The Zamboanga Post (December 7-13, 2020) by Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper

Zambo mayor tested for Covid again ZAMBOANGA MAYOR Beng Climaco was tested anew for the deadly coronavirus after waking up from sleep coughing and feeling sick. “After the security walk through, I started to cough and later felt weak and had difficulty breathing - ta hipa. I woke up with body pain. I

Mayor Beng Climaco undergoes Covid-19 test.

Founded July 2019

started being extra cautious since Mama Lu just turned 76. Safety measures were strictly observed within the house,” Climaco said as she narrated her ordeal in her Zamboanga Post newspaper column “Sunday Reflection.” She said three other household members were also swabbed and all of them turned out negative for Covid-19 and it was the

fourth time that Climaco had been tested after being exposed to the virus due to her work. Unknown to the public, Climaco is a workaholic public servant and even weekends are just another work for her. “Triste and unsure, because of my exposure to a Covid positive patient, y maka-miedo to infect our

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dear senior citizens in our household. After five days and nights, we were tested and Thank God y La Virgen Pilar y San Jose, negative results came out,” Climaco said. But despite another scary chapter in her life, Climaco said she leaves everything to God and even quoted the Holy Continue on page 2

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December 7-13, 2020

Beng’s popularity soars ‘Truthfulness, honesty win over black propaganda’

ESPITE THE black propaganda and attacks of political trolls in social media, Mayor Beng Climaco continues to be popular among the residents of Zamboanga City. And proof of her her 133,000 fans in 2018 popularity is the huge – a year before she was number of her Facebook re-elected and won over followers now at more former mayor and lawthan 316,000 or more maker Celso Lobregat. than 200% increase from Climaco is now on her

third and final term and she is living behind a legacy of good governance responsive to the needs and welfare of the Zamboangueños, more especially at this time of the coronavirus pandemic. She remains loyal to her political party, the

Kalinisan ng Zambo, panatilihin!

NANAWAGAN SA publiko si Mayor Beng Climaco na panatilihin ang kalinisan sa kapaligiran upang maiwasan ang anumang sakit at bilang pagsunod sa ordinansya ng lungsod ng Zamboanga. Maraming mga residente ang pasaway o walang disiplina sa sarili at kung saan-saan lamang nagtatapon ng kanilang basura o kaya ay makikitang umiihi sa mga pader o dumudura sa kalye. Sinabi ni Climaco na hindi nagkukulang sa paglilinis ang mga kawani Continue on page 2

Liberal Party, despite calls for her to shift to the ruling PDP-Laban, saying, she believes in liberalism, democracy and ideology of the LP. Despite being an LP member, Climaco said she is supporting Duterte’s administration. Climaco has lambasted fake news and false information being peddled by her detractors and called on the public to carefully scrutinize news or stories created to deliberately misinform or Continue on page 2

Mayor Beng Climaco

Losses due to Covid pandemic reach P7 billion WHILE ZAMBOANGA slowly adapts to the new norm amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Beng Climaco bared that the local economy has suffered most from the effect of the Covid-19 that also displaced at least

46,000 people here. Climaco, citing an economic report by Rodrigo Sicat, the local government’s planning and development coordinator, said since March at the start of the pandemic up to the present, the econo-

my lost about P7 billion. “Now, our economic losses have reached around P7 billion and 46,000 people were displaced by the pandemic, and the number will grow to become part of Continue on page 2

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The Zamboanga Post

December 7-13, 2020

Beng’s popularity soars ‘Truthfulness, honesty win over black propaganda’

Continued from page 1 eceive readers and is often created to influence views or for political motives. “El black propaganda ta continua y el fake

news, false information na social media ta continua hace calayat el cuantos maga persona que tiene mal intencion para destrosa el govierno local, para destrosa el esfuerzos del

govierno por de ila vested interest,” Climaco told the Zamboanga Post. “Y el los demas personas, como venganza contra con el govierno cay no puede estos maga gen-

te influir con el gobierno local. Por tantos años, el ataque contra na administracion sin descanso por causa de politica,” she added. Climaco said the black

propaganda is a gross distortion of the truth, adding, the local government continues to work hard for the welfare of the people while her foes are busy spreading black propagan-

da ahead of the 2022 national and local elections. She also thanked the Zamboangueños for their unwavering support and love for her. (Zamboanga Post)

Zambo mayor tested for Covid again Continued from page 1 Bible verses in Mark 13:33-37, saying: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come...What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!” “Hinde pa librao na Covid. We are in a pandemic and we must give way to the signs of the times. We sacrifice social interaction, eating

and drinking in public. We go home safely to our family and that is where we need to be. We do not hold our future no matter how our plans are perfectly prepared. God Our Father directs the paths that will transpire! Be vigilant and watchful,” she added. In her previous Covid-19 tests, Climaco

wrote this in her Sunday Reflection in October: “I had to undergo my third swab test per advice of doctors. I marched on being tested and woke up anxious the next day as the results were not yet out. I called up Red Cross and was told the doctor has to analyse the result and Jan told me not to worry! It was the

Losses due to Covid pandemic reach P7 billion Continued from page 1 what we call informal sector,” she said. In anticipation of these losses, Climaco said her administration allocated certain amount in the 2021 Executive Budget for livelihood programs and recovery efforts for those affected by the pandemic. However, the P4.38-billion budget remains in the hands of the opposition councilors who have not - up to now - acted and approved the local government’s annual financial plan and putting at risk or delay vital propoor projects and programs. Climaco said the budget is a unique configuration of fiscal plans which assimilate all the previously identified needs of Zamboanga and the new challenges brought about by the pandemic. She deplored the opposition’s delayed approval of the budget even as she reminded legislators 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.” “Let us not mix politics into the discussion of our budget because we are all accountable to the people we serve. Leave politics to the elections in 2022. We must not deprive the people, the senior citizens, the farmers, the fisherfolks, the sick, and the hungry the needed support from the local government,” the mayor said. She said the longer the opposition councilors fail to act on the approval of the budget due to politicking, the greater the chances are that by next year, the fiscal management of the City Government will be affected. “All these will have a chain reaction of effects. El pobre y sale afectao amo mismo el maga vivientes del Ciudad quien ta necesita el ayuda del govierno. Let us act now,” she explained. Climaco said the local government submitted the budget to the City Council as early as September to give legislators ample time to evaluate and pass it at the soonest time possible. Aside from economic losses, she said Zamboanga is also grappling with incidents of suicides due to the pandemic. Climaco said there were 20 cases of suicides since early this year. “We are sad over the number of suicide incidents due to frustrations as a result of Covid-19, but as mayor of Zamboanga City together with the department heads and

98 barangays, we do everything possible to help alleviate the plight of our people, especially during these trying times of the pandemic. There is hope in our efforts in God’s grace,” the mayor said. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite attributed these incidents to many factors, including stress due to the current health crisis. “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. Climaco said she 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. 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. (Zamboanga Post)

feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus and I surrendered to God the anxiety and uncertainty of every swab test.” “We are called to be stewards of God’s vineyard to be responsible for ourselves and our families. As I make this, I am aware of the loss of lives and struggle of friends with Covid. May we take God’s call to care

for each other and value life,” she added. And while nervously waiting for the results, Climaco appealed to residents to follow health protocols. “Tiene cuidao firmi, maskin donde y maskin cuando, compli maga reglamento de quarantina, protocol de salud y maga leyes para el bien de todo. Let us live out

our duty to make sure we abide by Covid protocols and security measures to keep our loved ones and Zamboanga safe,” she said. Climaco’s other Covid tests came after being exposed to the visiting members of the Philippine Red Cross and to a City Hall employee in July. (Zamboanga Post)

Kalinisan ng Zambo, panatilihin!

Ang mga kawani ng Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources ay patuloy sa kanilang trabaho bago pa man ang bukang liwayway upang mapanatili ang kalinisan ng lungsod ng Zamboanga. (Photo by Eddie Saavedra) Continued from page 1 ng Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources sa ibat-ibang bahagi ng lungsod, partikular sa sentro ng Zamboanga. Kalimitang ginagamit sa black propaganda laban kay Climaco ang mga basurang itinatapon ng mga residente upang palabasin na walang ginagawa ang gobyerno.

“As early as 5 in the morning, personnel from the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources under the supervision of the new Public Service Officer, former councilor Eddie Saavedra, report for work to clean up the litter and wastes in downtown streets.” “We thank our frontliners from the OCENR who report very early and

go home very late just to keep the city clean. Muchisimas gracias por el de ustedes esfuerzo para mantene el limpiesa na ciudad. Let us all cooperate and support the government’s cleanliness efforts as it helps the environment and reduces safety hazards. Ayuda mantene el limpiesa na de atun ciudad,” ani pa ni Climaco. (Zamboanga Post)

December 7-13, 2020

The Zamboanga Post

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Marines lauded for anti-smuggling drive MAYOR BENG Climaco commended the Philippine Marines after soldiers intercepted a motorized boat loaded with smuggled cigarettes in Mariki’s coastline and she warned smugglers to stop their nefarious activities or faced the long arm of the law. “We will not tolerate smuggling in Zamboanga and I warned smugglers to stop their illegal activities and we will catch you and throw you all in jail,” she told the Zamboanga Post. “I commend the Marines for a job well done.” Citing a recent report, Climaco said the soldiers were patrolling the coast line when they intercepted the boat. Upon inspection, the boat yielded boxes of assorted cigarettes. Just last month, 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

Philippine Marines guard an intercepted boat loaded by smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Mariki. Mayor Beng Climaco commended the soldiers for the confiscation of the illegal cigarettes. an intensified campaign against the proliferation of any smuggled products must never be tolerated,” she said. Climaco previously praised the Philippine Navy for its intensified campaign against smuggling activities following the seizure in November 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 Na-

val Forces Western Mindanao. “We commend the Naval Forces Western Mindanao 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)

Zambo’s measles, rubella vaccination successful

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A health worker administers measles vaccine to a child. (Christine Lim) OVER 79,000 children had been vaccinated against measles and rubella in Zamboanga City, ending a month-long health campaign in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mayor Beng Climaco said the City Health Office reported a total of 79,806 vaccination that targeted children ages 9-59 months. “We have exceeded the national target of 95% and we thanked our hardworking health per-

sonnel who braved the 98 barangays amid the pandemic to vaccinate the children,” she said. Climaco said the vaccination drive was in collaboration with the Department of Health’s “Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity.” The Department of Health launched the program after saying that some 2.4 million children under the age of 5 are sus-

ceptible to measles - one of the most contagious diseases in the world. It said 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. (Zamboanga Post)

The Zamboanga Post

December 7-13, 2020

Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.

December 7-13, 2020

The Zamboanga Post

Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by Jao Jawali, ZCPO, Christine Lim, Bong Serondo, City Admin Office, Giana Andrion, CHO, and Claudine Uniana.

The Zamboanga Post

December 7-13, 2020

Across : 1. Scent 6. Little bit 9. Asphalt 12. Arctic 13. Compass pt. 14. Brewery product 15. Peppy 17. Drink daintily 18. Expected 19. Castle trench 21. Host Conan ___ 24. Stick fast 27. Formerly called 28. Pittsburgh player 29. Additional 31. Desert choice 32. Cruel 33. Assumed names 35. Chem., e.g. 36. Diminish 37. Morally pure 40. Adolescent 41. Have breakfast 42. ___ loss for words (2 wds.) 44. Orbiting object 49. Mr. Franklin 50. Medical group (abbr.) 51. Old Roman language 52. Jaguar, e.g. 53. Rainy 54. Road bends Down : 1. Gorilla, e.g. 2. ___ Howard of “Happy Days” 3. Bullfight cry 4. ___ Gras (Shrove Tuesday) 5. Dispute 6. Explosive (abbr.) 7. Enliven 8. Decipher 9. Lacking flavor 10. Famed boxer 11. Dem.s foe 16. Poet’s “still” 20. Attention-getting sound 21. Shaquille ___ 22. Southern beauty 23. Water ___ (like some

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The Zamboanga Post

December 7-13, 2020

PASWI reaps coveted award

PASWI members pose for the camera. THE PHILIPPINE Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI) Zamboanga City Chapter continues to reap awards as it won this year’s much coveted “Best Chapter Nationwide.” The awarding took place during the recently concluded 2020 Annual PASWI National Convention held online. The PASWI Zamboanga City Chapter led by City Social Welfare and Development Officer Socorro Rojas bested other chapters around the country “for its exemplary performance and distinctive contributions in the achievement of its vision, mission and goals; and has immensely worked for the advancement and welfare of its members and produced many leaders from the different fields worthy of emulation

for the next generation of social workers.” With this year’s theme “Social Work under the New Normal: Struggles, Resilience and Hope Amidst the Pandemic and Complex Emergencies,” Rojas thanked Mayor Beng Climaco and all those who supported the efforts of the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development, including social workers and volunteers. Climaco lauded the PASWI for its hard work and dedication to public service. “Muchisimas gracias por el dedicacion na servicio para el bien estar del maga miembro y del maga constituente na ciudad de Zamboanga,” she said. Labor officer Jerrick Gerard Go, a member of the PASWI Board of Trustees, was also recognized

as one of PASWI 2020 Outstanding Social Worker of the Philippines in the field of Industry Development/ Labor. This year’s convention provided a platform for social workers from all fields of practice to share their rich experiences, critical insights, innovative ideas to advance social work practice, education and training in the country. The local chapter of the PASWI said the commendation came at a most critical and challenging times when social workers, along with the medical professionals and other allied disciplines, continue to battle the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, PASWI also won “Best Chapter in Mindanao.” (Maria Gemma Dalena)

Emcor Zamboanga, Unique Motors donate tricycles

Vice Mayor Rommel Agan and Councilors Bong Atilano and El King Omaga receive the donated tricycles from Emcor Zamboanga represented by Bonifacio Melico Jr., its vice president. (Giana Andrion) THE LOCAL government received 9 units of brand new tricycles and motorcycle donated by Emcor Zamboanga together with JVR Foundation and Trimotors, and TVS Philippines though its local distributor Unique Motors. The donations were received by Vice Mayor

Rommel Agan and Councilors Bong Atilano and El King Omaga. Emcor Zamboanga was represented by Bonifacio Melico Jr., its vice president. The 5 vehicles are intended for the use of City Government employees, particularly frontliners, for their daily tasks such

as delivery of communications and other transactions in other government offices. The TVS Philippines and Unique Motors donated one sports motorcycle and three tricycles to help the local government in serving its constituents. (Zamboanga Post)

Villamero’s Enterprises For all your newspaper publications or subscription to The Zamboanga Post and The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper, please call or text Villamero’s Enterprises at these numbers (062) 955-8677 and 0917-1223496. Located at Campaner Street, Zamboanga City and serving Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The Zamboanga Post

December 7-13, 2020

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December 7-13, 2020

Zambo under MGCQ until end of 2020 C

HIEF COVID frontliner Mayor Beng Climaco reminded residents to strictly follow health protocols as Zamboanga City remains under Moderate General Community Quarantine until end of the year. The number of ac“Zamboanga City low numbers of active tive Covid-19 cases is remains under Modi- Covid-19 cases here. Climaco, who heads now only over 100 with fied General Community Quarantine (MGCG) the local task force on nearly 3,000 people from December 1-31. Covid-19, has been ap- recovering from the However, strict proto- pealed almost every day deadly respiratory discols will be in place for for residents to strictly ease since the start of the Christmas season, as follow the health pro- the pandemic in March. the COVID-19 threat re- tocols and quarantine From previous weeks, the active Covid-19 casmains serious. The pub- guidelines. “Ta apela gat yo con es rose above 700. lic is urged to continue Zamboanga City to comply with all health todo con ustedes favor and safety protocols and gat kita coopera na de Health Officer Dr Dulce stay safe from Covid-19,” atun gobierno cay no Miravite said commuquere gat kita subi mas el nity transmission reshe said. Zamboanga’s MGCQ incidente del Covid para mains to be the top status is based on the aquellos que quierre bus- cause of the surge in latest order from the In- ca vida na nuevo normal Covid-19 cases due to ter-Agency Task Force ay puede tamen recubra the complacent attitude on Emerging Infectious el grande perdecion (na of residents. (Zamboanga Post) Diseases following the economia),” she said.

Sunday Reflection LSIs may have to wait a little longer PEOPLE WHO wanted to return to Zamboanga City or nearby provinces may have to wait a little longer for local governments in the region to decide whether to allow them to come home or not. This was also echoed by Mayor Beng Climaco who said the temporary moratorium on the return of locally stranded individuals (LSIs) to Zamboanga depends on the on the consensus among the different local governments in the region. “The lifting of suspension (of the moratorium) will depend on the consensus among the different local government units in the region. This remains under the concerted synchronized effort of the City Government of Zamboanga and the different local government units in the Zamboanga-BASULTA (Basilan, Sulu and

Tawi-Tawi) area,” she said. The moratorium was issued based on a resolution approved by the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases in October. The freeze was imposed due to the continued closure of the neighboring borders on top of limited quarantine facilities to accommodate returning LSIs. Climaco said the number of active Covid-19 cases in Zamboanga City continues to drop due to the local government’s unrelenting efforts in fighting the spread of the deadly respiratory disease. Zamboanga now has over 100 active cases from more than 700 in the previous weeks, but while the situation has drastically improve, Chief Covid frontliner Mayor Beng Climaco said residents should not be complacent and must strictly follow health protocols and quarantine guide-

Zamboanga Peninsula

lines. Despite the low number of active Covid-19 cases, Climaco emphasized that until there is no available vaccine, the threats of being contaminated by the virus remains high. “There are improvements and these efforts are really Godsent and they are little celebrations, but this doesn’t mean that we are free from Covid. Our quarantine facilities remain full and we are still in need of an isolation facility with a 1,000-person capacity,” she said. She explained that the moratorium will allow the different facilities in the city to respond to the influx of people. “We are trying to hold off the entry of people so we can properly manage the Covid cases in the city and ensure our hospitals will not be overwhelmed,” she said. (Claudine Uniana)

Basilan

by Mayor Beng Climaco First Sunday of Advent IS. 63:16B Yet, O Lord, you are Our Father; we are the clay and you the potter; we are all the work of your hands. FATHER FRANCIS Alvarez, S.J., in his homily spoke about running toward God while looking backward at the year 2020! In January, we had the Taal Volcano spewing ash, then the Covid-19 pandemic, and then came the typhoons. It was such a difficult year indeed when the world would be dictated by wearing face masks in public as a norm. With all these, God sends a message in the words, “El gente propone, pero Dios despone!” These are uncertain times and if we think we are able to bravely do the things we used to do before meetings in enclosed places, eating with colleagues and parties, grocery shopping, beer drinking on weekends; think again! Covid lurks in

Sulu

the corner and believe me it hits very deadly! Councilor Kim Elago, from the hospital, was telling me “bien bright ese Covid!” It attacks your weakest part or makes the body very weak till your immune system drops and your health is compromised. He needed oxygen to help him breathe, but others needed to be intubated or buy the expensive vials of Tocilizumab. Today was my fourth swab, but this time, four of us in our household. After the security walk through (last Tuesday), I started to cough and later felt weak and had difficulty breathing - ta hipa. I woke up with body pain. I started being extra cautious since Mama Lu just turned 76. Safety measures were strictly observed within the house. Triste and unsure, because of my exposure to a Covid positive patient, y

maka-miedo to infect our dear senior citizens in our household. After five days and nights, we were tested and Thank God y La Virgen Pilar y San Jose, negative results came out. Mark 13:33-37. Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come...What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’! Hinde pa librao na Covid. As we enter the First Sunday of Advent, we are called to be vigilant and be alert and watchful. We are in a pandemic and we must give way to the signs of the times. We sacrifice social interaction, eating and drinking in public. We go home safely to our family and that is where we need to be. We do not hold our future no matter how our plans are perfectly prepared. God Our Father directs the paths that will transpire! Be vigilant and watchful!

Tawi-tawi