Founded July 2019
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT, PLEASE CALL (062) 9555360 or (0915) 3976197
P10
December 14-20, 2020
Beng to review, veto ‘altered’ budget N
OT ONLY the opposition councilors delayed the approval of the 2021 Executive Budget, they also “altered, revised and amended” many provisions in the original financial plan of the local government before finally passing it. Mayor Beng Climaco Council in September, but have to veto some of the said the local government it was only approved re- provisions changed by submitted the 2021 Exec- cently. the opposition because Continue on page 2 utive Budget to the City Climaco said she will
No kids at malls, face-to-face classes still dangerous due to Covid-19 DUE TO Covid-19 pandemic, Mayor Beng Climaco said children should not be allowed in shopping malls and even face-
to-face classes as proposed by the Department of Education (DepEd) puts them at greater risk of infection.
Climaco also cited the findings of health experts that children have higher viral load and Continue on page 2
Mayor Beng Climaco
No social parties in Zambo, mass gathering still prohibited
Mayor Beng Climaco sign an executive order containing various prohibitions during the Yuletide season.
THE LOCAL government has banned all private and public parties, including social gatherings until January 3 next year, as part of an effort to fight the spread of the deadly Covid-19 disease this Yuletide season. This was contained in an executive order signed recently by Mayor Beng Climaco which outlines various prohibitions. In the Executive Order BC 621-2020, Climaco Continue on page 3
Be warned! Mayor vows justice for abused women, children MAYOR BENG Climaco renewed her vow to enforce the law to the fullest against any person who abuses women and chil-
dren and at the same time strengthen programs to protect them from maltreatment and exploitation.
During her recent 5th State of the Children Report, Climaco underscored the importance of Continue on page 2
First Standard Finance Corporation Zamboanga City 0915-3976197
FOR SALE P790,000
Subaru XV
FOR SALE
P2.1 Million
Toyota Fortuner
FOR SALE P650,000
Toyota Altis
2
The Zamboanga Post
December 14-20, 2020
Beng to review, veto ‘altered’ budget Continued from page 1 it is no longer the original version of the P4.38 billion budget the local government had rigorously planned and intended for next year and primarily aimed at responding to concerns and
challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. “It is no longer the budget that we intend for 2021,” she said, adding, “We will also make our own evaluation and review of the budget ordi-
nance if it is balanced as required by Department of Budget and Management. If not, I will veto the measure to comply with the executive budget which was the result of the series of consultations with various stakehold-
Be warned! Mayor vows justice for abused women, children Continued from page 1 “Recognizing, Reporting, Recording and Referral” or 4Rs in addressing critical factors that contributed to the prevalence of violence against women and children in Zamboanga City. The mayor stressed that the 4Rs ensure a speedy disposition and handling of case management. “It enables a more responsive program by strategizing among networks and linkages among offices concerned,” she said, adding the 4Rs is one of major programs that will help intensify local government actions in addressing violence against women and children. Climaco also reported that the local government’s expanded program on immunization, maternal and child health care, including new-born screening, family planning and even adolescent reproductive health are
being intensified to address the rising teenage pregnancy rate in the city amid the Covid-19 pandemic. While children and young people are at home due to quarantine restrictions, the mayor lamented that there has been an increase in reported cases of sexual and physical abuse among children. Thus, the women and children section unit of the Zamboanga City Medical Center continuously provide programs on cases involving violence against women and children, providing acute medical treatment, surgical treatment, monitoring of cases and follow-ups, and other relevant interventions, according to Climaco, a strong advocate for women’s and children’s rights and protection. Climaco reminded abusive persons of the Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children of 2004.
“We will not tolerate abuses against women or children and we will apply the law to the fullest against all violators of RA 9262,” she said. Under Republic Act, the concept of violence against women and children includes not just physical violence, but also sexual violence, psychological violence, and economic abuse, including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty. The law penalizes any act or a series of acts “committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode.” (Zamboanga Post)
Makukulay na parol, available na!
ers, department heads and many others.” The mayor had previously accused opposition council members of politicking in the approval of the budget. “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,” Climaco said. “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. Two of the councilors - John Dalipe and Crisanto dela Cruz - were former allies of Climaco and won
after running under the mayor’s wing, but eventually joined the opposition under Celso Lobregat, who lost to Climaco. Dalipe’s elder brother Rep. Mannix Dalipe is said to be eyeing the mayoralty race, but is likely to clash with Lobregat, who served as mayor and congressman for many years now. The young Dalipe is reportedly eyeing the congressional seat and may also clash with Lobregat’s younger brother, Jomar, who is rumoured to be interested in running again in the 2022 national elections. The popular Climaco is now on her third and last term as mayor and is focusing the remaining 17 months in office to continue serving her constituents, especially the poor. She called on her political foes not to exploit the health crisis for their own vested interest.
“It should not in any way be used for political purposes,” she said, adding, “I will end my term as mayor in 17 months. We are focused on our programs and infrastructure projects to finish them on target dates of our remaining months as chief executive of the city. We have to put in place our recovery package as there are immediate needs that we have to respond to heal the sick and feed the hungry.” As mayor, having experienced two enormous crises, the 2013 Zamboanga Siege and now the Covid pandemic - Climaco said: “Love and God’s protection have always been our weapon to overcome what seemed to be insurmountable challenges and protect the lives of the Zamboangueños—Christians, Muslims and the Lumad.” (Zamboanga Post)
No kids at malls, face-to-face classes still dangerous due to Covid-19 Continued from page 1 may have the ability to be super spreaders of the deadly Covid-19 which affects the respiratory system. According to The Harvard Gazette, in the most comprehensive study of Covid-19 pediatric patients to date, researchers provide critical data showing that children play a larger role in the community spread of the virus than previously thought. The study, “Pediatric SARS-CoV-2: Clinical Presentation, Infectivity, and Immune Reponses,” was published in The Journal of Pediatrics. It said transmissibility or risk of contagion is greater with a high viral load. And even when children exhibit symptoms typical of Covid-19, like fever, runny nose and
cough, they often overlap with common childhood illnesses, including influenza and the common cold. “Hinde pa gayot bien safe manda sale con el maga bata except for medical reasons or emergency cases,” Climaco said. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite strongly supported the mayor’s stand, stressing that children should stay at home and not allowed to go to malls to ensure low risk of getting them infected and low risk of transmission of Covid-19. Both Climaco and Miravite said it is not safe for children or students to attend face-to-face classes and suggested that DepEp continue using the blended modular learning scheme given the prevail-
ing health situation here. The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases recently announced that minors may go out if accompanied by their parents and they can go to malls, however, this is upon the discretion of the local government. But the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) clarified that there is no final decision yet on allowing minors to visit malls. DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said since no final decision has been adopted, the old regulations remain where minors are required to stay at home. “As much as possible, we should limit the number of people going out, especially the elderly and minors,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)
Villamero’s Enterprises Mga parol na gawa ng mga bilanggo. NANAWAGAN SA publiko si Mayor Beng Climaco na suportahan ang mga nasa loob ng Zamboanga City Reformatory Center at tangkilikin ang kanilang mga makukulay na parol. Sa kabila ng Covid-19 pandemic at sa umiiral na community quarantine guidelines at health protocols, sinabi ni Climaco na bagama’t bawal ang mass gathering ay makakatulong umano ng malaki ang pagkakaroon ng Christmas display sa bawa’t tahanan.
Kung kaya’t sa pakikipag-koordinasyon ng lokal na pamahalaan at ng Zamboanga City Reformatory Center, maaari ng makabili ng mga parol sa ibat-ibang hugis na ginawa ng mga bilanggo. Ngunit mahigpit ang bilin ni Climaco sa mga nais na bumili ng mga parol na kailangan makapag-ugnayan sa Zamboanga City Reformatory Center upang masigurong masusunod ang health protocols. “Let us bring yuletide cheersto to persons deprived of liberty at the
City Reformatory Center by patronizing their handcrafted lanterns. Amid the pandemic, there is still Christmas, a season of thanksgiving, a season of joy and a season of hope. Maga estrella de esperanza, hacido con todo corazon, in various colors, shapes and sizes, are now available,” ani Climaco. Makikita rin sa Facebook (ZamboangaCJ MaleDorm) ang mga disenyo ng ibat-ibang parol na nagkakahalaga ng mula sa P60-P1,500. (Zamboanga Post)
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.
December 14-20, 2020
3
The Zamboanga Post
FOR SALE
Face Mask from South Korea Retail: P65 a piece Wholesale: P50 a piece (20 pieces up) Mobile: 0915-3976197 – Zamboanga City
Earn More, Be an Advertising Agency! Do you want to earn more? Be an ADVERTISING AGENCY and DEALER for The Zamboanga Post and earn hefty commissions. Apply now.This offer covers Zamboanga Peninsula. ZAMBOANGA CITY ADVERTISING OFFICE 3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan Phone: 062-9555360 Mobile: 0915-3976197
NOTICE Please report to us any individual or persons who are illegally soliciting money or donations for or in behalf of THE ZAMBOANG POST. We have a strict company policy against solicitation in any forms and the Company shall not be responsible for illegal practice of unscrupulous persons, who pass themselves off as Reporter, Stringer, Correspondent or Sales Executive of The Zamboanga Post. When in doubt, please call or SMS us at these numbers (062) 9555360 or SMS 0915-3976197 or email us – mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
No social parties in Zambo, mass gathering still prohibited Continued from page 1 ordered all commercial establishments to inform the public of any confirmed Covid-19 cases of employees within 12 hours from confirmation by competent health authorities. Under the executive order, all places of worship must have its designated compliance officers to ensure all health protocols and community quarantine guidelines are strictly followed, especially the observance of physical distancing – at least 2 meters between individuals. The compliance officers shall be held responsible for any violations of the health protocols. The different religious denominations here shall also ensure that their respective places of worship are properly sanitized prior and after services. Curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. shall be observed throughout the Yuletide season, except from December 16 to 24, owing to the traditional “Simbang Gabi” or Misa de Gallo among Christian faithful, and carolling is still prohibited. Climaco told residents to follow the guidelines and health protocols because it is not safe as Covid-19 vaccines are still unavailable in the country. “The message we want to send not only to the government and private sectors, but also to the religious sector, is we need to make sacrifices now.” “Exposure to the pub-
Firme tiene cuidao. As the Covid-19 threat continues, let us always take care of ourselves by diligently complying the minimum health standards - wearing face mask and face shield, washing or sanitizing hands and maintaining physical distance. In doing so, we are taking care of our family, our community and our City. If everyone is taking care, we can beat Covid-19 together. Maskin quien, maskin donde, maskin cuando tiene cuidao. Amping. Kamaya. lic is very risky. The moment we step out into the streets without face mask and without face shield, we are (virtually) expose to grave danger. That is why we are appealing to everyone to extend their sacrifice in this very difficult time so that we will be able to heal the sick and feed the hungry,” she said. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite reiterated the risks of Covid-19 transmissions and infections, especially for the more vulnerable members of the family such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with med-
ical conditions. Miravite noted that families who want to celebrate the holiday season should limit the celebration to just members of their household, and avoid having other guests or visitors. “Si quierre kita man celebrate, we just confine it to our own household members,” she said, adding, community transmission remains the major cause of Covid-19 infection in Zamboanga, although the number of active cases – now at over 100 - is going down from more than 700 in previous weeks. (Zamboanga Post)
Avoid large gatherings, DOH says THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) reminded the public against holding large family and social gatherings during the Yuletide holidays, saying, the groupings can be a source of Covid-19 transmission. “With our current pandemic situation, any large gathering of people is considered a risk to one’s health. It would be wiser, at this time of pandemic, to simply stay at home during this Yuletide season and limit the celebration to household members only,” said DOH Secretary Francisco Duque. Duque advised the public to utilize online platforms such as the social media, video messaging apps and e-commerce sites in place of the traditional
holiday activities like attending masses or Simbang Gabi, getting in touch with relatives, and buying gifts. “COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country may now be lower compared to previous months but this should not be a reason for complacency. Even though we see a lowering trend in the number of COVID-19 cases, this is not irreversible. We need to maintain our caution especially for the upcoming holidays. Everyone should remain vigilant as the threat of the pandemic is still here,” he said. Duque said senior citizens, especially those with weak immune systems and underlying medical conditions are more prone to contracting the deadly vi-
rus. “It is better to stay at home during this Christmas season,” he said as he reminded everyone to strictly adhere to the minimum public health standards to prevent Covid-19 transmission. “As the holidays are nearing, let us do our part and be conscious of the six peligro factors during our holiday activities - the number of people, the density of people in an area which would make the observance of physical distancing difficult, the duration of the activity, ventilation of the venue, the nature of the activity, and the ability to use personal protective equipment such as face masks and face shields,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)
SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO
4
The Zamboanga Post
December 14-20, 2020
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
December 14-20, 2020
The Zamboanga Post
5
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by Bong Serondo, Marco Florentino, TFO, Sheila Covarrubias, Jasmine Mohammadsali, ZCPO, Claudine Uniana, JV Atilano, ZCPO, CEO, and HLMD.
6
The Zamboanga Post
December 14-20, 2020
Across : 1. “The Greatest” 4. Sis’s sib 7. Sings alone 12. Time unit (abbr.) 13. Yet, poetically 14. Got out of bed 15. Gardening implement 16. Ready for use 18. Cave dweller 20. Singer Willie ___ 21. US natives 25. Matrimonial 26. Gentle 30. Outer limit 31.Immerse briefly 33. Rod’s companion 34. Loch ___ Monster 35. High military rank 37. Saint Paul’s state 39. Mob scene participant 43. Snaky shape 44. Removed clothing 47. Have 50. Scram! 51. Edgar Allan ___ 52. Baseball’s ___ Gehrig 53. Small pastries 54. In addition to 55. Male child
The Zamboanga Post
An Edition of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper
Maritess Fernandez
Publisher/Executive Producer (On Leave)
Al Jacinto
Acting Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Graphics/Video Editor
Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master
REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily Business Week Mindanao Star
ADVERTISING Jeng Fernandez (0917) 7930652 Zamboanga Peninsula
Answer to last week’s crossword:
Down : 1. Fire residue 2. MGM lion 3. Polar water formations 4. Get lost! (2 wds.) 5. Race an engine 6. “___ Clear Day...” (2 wds.) 7. ___ tax 8. By mouth 9. Tennis shots 10. Capital of Norway 11. Perceived 17. Country hotel 19. Zodiac ram 21. Prayer word 22. Produced 23. Heel 24. Straighten 26. Curl
Reynold Toribio
27. Spray cans 28. Steak, e.g. 29. Jazz great ___ Fitzgerald 32. Cage 36. Required 37. Convenes 38. Tax org. 39. Iron oxide 40. Peruvian native 41. Aroma 42. Horse’s gait 45. Health resort 46. Billion years 48. Romance 49. Convent resident
Weekly Sudoku:
Richard Suarez
(0910) 7348600 Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera sts., Gatas District, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
The Zamboanga Post
is published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines.
ZAMBOANGA CITY OFFICE:
3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro St., Tetuan, Zamboanga City Phone & Fax: (062) 9555360 Mobile: (0915) 3976197 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
Answer to last week:
CEBU CITY G/F Dreamfield bldg, Sanciangko Street, Kamagayan (0923) 1670009
Rodil P. Ybañez
DAVAO CITY Door 2, 402 Nidea Street, Barrio Obrero, Davao City, Philippines (082) 2841859 / (0932) 4323301 / (0997) 3172021
Marilou Cablinda
NORTH COTABATO KIDAPAWAN CITY CENTRAL MINDANAO COTABATO CITY Rhoderick Beñez (0927) 4757936
PAGADIAN CITY
Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera st., Gatas District, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur (0910) 7348600
Richard Suarez
ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA BASILAN, SULU, TAWIͳTAWI ΈBARMMΉ
3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Zamboanga City (062) 9555360 / (0915) 3976197 / (0917) 7930652
Jeng Fernandez mindanaoexaminer.com mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
Chaos, health protocols violations mar opening of SM City Mindpro in Zamboanga
SM City Mindpro ZAMBOANGA CITY – Chaos marred the soft opening recently of SM City Mindpro here after curious residents and shoppers nearly stormed the mall’s entrance and threatened to overpower security guards. With the disorderly situation, members of the specialized police unit S.W.A.T. or Special Weapons and Tactics and cops were called in to help control the huge crowd lined up outside the mall along La Purisima Street. It was unclear why the mall failed to implement health protocols as shoppers pushed its others in an attempt to get inside the SM City Mindpro. There was also a long line of shoppers waiting for their turn to get inside the mall. Videos posted by Netizens on social media showed shoppers breaking health protocols and security guards having a hard time controlling the crowd. It was like a scene from department stores in the U.S. during Black Friday. The videos quickly went viral, raising questions on the safety of everybody amid the Covid-19 pandemic. There was no immediate statement from mall executives on the chaos that broke out on its
7
The Zamboanga Post
December 14-20, 2020
opening day. But on its Facebook page, SM City Mindpro said: “Today, we unwrapped the gift of fun shopping and safe malling in Zamboanga.” “Thank you so much for the awesome welcome, Zamboanga! Here’s to more safe and fun malling moments together as we continue to serve your community. Muchisimas gracias and enjoy the wonderful world of SM, loves!” Ironically, the mall also failed to implement its much trumpeted digital Covid-19 contact tracing application called Trace Together. In its previous press release, SM City Mindpro said it 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. The mall is not big as residents thought it to be with department store occupying several levels and shops littered in all five floors. Its opening was cancelled several times since October.
It first cancelled its grand opening in October and moved it to November 27, but postponed this again for a still unknown reason. It then announced a soft opening on November 29 only to cancel it anew. SM City Mindpro did not say why it cancelled the soft opening. Mall executives also cancelled the VIP invitations it sent on November 26, eve of the grand opening, for reasons unclear. Those invited had to cancel their busy schedules just to attend the VIP event only to be told later that it had been cancelled. Its Facebook account was flooded with comments from Netizens criticizing the mall for its confusing decisions on whether to open or not, or the reason behind it. But there were reports the mall did not push through with the grand opening after two of its employees contracted Covid-19. It was unknown whether the duo had infected the others that forced the SM City Mindpro to cancel the opening of the mall. KCC Mall de Zamboanga, which opened on December 2015, is the biggest mall so far in Zamboanga City. (Zamboanga Post)
The Zamboanga City Integrated Bus Terminal turns 5 years old since it started operation on December 8, 2015. The IBT, owned and operated by the local government, located in Divisoria is one of the most modern and well equipped facilities in the South, says Supervising Transportation Regulation Officer Rafael Evangelista III. With the Covid-19 pandemic, the IBT has been operating partially with trips limited only from the IBT to Licomo and vice versa.
Bawas Stress: Mabisang Paraan
HEALTH
Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong KUNG ANG inyong buhay ay nagiging masyadong komplikado gumawa ng mga paraan para ito ay gaming simple. Inirerekomenda ng mga eksperto ang ilang mga paraan para mabawasan at makontrol ang stress. 1. Ihiwalay ang malaking gawain sa mas maliit na gawain. Kung ang inyong mga gawain ay masyadong marami hatiin ito sa maliliit na gawain at gawin ito ng paisa-isa. Panatilihin na nakatuon ang isip sa mga gawain na ginagawa sa halip na isipin ang mga susunod pang mga gawain. 2. Matutunan na tumanggi, kung nakararamdam ng sobrang tuwa sa inyong personal at propesyonal na responsibilidad, subukan na umurong at pag-isipan ng mabuti kung ano ang aalisin. 3. Magkaroon ng maiksing pahinga habang nagtatrabaho. Tumayo sa iyong lame-
sa at mag-unat, o gamitin ang iyong lunch break para maglakad sa park. 4. Palitan ang inyong araw-araw na pressure ng physical na gawain. Ang healthy lifestyle ay ang iyong mabuting depensa panlaban sa stress. Sundin ang balanced diet, limitahan ang pag-inom ng kape at alak at kumuha ng sapat na tulog. 5. Ibahagi ang iyong nararamdaman. Kumausap sa inyong matalik na kaibigan o miyembro ng pamilya, ang mga malulungkot na tao ay mas nakararanas ng stress at hindi malusog na pangangatawan. 6. Subukan ang meditation. Ang meditation ay nagpapataas ng immune function, nakabababa ng pangamba, at tumutulong na mas maka-isip na mga kapaki-pakinabang na bagay. 7. Sa bawat araw gawing sentro ang iyong sarili, Sa halip na bumangon agad sa kama, isipin ang mga bagay na mayroon ka o mga dapat na
ipagpasalamat, o kaya naman ay magbasa ng maaaring makapagpa inspire sa iyo na kung ano ang kabuluhan ng buhay. Binibigyang diin ang pagkakaroon ng payapang isip ang dapat unahin. Kung nawala ito sa iyo, gumawa ng paraan na maibalik ito. Mag-meditate, tawagan ang ilang kaibigan o kaya naman ay maglakad ng 30 minuto. Maibabalik mo ang iyong lakas at pagkatapos ay makapagta-trabaho ka na ng mas epektibo. Ang iba’t ibang paraan para sa stress ay gumagana sa iba’t ibang tao. Subukan ang iba’t ibang paraan para malaman kung ano ang mas babagay sa iyo. Ang mas importante ay gumawa ng mga bagay, o kahit na anong bagay na makapagpapalibang sa iyo at makatatanggal ng stress.
8
The Zamboanga Post
December 14-20, 2020
December 14-20, 2020
The Zamboanga Post
9
Founded July 2019
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT, PLEASE CALL (062) 9555360 or (0915) 3976197
P10
December 14-20, 2020
School board throws support to DepEd program
T
HE LOCAL School Board (LSB) said it is supporting the implementation of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Sulong EduKalidad program, particularly the so-called “1-1-3-20-5 limited face-to-face learning model” proposed for the upcoming school year. Sulong EduKalidad support at home, and wheth- Climaco for her continuing focuses on four aggressive er or not their parents would assistance to the advancereforms in basic education consent to face-to-face ment of local education, citing the duplicators that were - K to 12 curriculum re- learning. He said schools shall recently provided by the City view and update, improving learning environment, likewise be categorized ac- Government. “The duplicators will not teachers up skilling and cording to its geographical reskilling, and engagement location, Covid quarantine only be used for Covid, but is of stakeholders for support status, availability of teach- also an investment because ers and readiness of health we are going to sustain our and collaboration. The LSB unanimous- protocols. Learners and CapSLET which will later ly supported the scheme schools will be matched and become part of our review that promotes innovation divided into smaller groups materials for our learners so in the delivery of instruc- of 20 learners that will meet that they will gain mastery tions, pivoting from a one- 3 hours per week to teach of the subject matter and a size-fits-all to a custom-fit- five core subjects - English, permanent alternative deMath, Science, Filipino and livery mode for our learners for-purpose structure. who cannot attend school DepEd has employed Araling Panlipunan. the Blended-Modular DisTuballa said they are regularly,” he said. (Claudine tance Learning (BMDL) studying to split Zamboan- Uniana) framework using capsulized ga into two divisions, one self-learning empowerment for each of the city’s two legtoolkits (CapSLET) with islative districts, to ensure supplementary online and the needs and concerns of offline; and television and the different school districts Second Sunday of Advent Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort, give would be addressed. radio-based instructions. Under the 1-1-3-20-5 According to Tuballa, comfort to my people, says your God.” limited face-to-face learn- the proposal should origiLAST WEEK, all those exposed ing model, Schools Division nate from their office, ento Covid positive patients went on Superintendent Roy Tuballa dorsed by the Sangguniang quarantine. It was then I knew that explained that learners will Panlungsod before it could because of our work in securing our be profiled according to be sponsored in the House of people and providing safety, we will their learning aptitude, ac- Representatives. also be at risk. As I always do, inademic challenges, health He likewise expressed structions are given and coordinaconditions, availability of his gratitude to Mayor Beng
Local School Board meeting.
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco
Zambo receives 7 handwashing stations
One of 7 hand-washing stations. (Photo courtesy of ZCWD Board of Directors Chairperson Jose Vicente Atilano III.)
THE ZAMBOANGA City Water District (ZCWD) and the Rotary Club of Zamboanga City - West (RCZC-West) donated seven hand-washing stations to the Central Public Market and the Santa Cruz Public Market in support to the Covid-19 response of the local government. Vice Mayor Rommel Agan, who represented Mayor Beng Climaco, received the donations from the ZCWD Board of Directors Chairperson Jose Vicente Atilano III and the RCZC-West President Gil Lim. Five hand-washing stations have been installed at the Central Public Market, particularly in Magay, two others in Santa Cruz Public Market. The washing station was built to offer easy access to the public and is operated by foot pedal for hands-free washing. (Zamboanga Post)
Zamboanga Peninsula
Basilan
tion amongst security is done even beyond midnight. One Army commander sent a text of comfort for me to find time to rest. The next day, when our results were out, he and a police officer and a Marine personnel contracted Covid. God spared us with negative result for us to give comfort to our compañeros na servicio y seguridad. As gratitude to Mama Mary, I found myself in the first day of Novena mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with a negative RT-PCR result. This Commander in the Army faced danger and even fell two floors with blows to the floor hitting his back while clearing operations in Marawi. Such are the sacrifices they undergo just to protect us all in Zamboanga City, putting their own lives ahead even if they too are fathers. We pray and give comfort to all who are sick and all who care for the sick. Covid knows no bounds. A colleague whose sacrifices in feeding hundreds during the Zamboanga Siege and feeding thousands of families during the pandemic has suffered with members of her family sick with Covid. So much generosity in duty to help us as they undergo personal family emergencies. Amidst the victims of flooding, I sought to listen to her struggles seeing how much she is suffering and finding ways to lessen her burden.
Sulu
In this Second Sunday of Advent, the Second Reading 2 Peter 3:8-14 - The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but He is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. We are called to repent as the Lord awaits our conversion patiently. Because we live in a VUCA WORLD as stated by our resource person Aldrin Cuña, we have to learn how to patiently respond and await a safer world. A world that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. I feel saddened that children cannot enjoy the “Pamaskong Pamilyang Filipino” theme of the Christmas display at the City Hall. Children cannot be allowed to go out of their homes because they have a higher viral load per Dr. Dulce and medical experts. They would easily get sick. Because of loss of jobs and finances due to Covid, depression can lead to suicide. Anger, resentment, disappointment and frustration make people even those in position of great influence question my action as Mayor in the enforcement of security and safety protocols with Task Force Covid. Todo estos , rabio y difficultad parte del pandemia! Mas pesao el andansa manda intende que el bien estar de todo amo ta guia hace maga mejores. It is very challenging to make people realize that the heart of enforcing protocols is for everyone’s
safety and not for political motives of control. Just like a mother’s love for her children, she needs to protect them from harm by setting-up rules because of love. With Covid still present, even Christmas parties have to be postponed because eating, drinking and the traditional carolling will all endanger us. Even our worship has to be adjusted with face mask, face shield and social distance and hand sanitation. Last December 8, we celebrated Mary our Mother’s feast of the Immaculate Conception who was conceived without sin. Bishop Romulo dela Cruz got his prayer answered as this day is declared a public holiday. Fr. Tony de Castro. S.J., mentioned a St. Agustine’s teaching that before Mary conceived Jesus, she first conceived Jesus in her heart. May we welcome Jesus in our hearts to leave room for Him in the VUCA world of the pandemic. In today’s Gospel Mark 1:18, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” We prepare ourselves for God’s coming. We pray as what my husband and I do even for those who hurt us and like the sorrow that pierced Mama Mary’s heart, may we be like Jesus who humbled himself as God’s greatest gift! We look forward to welcome this wonderful gift of Jesus the Emmanuel this Christmas. (MBC)
Tawi-tawi