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‘Beng signs deal with AstraZeneca’
Covid vaccines coming soon C
HIEF COVID frontliner Mayor Beng Climaco has signed a $2 million (or roughly P100 million) deal with British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for the purchase of 410,000 doses of Covid vaccines. She said the vaccines pharmaceutical compa- so are Russia with its are good for some 205,000 nies, including Johnson & Sputnik and China’s Siresidents, but there is at Johnson. novac and Sinopharm. least P100 million more Pfizer-BioNTech and Climaco, head of the for the acquisition of addi- Moderna also have their local task force on tional vaccines from other own Covid vaccines and Continue on page 2
Provincial buses resume operations AstraZeneca Covid vaccine.
Zamboanga City receives 2 RT-PCR machines DAVAO CITY Mayor Sara Duterte facilitated the donation of two RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) test machines, including 25,000 sets of disposable specimen sampling kits to the local government of Zamboanga City. Mayor Beng Climaco thanked Duterte for facilitating the donations which were received Continue on page 2
PROVINCIAL BUSES have resumed its trips, but only on point-to-point routes within the Zamboanga Peninsula. The routes of pointto-point buses are Zamboanga City, Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province, and Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Continue on page 3
Rural Transit buses at Pagadian City Integrated Bus Terminal (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Number of Coronavirus cases shoots up in Zambo Mayor Beng Climaco and Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite pose with the team of Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Diterte at City Hall. (Bong Serondo)
THE NUMBER of active Covid cases in Zamboanga City has spiked following the Yuletide holidays, but health officials said they expect more infections in the coming. City Health Officer Dr.
Dulce Amor Miravite said the number of active cases are now over 120 from just 100 before the holidays. She said 2 had died from the virus and raising the total number of casualties to at least 175 since
the pandemic reached Zamboanga in March last year. Although the number of Covid cases have risen, Miravite said the recovery rate is at 92%. Continue on page 7
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The Zamboanga Post
January 18-24, 2021
‘Beng signs deal with AstraZeneca’
Covid vaccines coming soon Continued from page 1 Covid-19, signed the agreement with AstraZeneca based on the approved authorization of the City
Council. The local government’s vaccination program will cover 694,696 residents or 70% of the projected 2021 population of
992,423 inhabitants. The initial P200 million for the purchase of the vaccines are included in the P4.38-billion 2021
Zamboanga City receives 2 RT-PCR machines Continued from page 1 recently in Zamboanga through the City Health Office and the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC). “Muchisimas gracias Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte for facilitating the donation of two RT-PCR test machines and 25k sets of disposable specimen sampling kits to the Zamboanga City government through the City Health Office and the Zamboanga City Medical Center,” she said. Climaco together with City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite and ZCMC Chief of Hospital Dr. Al Kunting received the donations from Duterte’s representatives led by police liaison Staff Sergeant Aran Galacio, Personnel Development Officer Jeffrey Ramirez and his assistant Jean Mark Gison. The mayor conveyed her profound gratitude to Duterte stressing the donations will greatly support Zamboanga’s efforts in fighting the spread of Covid-19. “It will help us make a meaningful difference as we continue to battle Covid-19,” she told Duterte’s team. Climaco said as part of the local government’s long term plan, Zamboan-
ga through the City Health Office, is constructing its own molecular testing laboratory in an effort to ramp up the Covid-19 test, treat and trace initiative. “We continue to work hand-in-hand with the national government, the National and Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, and our private and non-government organization partners to maximize anti-Covid efforts and ensure the safety and protection of our constituents,” she said. “During this turbulent and uncertain time, we have to intensify collaboration and partnership with all sectors and agencies to be able to survive and beat Covid-19,” the mayor added. Remarkable Women In January last year, the Philippine Embassy in Washington headed by Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez branded both Climaco and Duterte as “remarkable women” who were invited by the US government for a series of lectures and meetings for the project “Strong Cities, Strong Partnerships: A Comprehensive Approach to Preventing Terrorism in Southeast Asia” under the auspices of the Interna-
tional Visitor Leadership Program of the US Department of State. Climaco was accompanied by her Chief Executive Assistant Michael Angelo Saavedra, who also thanked the US government for the opportunity to be part of the important event. Netizens, who followed the Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, praised Climaco’s hard work and her dedication as chief executive of Zamboanga. “Congrats to our Mayor, Madam Beng Climaco,” said JVM RD. “The two best women Mayors in the Philippines keep up the good works,” Toledo Curay Arlisa said. Jose Balenton also commented that: “Our Mayor of Zamboanga is the best.” And Jocelyn Sczepanski said she is proud of Climaco. “Good job we are proud to have you mayor Beng.” Even Saavedra was mentioned by Masocorro Reyes: “Congrats Madam Beng and Michael.” And Maria Aizon said Climaco is a world-class mayor. “Our world class mayor,” she wrote on the social media page of the Philippine Embassy. (Zamboanga Post)
Executive Budget of the local government, according to Climaco, who is also a member of the Committee on Vaccine Availment of the League of Cities of the Philippines. She said the local government has been closely coordinating with the national government and the Department of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, including vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, for the purchase of the Covid-19 vaccines. The United Kingdom became the first country to approve AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use on December 30, just weeks after Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccine candidates received a green light from the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, according to health portal Prevention. com. It said the approval is another promising sign in the global immunization rollout—especially because this option, developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, could be key to reaching people in rural and underfunded areas. Unlike its competitors, the AstraZeneca Covid-19
vaccine can be stored at higher temperatures, costs less per dose, and uses different technology to immunize people. Zamboanga resident, Farsha Live, wrote a message on Climaco’s Facebook account and said: “M a r a m i n g - m a r a m i n g salamat po Madam Beng sa pag malasakit mo po sa taong-bayan ng Zamboanga City. Iyong hindi maniwala sa bakuna huwag na lang po kayong magpabakuna. Ang mahalaga mahal na mahal ni Madam Beng ang taong-bayan ng Zamboanga City.” With nearly 1 million population, Zamboanga City, the gateway to the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi is one of the national government’s priorities in the vaccination program. Climaco passed the proposed budget in September last year after months of careful studies to ensure the welfare of the people amid the deadly pandemic. But it was only approved in December after opposition councilors “altered” the budget, she said. She said the opposition councilors “killed” the Largo Vida Program, an initiative that she start-
ed in 2018 and which she intends to expand to over 60,000 beneficiaries this year. “It is with deep regret that (opposition) majority of the members of the City Council resolutely removed vital appropriations in the FY (Fiscal Year) 2021 Executive Budget of the City Government of Zamboanga. Very important social services programs such as the Largo Vida, Salva Vida and Cuida Vida, which could have benefited senior citizens, low income families, disadvantaged communities, marginalized sectors, most affected families of the COVID-19 pandemic and other vulnerable members of society, were unfoundedly scrapped,” Climaco said. She identified the opposition councilors as Monsi dela Cruz, John Dalipe, BG Guingona, Mike Alavar, Litlit Macrohon, Khymer Olaso, Lilibeth Nuño, Cary John Pioc, VP Elago, Gerky Valesco and Jerry Perez – all political allies (except Dela Cruz and Dalipe who are allies of Rep. Mannix Dalipe) of former Congressman Celso Lobregat whom she defeated in 2019 election. (Zamboanga Post)
Thank you so much!
Mayor Beng Climaco presides over a meeting with different City Government department heads. (Bong Serondo) ZAMBOANGA MAYOR Beng Climaco thanked the different department heads of the local government for their dedication and hard work as she convened a meeting recently to outline her programs and plans for this year.
“Thanked you very for your dedication and hard work for the best interest of the people of Zamboanga,” she said. Climaco said the meeting also assess the accomplishments of the local government in 2020 in an effort
to further improved plans and activities for this year. The mayor said she sought the continuous support of the department heads for all plans and programs of the local government amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (Zamboanga Post)
January 18-24, 2021
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The Zamboanga Post
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Army recognizes Zambo mayor
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.
Mayor Beng Climaco with Lt. Col. James Sababan and other army officers. (Bong Serondo) THE PHILIPPINE Army thanked Mayor Beng Climaco for her unrelenting support that helped achieve its goals and mission in Zamboanga City. Lt. Col. James Sababan, commander of the 74th Infantry Battalion, personally thanked
the mayor during the recent blessing of their camp in Barangay Bolong. Climaco was invited as guest of honor and speaker in the event attended by security officials. The mayor also thanked the Sababan
and his soldiers for their commitment in securing Zamboanga and its people. She assured soldiers of her continuous support and assistance to the military as part of her priorities on security, health and education or S.H.E. (Zamboanga Post)
Provincial buses resume operations Continued from page 1 Norte province, including the town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province. Passengers must have complete entry requirements of their destination to be able to purchase tickets, at least two days before the scheduled trip. Those without the necessary requirements will not be able to purchase tickets. Walk-in passengers are not allowed to purchase ticket on the same day of travel unless for emergency purposes. Under the guidelines of the point-to-point service program, buses cannot drop-off or pick up passengers in barangays or municipalities in between inter-provincial routes. A manifesto system will be adapted to ensure passengers boarding on point of origin are the same passengers arriving in point of destination. Passengers bound for Zamboanga City must present medical clearance certificate, travel
authority, coordination pass, proof of residency, and RT-PCR test negative within 5 days from the day of swab. All passengers are also mandated to follow health protocols, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. Last month, Zamboanga Supervising Transportation Regulation Officer Rafael Derick Garcellano Evangelista III met with Rural Transit Mindanao officials headed by Pagadian Branch Manager German Avenido and discussed the preparation for the resumption of travel between provinces, and other matters, including health protocols among passengers. The meeting centered on the preparatory activities, coordination, and health protocols. Also in the meeting were other Rural Transit Mindanao officials Roland Aballe, Tata Abasolo, and Efren dela Cruz, and Ronie delos Reyes and Richard Lim who were
with Evangelista. Rural Transit Mindanao said: “We make sure you’re safe on your trip following the New Normal. So we are asking all passengers to follow the safety protocols that we have implemented so that we can avoid Covid-19.” The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has allowed provincial buses in point-to-point routes to resume operations following the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolution No. 88. The LTFRB also reminded passengers, drivers, ticket conductors, and operators to always wear face mask and face shield, refrain from talking, eating in public transport, maintain proper ventilation of the vehicle, regular disinfection, bar anyone with Covid-19 symptoms, and to always follow the “one-seat-apart” physical distancing rule. (Zamboanga Post)
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, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi provinces. ZAMBOANGA CITY OFFICE: 3f, JLC Bldg., Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan, Zamboanga City Phone: 062-9955360 Mobile: 0915-3976197 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com, E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
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The Zamboanga Post
January 18-24, 2021
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
January 18-24, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by TFZ, Engr. Al Urao/ZCMC, Bong Serondo, Dr. Mario Arriola, Joy Bautista /CSWDO, ZCPO, Giana Andrion, and HLMD.
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January 18-24, 2021
Across : 1. Not all 5. Milky gem 9. Biolgy, e.g. (abbr.) 12. Singe 13. Talk wildly 14. Zodiac lion 15. Unusual 16. Valentine phrase (3 wds.) 18. Branch 19. Less fatty 20. Poor farmer 22. Slight error 26. Hear 28. Inexperienced 29. Author ___ Christie 31. Per person 34. Went first 35. Bemoan 37. Future flowers 40. Most unkind 43. Artists’ stands 45. Originally named 46. Superman’s gal (2 wds.) 49. States further 50. Yoko ___ 51. Finales 52. Red vegetable 53. Prohibit 54. Untidy condition 55. Slips up
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January 18-24, 2021
DOH, PRC eye cheaper Covid saliva test
Senator Richard Gordon, who is also the chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, leads the pilot saliva testing and says it is not only cheaper, but non-invasive as well. (From Senator Dick Gordon’s Facebook page)
Huwag Magpakabusog Masyado. Yung Tama Lang.
HEALTH
Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong KAIBIGAN, isang magandang payo para sa ating kalusugan ay ang pagbabawas sa ating kinakain. Bilang pagpapatunay, ang mga tao ng Okinawa sa East China Sea ay may pinakamahabang buhay kumpara sa ibang tao. Maraming taga-Okinawa ang lampas sa 100 taon. Gusto ba ninyong malaman ang sikreto ng mahabang buhay nila? Sagot: Hindi sila nagpapakabusog. Basta may laman lang ang tiyan nila ay puwede na. Hindi naman sila gutom ngunit hindi din sila busog na busog. May mga pagsusuri na nagpapakita na ang mga taong payat ay mas humahaba ang buhay kaysa sa mga taong sobra ang timbang. Tumingin kayo sa inyong paligid, ilang mga matatabang tao ang kilala ninyo na lampas na sa edad 70? Kadalasan ay magkakasakit na sila ng diabetes, sakit sa puso at altapresyon. Ang mga payat na
tao naman na mababa ng 10-15% sa kanilang tamang timbang ay mas mahaba ang buhay. Bakit masama ang pagkain ng labis? Ang pagkain ng labis ay nagdudulot ng masamang epekto dahil nahihirapan ang ating katawan na tunawin ito. Dodoble ang trabaho ng ating atay, lapay (pancreas) bato at puso dahil sa sobrang pagkabusog. Tataas din bigla ang ating asukal sa dugo (blood sugar). Kapag labis ang kinain mong karne, marami ding dumi (na kung tawagin ay “free radicals”) ang ilalabas nitong mga pagkain. Kaya ipinapayo ng eksperto ang pagkain ng “high nutrient at low calorie diet.” Ang ibig sabihin ay mataas sa nutrisyon ang iyong dapat kainin pero mababa naman sa calorie. Para matupad ito, subukang kumain ng mas maraming gulay, isda, prutas, beans at soy products (tofu, taho, tokwa). Bawasan ang pag-
kain ng karneng baka at baboy, matatamis na inumin, at matatabang pagkain. Medyo limitahan din ang pagkain ng kanin (mga kalahati o 1 tasang kanin lang bawat kainan), pero damihan na lang ang gulay at prutas. Kung mababawasan mo lang ng 10% ang iyong kinakain ay pupuwede na. Ang isa pang kasabay na payo ay ang pagkain ng 5-6 na beses sa isang araw, pero pakonti-konti lang. Ang isang saging, mansanas o pan-de-sal ay puwedeng pang-meriyenda na. Sa ganitong paraan, dahan-dahan ang pagpasok ng nutrisyon sa katawan. Mas maginhawa ito sa mga organo ng ating katawan. At marahil dahil dito, kaya humahaba ang buhay ng mga taga-Okinawa. Gayahin natin sila. Huwag magpakabusog.
TWO STUDIES in the Philippines have confirmed detection of Covid-19 by using saliva as an alternative specimen, the Department of Health (DOH) said. It said the studies carried out by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) have shown “growing” evidence that the saliva can be used as a specimen for testing. “Recently there has been growing evidence on the potential of saliva as an alternative specimen for Covid-19 testing and the DOH recognizes the potential use of saliva as a specimen for SARS-CoV-2 detection through RTPCR,” DOH said. So far, the Covid-19 testing is conducted after extracting Nasopharyngeal and Oropharyngeal swabs. According to the DOH, both the studies being conducted separately by the RITM and the PRC are still in their initial stag-
es, adding that upon completion (of both studies) results will be assessed by the Covid-19 Laboratory Expert Panel (CLEP) and the Health Technology Assessment Council. Their recommendations will help DOH develop an evidence-based policy on the use of saliva as an alternative specimen for coronavirus testing. The DOH noted that it also recognizes specimen pooling strategies as a prospect for greater Covid-19 testing efficiency by reducing turnaround time and saving on supplies. It has issued a memorandum to provide interim guidelines on the conduct of Covid-19 pooled testing based on the pooling protocols set by the Philippine Society of Pathologists, Inc., RITM, and DOH. “Rest assured, the Department of Health will continue to support the conduct of studies and innovations that will help mitigate the spread of
Covid-19 in our country,” it added. President Rodrigo Duterte also expressed readiness on the use of the saliva-based test for Covid-19 which recently guaranteed a 99% detection rate in the US. Duterte said the saliva-based test would be a good alternative to the more expensive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. “There’s a new type of test, Gordon (Philippine Red Cross Chairman, Senator Richard Gordon) said swabbing saliva is 99% effective. Then let’s use that instead,” he said. Gordon, who underwent pilot saliva testing, said it is not only cheaper, but non-invasive as well. “Kapag ito ay pumasa, mas maraming kababayan na natin ang magkakaroon ng kakayahan na makapagpatest upang sila ay ligtas na makabalik sa trabaho. Kailangan lang nila ilagay ang kanilang laway sa sterile bottle at isumite ang sample sa Red Cross laboratory. Sa ating pilot testing, tayo ay nagsagawa ng parallel swab test upang makita masiguro ang accuracy ng saliva test. Ito ay game-changer sa ating laban kontra Covid-19. Mas madalas na makakapagtest ang ating mga kababayan dahil mas abot-kaya na ang saliva test,” he said. “We have to learn to adjust to a changing world, where there are pandemics. With the saliva test, we are hoping that there will be more testing done for our people. We hope and pray that this will ease the burden of the Filipinos,” he added. (Rhany Chairunissa Rufinaldo, Anadolu Agency and Zamboanga Post.)
Number of Coronavirus cases shoots up in Zambo Continued from page 1 Most of those infected with the deadly virus are now in quarantine facilities, but are admitted in different hospitals. Miravite reminded residents to strictly follow the health protocols and the community quarantine guidelines to remain safe from Covid-19, especially now that a new strain of the virus has spread in dozens of countries, raising more fears. “With the detection of the new strain which appears to be more transmissible, we appeal to everyone to practice pro-
tocols and avoid social gatherings and be socially accountable and responsible for the safety of everyone,” she said. Mayor Beng Climaco has already coordinated with the military’s Western Mindanao Command and the Department of Health in putting up measures to prevent the entry of the new Covid-19 strain in Zamboanga following its emergence in Sabah. She asked local law makers to call for an emergency meeting to come up with a resolution for the temporary suspension of sea travels
from Sabah to Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Sulu Governor Sakur Tan has barred travellers from Malaysia and imposed a lockdown in his province to prevent the entry of the new strain of Covid-19. Tan temporarily closed the province to civilians coming from Sabah to pre-empt the possible spread of the new Covid-19 strain. Exempted from the travel restrictions are frontline health workers, security forces and emergency cases. (Zamboanga Post)
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January 18-24, 2021
January 18-24, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
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Zambo woman doubts own Covid infection
A
WOMAN who was previously tested positive for Covid-19 at the Zamboanga City Medical Center now doubts whether she was really infected with the deadly respiratory disease or not. Her neighborhood lator and not given an- saying she and her huswas placed under ti-Covid medicines. I band have no means strict lockdown for just slept, ate, slept, but of livelihood and rely at least 2 weeks after really I don’t like the solely on what their she was told that she food they gave me, es- neighbors or her chilcontracted Covid-19 pecially the fish. It was dren give them. “Vacand had to stay in an unforgettable expe- cine, that is all I wish for hospital until she re- rience, really,” she said, now,” the woman said. The Zamboanga covered from the vi- recalling how she strugral infection. “I don’t gled to stay strong both City Medical Center know whether I really mentally and physically has broken ground for had Covid or not, but I after being told she had the construction of two buildings that will am sure I was not sick Covid-19. The woman, who house a molecular labfrom it except for my diabetes and kidney lives with her husband oratory and a Covid isoproblem,” she told the and about a dozen adult lation facility. Zamboanga Post. children and grandchilThe buildings, with The woman, who dren in a small house in a capacity of 53 beds, spoke on condition of a village near the hospi- will be constructed on anonymity, said that tal, said she feels stron- a 1,800 square meter during her stay at the ger now, although she property near the hoshospital she was only continues controlling pital along Veterans Avenue. It will complegiven insulin shots her blood sugar count. and Calcium tablets. She wished that the ment the existing facili“That’s it, those national government ty at the hospital as part were me regular med- would be able to pur- of measures in conicines during my stay. chase Covid vaccines fronting the pandemic. I was not on a venti- and avail them for free, (Zamboanga Post)
Police disarm Zambo anti-narcotics chief ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police disarmed the anti-narcotics chief of the local police force after he was tested positive for alleged illegal drug use, officials said. Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Ylagan, the regional police director, said Major Jivertson Pelovello, who heads the Zamboanga City Police Drug Enforcement Unit, is now with Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section and is undergoing pre-charge investigation and summary dismissal proceedings. “Pelovello has been disarmed of his issued firearms and slapped with corresponding administrative charges,” Ylagan said in his re-
port to National Police Chief, Gen. Debold Sinas who ordered the regional police to immediately take Pelovello in restrictive custody. Sinas, who was previously assigned at the regional police headquarters here, vowed to spare no one in the on-going anti-narcotics program to purge the police ranks of drug users. “Anybody who will test positive for drug use does not deserve to stay in the service any minute longer,” he said. Pelovello was among 60 members of the Zamboanga City Police Office, including 12 of his personnel who were tested for illegal drug use by the Regional Crime Laboratory Office
Zamboanga Peninsula
on December 18. He was initially screened, but the subsequent confirmatory test on January 6 yielded positive result for drug use. There was no immediate statement from Pelovello. In July last year, a video clip (https://www.facebook. com/newpostph/videos/223487068812451/) which went viral on Facebook allegedly showed Pelovello pinning to the ground a hapless civilian following a traffic altercation in Pasonanca village. In the clip, Pelovello was seen stepping on the man’s chest and later dragged him on the pavement as he phoned for police back-up. (Zamboanga Post)
Basilan
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco
Baptism of Our Lord 1: John 5:1 “All those who believe that Jesus is anointed are born of God.” TODAY WE celebrate the very important feast of the Baptism of Jesus. And in the Gospel, God the Father affirms the goodness of Jesus, His Son! Mark1: 11 “You are my Son, the Beloved, the one I have Chosen.” Or You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” What an important manifestation of God as Jesus begins His ministry. When I was a teacher, I would make it an aim to affirm the goodness of my students by writing notes on their test papers and essays. When I was starting, I would make bookmarks for my students and would leave posters to remind them to strive for excellence. It is very import-
Sulu
ant for children to find affirmation in order to encourage them to continue their good work. Since we are all God’s children, it is important once in a while to be reminded we are on the good path which we need to keep doing. This pandemic year, I reflected on the six times I was swabbed. I have seen how the ones who did the swab test grew in confidence by repetitive work. In every trial and every waiting moment, I was brought to my knees with uncertainty. Thanks be to God and La Virgen Pilar all tests turned negative! Why? Because in following Jesus who was anointed by God, I am called on a mission to serve those who are in need and those who are sick. Last Friday, it was my Tita’s 9th day prayer, we entered her on her 95th
birthday. As her coffin was entombed, we sang a birthday song in a most difficult funeral for Covid patients. The ZCDRRMO, CHO and friend of the family assisted us. Also on Friday after the press briefer, upon the suggestion of the doctor, we prayed virtually and said I love you to my 99 year-old Tito. We could see him in the Covid ward as he took a difficult breath. By Saturday, I had to rush from an activity for the funeral. Finally, they are joined in God’s eternal embrace. Covid took their lives in such a difficult circumstance, with loved ones away. In this most difficult time, I surrender and carry on knowing that Jesus the beloved who pleased the Father leads us to navigate the difficult times and bring us together virtually closer GOD will make all things well! As we mourn, we lift them to Jesus knowing they are safely home. Our deepest gratitude to all who helped from the dedicated care givers to frontliners and friends! God’s love nourish you! Vaya con Dios! (MBC)
Tawi-tawi