted at least 5 more tropical cyclones to enter the country before the year ends. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA said more tropical cyclones enter the so-called “Philippine Area of Responsibility” or PAR than anywhere else in the world. With an average of
20 cyclones entering PAR every year, it said about 8 or 9 cross the country and that the peak of the typhoon season is July through October, when nearly 70% of all typhoons develop. The mayor ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office to always be on alert and to quickly respond to emergencies, and for barangay officials to monitor the situation in their respective areas and to take appropriate actions if the situation calls for it. Climaco said PAGASA also warned of La Niña which can bring more rains in comings months. Citing a report by PAGASA, she said the country may experience higher chance of strong convective activity and tropical cyclone occurrence which may bring above normal rainfall. “Potential adverse impacts also include floods and landslide over vulnerable areas with varying magnitude,” she said, quoting the weather bureau. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
November 23-29, 2020
Zambo slowly winning over Covid-19 Continued from page 1 improving condition, Climaco, head of the local task force Covid-19, told the public to continue the strict health protocols and follow the community quarantine guidelines. “If people continually cooperate, if people will continually practice
health protocols, and we will be able to address the entry of people in Zamboanga City; we will be able to face the battle of Covid head on and pray we will have limited cases,” Climaco said. Saludos y Miles de Gracias The mayor renewed
her appreciation and praises to medical frontliners and barangay health workers, including Covid contact traces, for their hard work. “Saludos y miles de gracias. As gratitude for their act of selflessness, let us do our part and keep safe from getting infected by follow-
Climaco honors retirees
Mayor Beng Climaco honors dozens of local government employees who retired after 25 years in public service. (Bong Serondo) IT WAS an emotional moment for Mayor Beng Climaco and dozens of local government employees who retired recently from public service after spending 25 years serving the people. Climaco, in a simple but befitting ceremony held at the Mayor Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum in Barangay Tetuan, thanked many times the 49 retirees for
their hard work and dedication to serving the public during their long years spent with the government. “Enhorabuena y muchisimas gracias por de ustedes esfuerzo y dedicacion na servicio. Vaya con Dios a todos,” she told the retirees. Climaco exhorted them to continue giving out their best in the service of the Zamboangueños amid
the uncertainties brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. During the “Service Awards Ceremony 2020,” Climaco handed over a 14k gold ring and a tribute book to each of the retirees. The event was a special tribute and a yearly activity organized by the Human Resource and Management Office. (Zamboanga Post)
Eliminate violent fraternity hazing MAYOR BENG Climaco has challenged local fraternities to stop and totally eliminate hazing following the recent death of a 21-year student in the hands of Tau Gamma Phi members. Joselito Envidiado died while undergoing initiation rites. At least a dozen fraternity members have been arrested by the police. Climaco said fraternity members must eradicate the violent practise of hazing and follow to the fullest the Anti-Hazing Law. Hazing is an initiation rite or practice as a prerequisite for admission into membership in a frater-
nity, sorority or organization by placing the recruit, neophyte or applicant in some embarrassing or humiliating situations such as forcing him to do menial, silly, foolish and other similar tasks or activities or otherwise subjecting him to physical or psychological suffering or injury, according to Republic Act No. 8049. Climaco said she is holding fraternity officials responsible for ensuring their fraternities’ awareness and compliance to Republic Act No. 8049. “Ta apela kita con el maga oficiales del diferente fraternity que este ley (Republic Act 8049)
ya hace por causa con el maga duele incidente del maga inocente civilian ya muri por causa con el hazing,” Climaco said. While Climaco acknowledges the positive influence and impact of fraternities, particularly in social outreach activities in support of local communities, she however, stressed that hazing must be eradicated from their practices. “Tiene mucho oportunidad para el maga fraternities di aton puede contribuji mas. Evita y desaleja kita and let us really eradicate hazing from our practices,” Climaco said. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)
SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO
ing the minimum health standards such as properly wearing of face mask, frequent hand hygiene and always maintaining physical distancing,” Climaco said. She said security forces will continue enforcing regulations on minimum health standards, including the mandatory use of face masks and face shields. “The minimum health standards will be our measures to beat Covid-19,” she said. Climaco, in her Executive Order 607-2020, also imposed curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., but exempted from this are government workers who are on duty during the curfew hours, and medical doctors and veterinarians, public utility workers conducting construction or emergency activities; those who are attending a wake of a family member, and authorized persons out of residence.” A liquor ban is now in effect Monday through Sunday and drinking in public places such as roads, alleys, open spaces
and other similar places is strictly prohibited. And all city and national government celebrations and festivities, anniversaries and parties are also cancelled throughout the year. Private parties celebrated at home to mark personal family milestones are encouraged to be kept simple and there is now a strict prohibition on videoke, video singko and karaoke inside private property due to online class of students. Climaco said only quarantine pass holders shall be allowed to get out of their houses to access basic needs such as food and medicines, and other acts now allowed under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) guidelines set by the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases. One passenger and 1 driver are only allowed for ordinary motorized tricycles while 1 driver and 2 passengers are allowed for bigger Piaggio or Ba-
jaj tricycles. Despite the strict implementation of the MGCQ guidelines by the local government, policemen and enforcers of local ordinances continue to apprehend hundreds of violators daily. Climaco again appealed to barangay officials to coordinate with security forces in the strict implementation of the MGCQ guidelines after receiving reports that some residents would pretend to observe the health protocols only when there are policemen or barangay enforcers around. “When the enforcers turn their backs, some residents would just laugh at them (authorities). So, it is very important that the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) together with the police and TF (Task Force) Ordinance operatives to be able to solicit the cooperation of the barangays in the strict implementation of the MGCQ guidelines in the communities,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
Mayor tells barangay officials to clear roads of obstructions From page 1 MAYOR BENG Climaco ordered barangay officials to help the local government in clearing public roads and spaces of all obstruction in compliance to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directives. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered the resumption of the road-clearing operation (RCO) in the country and gave local governments (LGUs) 60 days to comply with the Presidential directive to clear all roads of blockades or obstruction to ease the flow of traffic and movement of people. Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said that with the improved quarantine classification in many areas, the road-clearing will officially commence on November 16 until January 15. “We wish to remind the LGUs that RCO is yearlong endeavor, kaya kailangan natin ang kanilang commitment at pakikiisa,” Año said. In the DILG Memorandum Circular 2020-145 released by Año, road obstructions such as vehicular terminals, except in areas designated by the local governments, vending sites, house encroachments that obstruct the right-of-way, debris, waste materials, and oth-
er junked items, among others must be cleared off. But parked ambulance and public emergency vehicles, checkpoints established by Inter-Agency Task Force, local governments, police and military and temporary obstructions caused by the establishment of bike lanes are exempted from being removed or apprehended. The banning of motorized pedicabs and tricycles on national roads and highways must be implemented by the local governments notwithstanding the rules and guidelines set by the Department of Transportation on the operation of tricycles during the community quarantine period. The first ROC was in August after Año, through Memorandum Circular 2019-121, gave mayors 60 days “to exercise their powers essential to reclaim public roads which are being used for private ends, and in the process rid them of illegal structures and constructions.” During the first ROC, Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the DILG was deluged by complaints from the people about barangay captains who are failing to act and worse being complicit and actively tolerating road obstructions.
“The mayors have to make them accountable because that’s their mandate and responsibility,” Malaya said. Citing the Local Government Code, Malaya said the mayors are the disciplining authority of barangay chairmen. “Impose your authority. Huwag ninyo nang i-asa pa ang pagbabantay sa mga barangay sa ating national government,” he said, citing Section 32 (of the Local Government Code) which states that “the city or municipality, through the city or municipal mayor concerned, shall exercise general supervision over component barangays to ensure that said barangays act within the scope of their prescribed powers and functions.” In cases of resistance from barangay officials, Malaya said the mayors must exercise their political will and discipline these uncooperative community leaders. “Tapos na ang eleksyon. Trabaho na ngayon. Regardless of whether kapartido o hindi, they (mayors) should suspend or reprimand barangay captains who do not comply with the President’s directive,” he said, adding, road obstructions will not happen without the knowledge of the barangay chairmen. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
November 23-29, 2020
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
November 23-29, 2020
The Zamboanga Post
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by Christine Lim, Bong Serondo, Jasmine Mohammadsali, Giana Andrion, ZCPO, Jonathan Perez, NAVFORWEM, Argie Ramos, and 74th IB.
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The Zamboanga Post
November 23-29, 2020
Across : 1. Frenzy 5. Physicians’ org. 8. Besides 12. Genesis man 13. Voice actor ___ Blanc 14. Fleshy fruit 15. Mediocre (hyph.) 16. Coming in 18. Made believe 20. Positive responses 21. Rest 26. Possible 29. Loose flesh 33. Tattered cloth 34. “Heidi” setting 35. Savings account user 38. Capture back 39. Short skirts 44. Nonstop 47. Statue base 51. Queue 52. Greet 53. Snaky letter 54. Perpetually 55. Ledger entry 56. Actress Sandra ___ 57. Gull’s kin
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The Zamboanga Post
November 23-29, 2020
Pasilmanta gets new water project
Para Sa Buntis at Sa Hindi Makabuntis
HEALTH
Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong
Addiyah Foundation and the Al-Risalah Radio Zamboanga, Inc.turn over a water project in Sacol Island’s Pasilmanta. (Jonathan Perez) THE LOCAL government and residents of Pasilmanta in Sacol Island off Zamboanga thanked the Addiyah Foundation and the Al-Risalah Radio Zamboanga, Inc. for a water project that provide clean water for many families there. The project included an elevated water tank, a water pump and piping network to provide water to the community mosque. The faucet lines will provide ease and com-
fort not just to mosque-goers but to the 88 families in the neighborhood as well. Prior to this facility, access to water was laborious and time-consuming as it was done manually, according to Mayor Beng Climaco’s Executive Assistant, Engineer Al Urao, who was accompanied by Vita Agan, from the Office of the Vice Mayor Rommel Agan, and lawyer Yasser Apion, from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.
Urao said the mayor extended her “message of love, solidarity and support” while soliciting the continued cooperation of Pasilmanta residents in the fight against Covid-19. Pasilmanta remains free from the deadly virus. Urao said Climaco also sent family food packs composed of rice, face masks and several bottles of disinfectant alcohol for the families in the barangay. (Zamboanga Post)
DILG deploys 46,000 contact tracers THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it has deployed over 46,000 Covid-19 contact tracers in all local governments across the country as part of an effort to prevent the spread of the deadly respiratory virus. DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said they are targeting to have about 50,000 contact tracers prescribed under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act or Bayanihan 2 Law. “The low number of cases we are experiencing now is partly a result of our ramped up contact tracing
capacity which immediately cuts the community transmission once a Covid patient is identified,” he said. “Our battle against Covid-19 is likely to be a long haul until our medical experts find a vaccine and a cure. With the help of the 46,338 contact tracers who are now embedded in the localities, the task of fighting and containing the virus will be much easier and will be carried out more efficiently. Malaki ang kanilang ambag sa paglaban ng pamahalaan sa Covid-19 at sa katuparan ng ating target
na maging Covid-free ang ating bansa,” he added. Año said the DILG is now hiring 6,664 contact tracers to complete the 50,000 required under the Bayanihan 2 Law. “We are geared towards completing the 50,000 contact tracers in compliance with the law,” he said. In Mindanao, the following are where contact tracers are currently deployed: Region IX with 3,267; Region X with 2,000; Region XI with 3,041; Region XII with 1,501; CARAGA with 2,544 and BARMM with 1,480. (Zamboanga Post)
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Marami ang nanganganak sa Pilipinas. Maraming buntis ang hindi alam ang dapat gawin para pangalagaan ang kanilang anak. Heto ang tips para sa mga buntis at para sa kalalakihan din. Para Sa Buntis: 1. Kailangan ng buntis ang 4 na sangkap sa katawan: calcium, iron, folic acid at protina. Kaya uminom ng 4 na basong gatas (low-fat milk) bawat araw. Kumain ng itlog, karne at atay para makakuha ng protina. Kumain din ng maberdeng gulay na mataas sa folic acid tulad ng kangkong, petsay, malunggay at talbos ng kamote. 2. Umiwas sa masyadong matatamis at baka kayo magka-diabetes. 3. Panatilihin ang tamang timbang. Masama ang sobrang taba at masama din ang payat na kulang sa sustansya. 4. Bawal manigarilyo at uminom ng alak. Kung hindi kayo titigil, puwe-
deng maging abnormal ang iyong beybi. Huwag nang tumikim ng alak. 5. Magbawas ng stress at problema. Maraming buntis ang nalulungkot kapag nakapanganak na. Ito ang tinatawag na post-partum depression. Kailangan ang pag-alaga at suporta ng lalaki para malampasan ito ng babae. 6. Huwag uminom basta-basta ng gamot dahil baka makasama ito sa bata. Magtanong muna at magpa-check up sa iyong OB na doktor. Multivitamins lang ang safe inumin. 7. Sa kababaihan, mas maigi na magbuntis kayo bago umabot ng edad 35. Kapag lampas na sa 35, tumataas na ang tsansa na magkakaroon ng Down’s syndrome (mongoloid) at iba pang sakit ang bata. Mag-ingat po. Para sa Kalalakihan: May mga payo ako para mapanatili ang dami at sigla ng semilya (sperm count) ng mga kalalakihan. 1. Huwag painitan ang iyong scrotum (itlog o
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The Zamboanga Post
November 23-29, 2020
November 23-29, 2020
The Zamboanga Post
9
Founded July 2019
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November 23-29, 2020
Trike drivers, operators promote anti-Covid campaign
H
UNDREDS OF tricycle drivers and operators are now helping the local government in the campaign against Covid-19 by promoting health protocols and quarantine guidelines to help raise public awareness. Mayor Beng ClimaHonoriza Lavista, with Lavista and Barete co praised and thanked president of the Rotary also distributed dressed the tricycle drivers and Club of Zamboanga; and chickens to some 500 tritheir operators for sup- Nilo Barete, who heads cycle drivers and operaporting the “Tiene Cuid- the Bounty Agro Ventures tors. The humanitarian ao” campaign and hand- Zamboanga Business project - facilitated by ed out tarpaulins during Center, joined Climaco in the Tricycle Adjudicaa recent back-to-back the anti-Covid campaign tion Board - was aimed program with the Rotary in an effort to prevent or at helping tricycle drivers Club of Zamboanga City minimize transmission of and operators who are and Bounty Agro Ven- the coronavirus disease severely affected by the pandemic. (Mindanao tures, Inc. at the Paseo in the community. Climaco together Examiner) del Mar.
SUNDAY REFLECTION by Mayor Beng Climaco 33rd Sunday Matthew 27:14-30 “Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities” (TODAY’s) parable speaks of talents translated as giftedness, according to Fr. Echo Bustamante, S.J. We are asked by Jesus to respond with generosity by using our God given skills, talents, capabilities, for the welfare of others. Further he also adds: “For to everyone who has more will be given and he will grow rich!” This does not refer to amassing material possessions but enriching ourselves toward empathy, compassion and love. Being rich is not quantifiable in our bank account and material possessions. As I sat in the Sacred Heart Church, I am drawn to recall my college life and how God brought me to the Ateneo. My involvement in the Christian Life Community was because of our dear Tita Pilar Molina, a dear friend of the family. There, Fr. Ben Y. Sim, S.J., we call him Angkong, taught me Ignatian Spirituality to “FIND GOD” in our ordinary lives. Slowly, I took on responsibilities being an adopted, then a member, eventually heading
the apostolate community that opened my eyes to poverty as we visited Sto. Niño and Camino Nuevo. I volunteered to teach in the Day Care Center of Canelar Interior under Ma’am Dolly Cataylo. Eventually, I was called by God to serve as Chairperson of the CLC. Fr. Ben taught me discernment to decide on the greatest good for God and people. He also taught me diplomacy. Leadership meant service. After graduation, I became a postulant in the Carmelite Missionary. We did our apostolate in Mother Ignacia area where urban dwellers had houses close by. Again, the heart for the poor was nourished even the visits to the National Orthopedic (Hospital) where patients could not walk and strapped in their beds, with no family to visit. Empathy for the wel-
Zamboanga Peninsula
fare of others grew. It was here where Sr. Joy CM told my dad that I could run for Barangay Captain sensing the concern for the people in the community. I was called by God to face the world. As a High School Teacher in the Ateneo, my first year of teaching in 1990, I was the moderator of Third Year St. John de Britto, all males; moderator of YCLC, moderator of the COL Council of Leaders, and having a full-load of teaching English and Religion. I would go to the chapel to beg the Lord for help and guidance for a challenging year. My colleagues, Sir Santi Araneta, Sir Derwin Dain, would help me with the balloons for the living rosary. Miss Rosie Hong was a constant support guiding us with Atty. Marvin Enriquez and later Janet Fernandez. It has been 30 years ago since those days and here I am with a greater responsibility for Zamboanga City, something I have never imagined. My Ninong Bert Silang who will have his internment tomorrow told me, how proud my dad would be for his daughter. Today’s Gospel is God’s call asking us to take a risk and say Yes to His call and maximize our talents. Who would know where our YES to God would lead us?
Basilan
Tricycle drivers hold their “Tiene Cuidao” tarpaulins. Hundreds of tricycle operators and drivers are helping the local government promote the anti-Covid campaign. (Bong Serondo)
Army, GMA build madrasa in Zambo
The inauguration of the 2-classroom madrasa and multi-purpose building in Barangay Cabatangan. (Derick Evangelista) MAYOR BENG Climaco thanked the Philippine Army’s 54th Engineers and the GMA Kapuso Foundation for the 2-classroom madrasa and multi-purpose building which will also be used as an Alternative Learning Center here. The new building in Barangay Cabatangan was recently inaugurated by Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Philippine Army; Mayor Beng Climaco and Tun-
gawan town Mayor Carlan Climaco, who were both represented by Shimlei Evangelista. Evangelista said the project complements Climaco’s thrust in making the children’s future a reality today and praised the soldiers and the foundation for the new school building. “Muchisimas gracias 54th Army Engineer Brigade and GMA Kapuso Foundation for this gift for the children,” the mayor
Sulu
said in a message read by Evangelista. Climaco was attending the 36th death anniversary of Zamboanga’s legendary Mayor Cesar Climaco, the mayor’s uncle, in Pasonanca. Brig. Gen. Anthony Cacayuran, commander of the 54th Engineer Brigade, also received a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the Tungawan government for various projects in the municipality. (Zamboanga Post)
Tawi-tawi