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SM is first in Zambo under Climaco Administration S
M CITY Mindpro has postponed its grand opening in Zamboanga City, the first supermall in Western Mindanao, and the first under the administration of Mayor Beng Climaco. SM City Mindpro announce the formal the 76th Supermall in also cancelled its VIP opening soon,” he said. the country. invitations on NovemDespite the post“Muchas gracias SM ber 26, the eve of the ponement, mall execu- City for choosing Zamgrand opening. The tives thanked Climaco boanga City and this mall’s public infor- and the City Government only prove that Zambomation officer, Arnel for its strong support to anga is a major trading Manahan, said the the business sector. hub, a regional center, postponement were SM City Mindpro is and an industrial center both agreed by SM City also the first in Zambo- that cater to everybody Mindpro and the local anga Peninsula and sev- from the whole of government. “We will enth in Mindanao, and Continue on page 3
Zambo eyes ‘scorecard’ for business establishments MAYOR BENG Climaco said the local government is considering adapting a “Covid-19 Compliance Scorecard”
for commercial establishments that are compliant with health and safety protocols. She said the scorecard
is a good mitigation tool to assess whether business establishments follow the health protocols to ensure Continue on page 7
Mr. Hans Sy and Mayor Beng Climaco.
DILG orders LGUs to crackdown on Delay in budget approval to illegal logging, plant more trees affect govt. services THE CONTINUED delay in the approval by the City Council of the 2021 Executive Budget may have a serious impact in the delivery of various government programs and basic services to the public, including vital infrastructure projects amid the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Mayor Beng Climaco. The mayor has Continue on page 2
The mountains and villages of Zamboanga City are rich in fauna and flora due to the strict implementation of environmental laws by the local government. (Zamboanga Post)
INTERIOR SECRETARY Eduardo Año has ordered
all local governments and the police to crack down
on illegal logging Continue on page 2
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DILG orders LGUs to crackdown on illegal logging, plant more trees Continued from page 1 operations and quarrying and to plant more trees following deadly typhoons that hit the country in recent weeks. Año said the policeand local governments must prioritize the protection of the environment. “We must act quickly and in a whole-of-society fashion to protect our remaining forests across the country otherwise we are creating and causing more disasters for our country,” he said. “The flooding brought by Typhoon Ulysses is a harsh reminder that we are failing at doing our level best to protect the environment, especially our remaining forest cover. Kayat inaatasan ko ang lahat ng PNP units at LGUs na pigilan ang illegal logging at illegal quarrying sa kanilang mga nasasakupan.” Año cited the widespread flooding in Cagayan Valley, Bicol and Rizal provinces, Marikina City and in other parts of the country and said “it should be a wake-up call to all of us that we must protect our remaining forest cover, preserve our rich biodiversity, and allow our forests to regenerate and grow again.” He directed local chief executives and the police to reactivate their local anti-illegal logging task forces in coordination with the Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office. “All LGUs must reactivate their local Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force and be decisive in implementing the anti-illegal logging campaign and implementation of environmental laws and programs within their localities,” he said. He also directed the police to set up checkpoints and arrest illegal loggers who violate the Revised Forestry Code or the “Unlawful Occupation or Destruction of Forest Lands and Grazing Lands.” “It is imperative that we must stop the wanton destruction of our remaining forest resources not only for our sake but also for future generations who will suffer the consequences of our inaction,” Año said. Zamboanga is ‘Vida’ In Zamboanga City, even
before Año’s order Mayor Beng Climaco, an environment advocate, has already put up the “Siembra Vida Program” and P50 million funding for this is included in the 2021 Executive Budget. The program is intended to provide training, livelihood and caravan projects, including activities of the agri-fishery sector. But Climaco said opposition councilors have not, until now, approve the environment program. Siembra Vida is only one of many programs of the local government intended to benefit the people. Among the other ‘Vida” programs are the “Largo Vida” which will get P187 million from the budget. And also part of the local government’s social services is the “Ayuda La Vida Program,” which will have P65 million budget next year to provide various sectors with livelihood programs, including those in the night market and “ukay-ukay” stall owners. The “Cuida Vida Program” or Soup Kitchen Program will have P50 million allocation to cover mobile feeding initiative in a bid to sustain the daily meals of the marginalized and most affected families of the Covid-19 pandemic. An allocation of P50 million is also included in the budget for the “Salva Vida Program” which is intended to provide food packs and hygiene kits to low-income families in disadvantaged rural and urban communities in the different barangays. Climaco said the 2021 Executive Budget is a unique configuration of fiscal plans which assimilate all the previously identified needs of the City and the new challenges brought about by the pandemic. “This budget encompasses all of our social and health-related needs during this crisis. It aims to feed the hungry and heal the sick, hence let us listen to the needs of our people and find it in our hearts to see that this is more than a fiscal plan – it is our roadmap to health and recovery from the global challenge, that is Covid-19,” she said. In July, Climaco urged residents to plant more trees and beautify their yards and surroundings and at the
same time help fight air pollution. She explained that trees give off oxygen which is beneficial to health, especially at this time the country is fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. She also ordered the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) to distribute forest and fruit tree seedlings to barangay officials and environmentalists who participated in the observance of Arbor Day - an activity in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. The mayor said the local government’s “greening program” was based on the OCENR’s “Family Approach Greening at Home Project” where families are enjoined to engage in planting activities in their respective vacant spaces with expected vital impact for health and wellness of communities. Climaco said Zamboanga remains one of the best cities in the country that have thick vegetation and forests whose mountains are covered with greens because of the strict environmental laws the local government is enforcing, and the natural love of Zamboangueños for their surroundings. She said aside from trees, residents can also start growing their own vegetable garden either in their backyards or in containers, adding, it can save money on monthly food bill. Gardening is also a natural stress reliever because being outside in the fresh air and sunshine can improve mood and make one feel rejuvenated and happy, according to Climaco, citing the benefit of growing a vegetable garden. She said during the weeks Zamboanga was in a strict quarantine measure, residents resorted to planting vegetable and ornamental plants, and even various barter sites on Facebook offer plants in exchange for food items and groceries. “Let us plants trees and grow our own vegetable garden and we feel happy by what we do,” Climaco said. Climaco’s modest house in Barangay Santa Maria is also adorned with various species of plants and trees which are home to different birds. (Zamboanga Post)
Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2020
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Delay in budget approval to affect govt. services Continued from page 1 repeatedly appealed to opposition councilors to approve the P4.38-billion budget. She said the local government’s efforts in fighting the spread of Covid-19 are now on the line, adding, even the funding for the training of contact tracers are included in the annual financial plan. “The 2021 Executive Budget designed by Doctor Dulce Miravite and the City Government’s local finance committee ensure that we will be able to have a buffer (fund) once the contract of our contact tracers expire, however, we cannot even train cotact tracers if we do not have the budget because this is important in our Covid-19 pandemic response,” Mayor Beng said. “That is why we in the Executive Department respectfully appeal to the august body to grant the approval of the 2021 budget because we are experiencing a pandemic and it is already November,” she added, citing previous budget approval were not as delayed as it is now. She said the 98 barangays are dependent on the subsidy given out by the local government to fund various programs. “I have spoken to some barangay chairpersons and they said that the subsidy is very very important for them,” the mayor said. “But everything depends on the approval of the excutive budget which is now pending with the Sangunian Panlunsod. And the City finance committee, and all the department heads as well as the Executive Department have fully complied with the Department of Bud-
Mayor Beng Climaco fears the continued delay in the approval by the City Council of the 2021 Executive Budget may have a serious impact in the delivery of various government programs and basic services to the public, including vital infrastructure projects amid the Covid-19 pandemic. She has repeatedly appealed to opposition councilors to pass the budget. get memorandum circular which specify the required documents that will be sudmitted for the approval of the budget,” Mayor Beng explained. She reminded the opposition that under the Local Government Code, the Department of Budget and Management has only 90 days period within which to review the appropriations ordinance to ensure its compliance with the budgetary requirements and general limitations. Under Section 323 of the Local Government Code states that “if the Sanggunian concerned fails to pass an ordinance authorizing the annual budget, it shall continue to hold sessions, until such ordinance is approved and no other business may
be taken up during such sessions. Basic rule in statutory construction that where the language of the law is clear, it must be applied according to its express terms.” “Secondly, el mayoria miembro de Consejo que tiene pidimiento aserka de 2021 budget y ya pwede ya responde el de atun City Budget officer que ay man accommodate ya na 2021 budget. Poreso, este tiempo ta apela gat yo como de ustedes Alcalde, junto con el 98 barangay y tambien el diferente hefe del Departamento que todo estos mga fondo usa quita para responde na pandemia with the grace of God, to heal the sick and feed the hungry, and most repectfuly the budget needs to be approved now,” she added. (Zamboanga Post)
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SM is first in Zambo under Climaco Administration Continued from page 1 Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, and Sulu and as far as Tawi-Tawi,” the mayor said. Climaco personally thanked Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime, for investing in Zamboanga City. The mayor said she was honored to meet Sy. “I was really excited debido a sabe kita, tiene ya propiedad ya compra el SM na Ciudad and I asked Mr. Hans Sy to really invest in Zamboanga,” she said. “This mall is a testament of wonderful miracle para dale empleyo, trabajo, negosyo con el de aton maga citizens this time of the pandemic. We ask everyone to support safe shopping na todo el de aton maga malls.” Climaco said residents had been waiting and excited for SM City Mindpro to open soon. “We would like to welcome a new member of our family, el SM City Mindpro. We are working very hard to enforce the
safety of the mall and residents, but we would also like to ask the public to cooperate and welcome them in a way that we ensure that everyone must wear our protective device because we are now in the time of pandemic. So this is really a sign of hope for the people of Zamboanga that as we end the year, we celebrate God’s love continuously, but we will make it a more joyful celebration,” she said. Strategically located in a 13,078-square meter site along La Purisima Street and Campaner Street in Barangay Zone III, the shopping mall follows strict implementation of minimum health standards using advanced, touch-free technology. The mall uses Trace Together, which is an end-to-end contact tracing solution to fight the spread of coronavirus disease. Mall-goers are required to download the Trace Together application and must scan the QR code at all entrances
using their mobile device and declare information like name, address, mobile phone number, and health condition status. It also implements the “No Face Mask, No Face Shield, No Entry,” policy in line with the government’s health protocols and check body temperature using thermal scanners, and there are disinfectant mats and alcohol in all the mall’s entrances. Business-friendly Climaco said the local government is pursuing business-friendly strategies aimed at further improving business sector confidence. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Zamboanga City continues to enjoy a strong economy as influx of trade and investments add to the already robust business climate in the area. Proof of this is the steady flow of investors to Zamboanga, a major trading hub in southern Philippines, owing to the efforts of the local government in making this southern port city busi-
ness-friendly. The ease of making business here — compared to the previous decades — is far better, according to traders, who cited local government’s efforts in attracting investors not only from other parts of the country, but overseas as well. Best Mayor In October 2018, a prominent lawyer, Linda Lim, who is also chief executive officer and president of the oldest and largest universities in Mindanao — the Universidad de Zamboanga — also cited the vigorous business climate and the leadership of Climaco that played a key role in the huge improvement and development of Zamboanga as a city. In a speech during the 70th founding celebration the university which coincided with the Parade of Lights during the Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival, Lim said: “We will carry on, continue to move on and continue to serve our community, especially under the leadership of Mayor Beng.” “It is only under her leadership that Zamboanga saw a flux of investments, we can see all investments coming in, we can feel it, not only see it. As of now, Zamboanga City ranks among the top
cities with the largest accumulation of wealth in the whole Philippines and that can only happen under the leadership of Mayor Beng. Let us continue to elect people like her because it is only under this kind of leadership that Zamboanga can continue to move on,” she said. Recognition And in October last year, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) also cited Zamboanga City and recognized the efforts of the local government in streamlining business processes. PCCI awarded the City Government with a “special citation” during the 45th Philippine Business Conference and Expo held at the Manila Hotel. The PCCI also noted the efforts of the local government which resulted to a significant increase in new business enterprises in Zamboanga. From 2018-2019, Zamboanga City posted a 74% increase in the number of approved business permits for new business applications and also recorded a 182% increase in the number of approved business renewals. City Administrator Apple Go represented the local government during the awarding ceremony.
She said the special recognition exemplifies the commendable initiatives of the Climaco administration towards good governance reforms that promote trade and investments and significantly contribute to local economic development. Also in 2019, the local government was also nominated to the Most Business-Friendly LGU award by the Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association headed by its President Jaydrick Yap. And Commissioner Aileen Lourdes Lizada, of the Civil Service Commission, praised Climaco during an unannounced inspection last year to check on compliance of civil service rules in government offices. Lizada, who visited other regions in the country, noted a number of “best practices” at Zamboanga City Hall during her group’s inspection. One of them is the wearing of identification cards by civil workers with Climaco as the best example. She said the Public Assistance Desk at the main entrance of City Hall is very responsive to the public and the presence of an institutionalized human resource department at City Hall, among others. (Zamboanga Post)
Climaco orders intensified anti-smuggling campaign
Photos released by the Naval Forces Western Mindanao show the smuggled cigarettes intercepted off Basilan province and bound for Zamboanga City from Parang town in Sulu province. MAYOR BENG Climaco ordered an intensified anti-smuggling campaign following the selling of contraband, including cigarettes, in Zamboanga City and depriving the government of much need revenues. “The City Government has to intensify the campaign against smuggling. That is why an intensified campaign against the proliferation of any smuggled products must never be tolerated,” she said.
Climaco also praised the Philippine Navy for its intensified campaign against smuggling activities following the recent seizure of some 300 cases of cigarettes off Basilan province. The contraband worth about P9 million came from the town of Parang in Sulu province and was bound for Zamboanga City, according to the Naval Forces Western Mindanao. “We commend the
Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) for its commitment to the anti-smuggling campaign, as it recently foiled an attempt to bring in to Zamboanga City more or less 300 cases of assorted cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country,” Climaco said. The navy intercepted two motorized boats, MPBs Lacoste and Al-Iya, loaded with the cigarettes, in Basilan Strait. (Zamboanga Post)
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by Jao Jawali, ZCPO, Christine Lim, Bong Serondo, City Admin Office, Giana Andrion, CHO, and Claudine Uniana.
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Across : 1. Wail 4. Road curve 7. Long-legged bird 12. Honest ___ Lincoln 13. Compete 14. Hair coloring 15. Disagrement 17. Not outer 18. Moment 20. Small pies 23. Flock female 24. Drama division 27. A Baldwin 28. Restore conficence 30. Sullen 32. Bookworm 33. Painted 35. Bites 36. Cozy room 37. Clamor 38. Midler or Davis 39. skin drawings 41. Fool 44. Stir up 48. Huge 49. Tax agency (abbr.) 50. Bother 51. work with dough 52. Grant’s rival 53. Color
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Zambo eyes ‘scorecard’ for business establishments Continued from page 1 the safety of the customers and even employees. “This is something very welcome in the city because this has been discussed in our meeting with the OCD (Office of the Civil Defense) as used in other cities like Davao.” “Scorecard can be implemented by the City Tourism Office so that people will know what establishment follow the safety protocol and guide the cutomer as well,” said Mayor Climaco, also the chairperson of the local task force on Covid-19. She said the idea behind the scorecard system is to establish a set of core standards that applies to all businesses, building on guidance from the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Department of Health. The mayor said she received reports that some shoppers and mallgoers do not wear their face shield properly, among
other violations stipulated in the quarantine guidelines. Even employees in some business establishments also violate the quarantine guidelines, she added. In May, Mayor Beng signed Executive Order 568-2020 creating the Inter-Agency Compliance Team (IACT) as a Covid-19 response measure. The IACT is chaired by City Administrator Marie Angelique Go with 3 focal persons - Business Permits and Licensing Officer Benjie Barredo for Business Establishments Compliance Team; Albert Santa Teresa for the Roving Patrol Compliance Team; and Assistant City Administrator Cesar Raz for the Transport Compliance Team. It is tasked to periodically assess level of compliance in various establishments and to establish a culture of social distancing, provide a reliable source of regulatory information to the local government and to ensure
that health, hygiene, and Covid-19 prevention measures are complied with. The IACT teams are composed of the following: City Health Office, City Treasurer’s Office, City Engineer’s Office, City Hall Community Police Action Center, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Planning and Development Office, and the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources. And also the Office of the City Veterinarian, Office of the City Agriculturist, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, the Task Force Ordinance, City Police Mobile Patrol Group, Task Force Zamboanga, Office of the Barangay Affairs, Liga ng mga Barangay, Zamboanga City Integrated Bus Terminal, Tricycle Adjudication Board, Land Transportation Franchise Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, and the Traffic Management Group. (Zamboanga Post)
Beng warns public anew of terrorism, kidnapping threats
Mayor Beng Climaco in a meeting with Maj. Gen. Chiquito Malayo, head of the Directorate of Integrated Police Operations for Zamboanga Peninsula, and other senior police officers. (Giana Andrion) MAYOR BENG Climaco warned the public anew, including foreigners and their Filipina spouses, to stay vigilant against of threats of kidnapping and terrorism, saying criminal elements may strike anywhere or at any time. “We would also like to warn the public, especially maga families or the spouses married to foreigners, to please exercise precautions. El warning de aton is against kidnapping, especially to the foreigners residing in Zamboanga, and (for them) to coordinate with your barangay officials and the local security forces - the police and military because we do not want to have any incident of kidnapping in Zamboanga and even our own residents, cay el maga kidnappers hinde mas ta escoge este tiempo, si uste ba foreigner or local, hinde mas estos ta escoge cay tiene sila grande ambi-
cion de terorismo” Climaco said. She said security forces were recently alerted on an abandoned cardboard box outside the Metropolitan Cathedral after a civilian informed authorities about the suspicious baggage, but police found no explosives. “We would like to remind the public of our terror alert on bombing. And last week lang tambien, tiene abandoned carton alle lang na esquina del Metropolitan Cathedral donde el de aton residente yan alert na policia. So please, we have to be alert and watchful against Covid, against terrorism, bombings and kidnappings,” Climaco said. The mayor also met with former Zamboanga City police director Maj. Gen. Chiquito Malayo, now chief of the Directorate of Integrated Police Operations for Zamboanga Peninsula, who paid his courtesy
call to Climaco at City Hall. Malayo praised the mayor for her strong support to the police force, saying: “Mayor Beng Climaco is standard in terms of security.” Climaco thanked Malayo and the local police force and the military for its dedication to public service and for keeping Zamboanga and its residents safe from terrorism and criminality. “Alegre kita recibi con General Malayo, como el Area Commander for Western Mindanao and that is why ta continua quita vigila con el 98 barangay with the support of our City Director, Colonel Rexmel Reyes que bien trabahante gayot together with our police personnel, also with the work of Col. James Sababan, of the 74th Infantry Battalion, and Col. Cesario Atienza, of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 with the guidance of our very own Zamboangueno, Colonel Antonio John Divinagracia and the Philippine Coast Guard talli tambien, ya pidi tambien yo el ayuda del Philippine Navy para todo sila man ayudahan na de aton seguridad,” she said. The mayor previously warned residents of Abu Sayyaf attacks following the August twin suicide bombings in Jolo town in Sulu province that killed and injured dozens of people. (Zamboanga Post)
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City funds running low
T
HE CITY Government has spent around P1 billion in addresing medical emergency brought abou by the Covid-19 pandemic and funds are running low as the year is coming to a close. Mayor Beng Clima- that medical emergecy right have not decided any fund for the pandemic.” co said the government now,” she said. “That is why we respecthas been spending a huge The mayor said the local amount of money in re- government is now operating fully appeal to the august sponse to the pandemic in limited fund and renewed body, the Sanguniang Panand safety and welfare of her appeal to opposition lusod para no mas ya demothe people. councilors for the nth time ra tiempo y aprova ya el de “As always, what is very to pass and approve the 2021 atun 2021 budget kay aqui important in fiscal man- Executive Budget amounting ta nesecita quita saca fondo para el maga medicina , agement is that we are all to P4.38 billion. “We are already having gasolina, the basic supply of accountable to the people in every centevos that is limited fund, infact the ho- the City Government and being utilized by the your tels and even the items for more importantly our Covid government. We have real- food and other allocation are response that benefit the ly utilized around a billion already being depleted bec- 98 barangays,” Mayor Beng pesos just to respond for uase it is almost yearend. We said. (Zamboanga Post)
Stay safe, don’t get infected with Covid DO YOU know how it is to be infected with the coronavirus disease? You will have fever, cough and experience fatigue and may include a loss of smell or taste, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle aches, sore throat, headace, chills, runny nose and chest and pneumonia to name a few. And according to Mayo Clinic, people who have existing chronic medical conditions also may have a higher risk of serious illness. Certain medical conditions that increase the risk of serious illness from Covid-19 include the following: Serious heart diseases, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy, Cancer, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Type 2 diabetes, Obesity or severe obesity, Smoking, Chronic kidney disease, Sickle cell disease, Weakened immune system from solid organ transplants, and Pregnancy. But other conditions may increase the risk of serious illness, such as: Asthma, Liver disease, Overweight, Chronic lung diseases, Brain and nervous system conditions, Weakened immune system from bone marrow transplant, HIV, Type 1 diabetes, High blood pressure and other underlying medical conditions may increase risk of serious illness from
Covid-19. And with all those life-threatening diseases, Mayor Beng Climaco said residents should strictly follow heath protocols and quarantine guidelines. The mayor said many residents are complacent despite her repeated public appeals. Those who violate the quarantine guidelines and ignore health protocols even post their photos showing them socializing with other people and not wearing face mask and face shield. “Well, it is quite difficult for us to apprehend these people, particularly in the (unregulated) use of the social media, but we appeal for cooperation in the Bayanihan We Heal As One spirit.” “Con el mga friends de ila na social media si tiene maga ta man post y ta mira ustedes ta viola sila na Covid health protocols, please report this violation in real time, so that we will be able to apply the necesary disciplinary measures against these people. Por causa del Covid pandemic, responsiblidad de atun aserca maga accion que ay causa peligro na vida del otro jente,” Mayor Beng said. The mayor said if any of the violators turned out positive for Covid-19, the local government will not shoulder their medical expenses as a penalty for their reckless actions that
Zamboanga Peninsula
put other people at grave risk. “We will make them responsible to pay for the medication once they are found positive with Covid-19,” she said. Mayor Beng said each vial of medicine needed by a Covid patient to help them breath is worth P30,000 each. “Nohay pa contigo pone el hospitalization, el de tuyo oxygen and unfortunately nesecita tu ventilator para pwede tu resulya y todo tos este PPEs. And once you are hospitalized, it will cost you more than P300,000 or up to P500,000 if you have comorbidities,” she explained. “They will need to put you under dialysis and it will cost you almost a million peso minus the PhilHealth and that is why life is really precious and si gasta man tu let’s say P10,000 para na party, well pensa tu que dol ta juga lang tu na vbida del maga vivientes, el de atun mismo cuerpo cay mas grande el gastos y nohay quita sustenimiento fondo si man rely lang quita todo na govierno local,” she added. Mayor Beng said even the local government now is having diffulty in responding to the pandemic due to the lack of funds. “Poreso ta pidi gat quita que el budget for 2021 necesario gayod approva el Consejo. The funding for Covid-19 response is really needed,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
Basilan
Zamboanga City health workers in action. While health personnel are working hard, opposition councilors until now have not approve the 2021 Executive Budget despite repeated appeals from Mayor Beng Climaco and various sectors, including the thousands of residents. The delay in the approval of the budget may affect the delivery of basic services, including health programs of the local government. (Photo by Christine Lim. Caption by the Zamboanga Post)
SUNDAY REFLECTION by Mayor Beng Climaco ‘Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe’ Matthew 25:31-46 WHEN I was a little girl, our family would attend processions because our Abuelita had an image of the Pieta - Jesus in Mary’s arms after the crucifixion. Traditionally, the prayers and the “Pasyon” recited by older women from Mercedes in Castellano. I could not understand much but after the Pasyon, we were treated to a merienda cena. The visita Iglesia came on Holy Thursday and Santo Intiero on Good Friday where our caroza would form part of the procession. Toddlers would seat on the edge of the carroza when going home with a meager merienda awaiting. I learned catechism from our parents and Daddy would bring us every Wednesday, for our perpetual novena, March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph (my Father and brother got their names Jose). I recall there was one procession where “only males” were allowed to join. Perhaps it was the Cristo Rey! Because of Covid-19, no procession took place today. In today’s Parish-wide commemoration, we had
Sulu
the Holy Hour. We need to reflect on the Gospel regarding the “least” in God’s Kingdom. A priest pointed out whether we HAVE (to gain for our own) or HELP the poor and the needy - the need for care, compassion and love for the poor. This is the heart of Jesus teaching us to help the hungry, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned and the voiceless. The typhoons that hit Luzon are opportunities to help our kababayans. Recently, the churches had a collection for Typhoon victims and even in Our Lady of Purification Parish, Fr. Butch Candido also had goods for families in Bolong. Do we HAVE or HELP? Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI, shares: “The true image of Christ the King is NOT Jesus with Crown and scepter and sitting on His throne! That is the Constantinian King! The true image of Christ the King is Jesus with a crown of thorns before Pilate or Jesus crucified with INRI label – the sentence for his claim.” Looking at the King Crucified and the helpless moves me to do my share to HELP! Choosing consciously to be humble as Jesus was to share and be present for others. Last Friday, I had an
early dialogue with the Sta. Cruz Market Stall holders. Because of the pandemic, restrictive measures were set such as the need for decongestion and face shield. They appealed to open the gates to allow customers to park, extended market hours to allow people to go to market after work and Sunday operations. Thank God, Ma’am Apple Go, Sir Cesar Raz, Ma’am Yolly Anoos, Mrs. Lulu Mangaong and Mr. Barlas facilitated the dialogue and the voices in need were heard. Some commented on the importance of presence in matters like these that led to solutions. As Garnette and Bong were busy sharing the little gifts of Tolakangin throat syrup and bags, Tina Francisco, as always, was a caring generous presence and a big help. (Today), Sunday, our plans materialized for food, vegetables, meat, flowers and second hand clothing and slippers that were opened to be sold. We need to help and heed the call of Christ the King to be present and to care for others. VIVA CRISTO REY!
Tawi-tawi