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February 1-7, 2021
Beng sees ‘Buen Vida’ ahead ‘Mayor introduces new pro-poor program’
M
AYOR BENG Climaco, true to her promise to help the elderly and the poor, is set to introduce the new Buen Vida Program that will benefit tens of thousands of people in Zamboanga City. The new program, ment’s Vida programs. she said was borne to “Recognizing the help the most vulnerable need to continuously supin the community after port senior citizens, espeopposition councilors cially the most vulnerable, Continue on page 2 killed the local govern-
Granny, Grand Pa receive cash gift
Members of the City Council listen to the 8th State of the City Address of Mayor Beng Climaco. (Giana Andrion)
(Senior citizens who received their cash gift from the Climaco administration. (CSWDO) THE LOCAL government has for the first time distributed cash incentives to hundreds of elderly residents as part of a program pursuant to the Ordinance 539 which provides benefits to octogenarian or those
who are 80-years old and nonagenarian or 90-years old. For centenarians or those who are 100-years old, they will receive P50,000 cash incentive which is the local Continue on page 7
Covid-19, a story of fear, pain, loss and struggle “NOVEL CORONAVIRUS is a story of fear and pain, of loss and struggle. Many lose their loved ones, a lot struggled for loss of jobs and livelihood, and for those who were stranded in other places and not allowed to go home to their families – it was a story of agony and frustration for the heads of the family having a hard time putting food on the table.” Those were the words told by Mayor Beng Climaco as she spoke to members of the Zamboanga City Council in the opening of her 8th State of the City Address and emphasized the gargantuan tasks and responsibilities ZAMBOANGA CITY May- of the local chief execuor Beng Climaco has tive, especially in this time joined a group of global of the pandemic that almayors for an audience ready killed over 180 peowith His Holiness the Da- ple here. lai Lama hosted by the “We all agree that the “Strong Cities Network,” year 2020 was indeed a the first ever global net- world-changing and parawork of mayors, policy- digm-shifting moment in makers and practitioners our lifetime as a City, as Continue on page 3 Continue on page 7
Climaco joins global mayors in talks with Dalai Lama
His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama)
Mayor Beng Climaco
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February 1-7, 2021
Beng sees ‘Buen Vida’ ahead ‘Mayor introduces new pro-poor program’ Continued from page 1 while also acknowledging the form of support desired by the people, we will propose the Buen Vida Program that aspires to be a more comprehensive support program to our senior citizens while also addressing the need for employment of the most affected sectors of the community,” she said in her 8th State of the City Address. Climaco explained the Buen Vida Program is comprised of the following components - Provision of Directto-Home Medicines; Local Social Pension Program; Job Generation; and Production of multi-purpose Senior Citizen ID with ATM/ Debit Card Functionality. The Buen Vida Program targets the indigent and marginalized senior citizens being the most effected sector in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic. Citing various data, Climaco said around 30,000 indigent senior citizens are not receiving any form of social pension from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and not even from Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and also not gainfully employed or receiving income from any business or livelihood. And under the proposed Buen Vida Program, Climaco said indigent senior citizens shall be given P6,000 or equivalent to P500 per month for 12 months as social pension and additionally, some 30,000 senior citizens with medical conditions shall be regularly provided with direct-to-home medicines and vitamins. Qualified beneficiaries shall be determined by the City Social Welfare and Development Office. And to manage the distribution of medicines and proper administration of the Buen Vida Program, the mayor said the local government will hire some 600 displaced workers and will be called “Buen Vida Lifeliners.” “Additionally, around 62,000 multi-purpose ID/ATM cards shall be produced and distributed to beneficiary se-
nior citizens that may be used for easy assistance provision, identification, including the administration of Covid-19 vaccines,” Climaco said, adding, the beneficiaries shall be enrolled to a bank and whose account will serve as basis for the issuance of an ID/ATM card that may also function as a privilege card. She said the issued cards shall also function as identification cards of the beneficiaries that will provide them access to government programs such as cash assistance, discounts, free movie passes, free parking space, pharmacy loyalty points, medical checkups and health assistance, and free doses of Covid-19 vaccines. The project may help minimize public health risks for senior citizens by no longer exposing them in crowded events such as distribution of cash assistance. “Senior Citizens with morbidities and medical conditions shall be eligible to receive the medicines and vitamins under Buen Vida Program. The 17,000 beneficiaries under Largo Vida Program shall be automatically enrolled in the Buen Vida Program, while another 13,000 senior citizens with medical conditions shall also be served,” Climaco further said. The Buen Vida is projected to have a total appropriation of P367 million covering all four components of the humanitarian and pro-poor program. “Our plan is clear and the purpose is to sincerely help our people. May we all rally behind this proposed new program and work across the aisle for the sake of our people who need these the most,” Climaco said. “We live in extraordinary and challenging times that push us beyond our limits, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Kindness and compassion keep us focused on our purpose which is to be of service to others. It motivates us to be better public servants, and inspires us to go above and beyond duty. It grounds us on realities and the challenges we face while also allowing us to hope and dream for better days ahead.
Let us set aside our differences and unite in redesigning and re-imagining Zamboanga City because the future we envision looks promising,” she added. Climaco blamed the opposition councilors - who are political allies of defeated mayoralty candidate Celso Lobregat and Representative Mannix Dalipe - for killing all the Vida Programs of the local government after they removed vital funding in the 2021 Executive Budget. One such program is the Largo Vida, an initiative that Climaco started in 2018 and which she intends to expand to over 60,000 beneficiaries this year. Climaco 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. Dela Cruz and the younger Dalipe ran under Climaco’s political party, but eventually broke off ties after winning the 2019 polls. There were reports that Lobregat will again run for mayor and also the elder Dalipe with his brother possibly gunning for a congressional seat. Or Dalipe to seek re-election in the congressional race with his younger brother to run as vice mayor of Lobregat. Climaco said the Vida programs aim to create a more lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of all its beneficiaries. “We need to empower our people and create a more lasting and meaningful impact on their lives, their families and communities. Deseo de atun todo dale mas largo y buen vida na de atun maga abuelo y abuela na Ciudad de Zamboanga,” she said. “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,” she added. Climaco said the actions of the Lobregat-Dalipe allies in the City Council have affected some 17,000 senior citizens and all 400 “Vida lifeliners,” including women and those who are out-of-school and mostly breadwinners of their families, who were tapped to tirelessly deliver health assistance door-to-door to every elderly beneficiaries of the Largo Vida. “These (Vida) programs were carefully planned by the Executive Department to be sustainable and to introduce a trailblazing brand of service to our constituents that is projected to have a significant impact in the lives of the target beneficiaries. These programs cannot be replaced by mere dole-outs and cash donations that were not studied and haphazardly thought-out. Those (opposition council) members who voted to remove funding for such vital programs must face the people of Zamboanga City and must be held responsible and accountable for such irrepressible action,” she said. “It is not just cash that is needed, we need a more comprehensive program that will genuinely and sustainably empower our people through medicines, access to critical social services and livelihood to make our people resilient and survive the day to day challenges while we are under a pandemic. Necesita kita dale servicio de calidad because our people deserve only the best,” the mayor added. It is only during the time of Climaco that such programs and social services benefitted thousands of senior citizens and the vulnerable sector. “It is only during our administration that we were able to introduce a wide-range of social services to our senior citizens – birthday cash incentives, free maintenance
medicines, free movie screening and other key forms of assistance. We intend to expand these to a more comprehensive package, not only for our senior citizens, but also social packages for other vulnerable sectors especially for our society’s patriarchs and matriarchs, PWDs (persons with disabilities) and other vulnerable sectors, the marginalized, low-income families in disadvantaged rural and urban communities and most affected families of the Covid-19 pandemic, who are in need of these social protection programs, now more than ever,” Climaco said. Climaco previously accused opposition councilors of delaying the approval of the 2021 Executive Budget even as thousands of residents also signed manifestoes supporting the local government’s pro-poor programs, among others, included in the P4.38 billion annual financial plan. “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. “Those (opposition councilors) members who voted to remove funding for such vital programs, must face the people of Zamboanga City and must be held responsible and accountable for such irrepressible action,” she said. “When I signed (Budget) Ordinance No. 741, it is with deep sadness that I bear in mind the thousands and thousands of constituents who shall be deprived of these vital social services programs. There are certain line items in the appropriations ordinance which need to be vetoed for either being ultra vires and or are prejudicial to the public welfare.” At the end of her address, Climaco said: As I end my report. I am proud that amidst the pandemic, Zamboanga City was recognized as the 5th Most Improved LGU
among the Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) in the country today, and we climbed 4 notches from 19th to 15th place among 32 other HUCs improving significantly in the all the competitiveness pillars of Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, and Resiliency.” “Indeed, our story is still evolving. We face various challenges day by day. But when we decide to get up each day, gear up and face the battle head-on against visible and invisible enemies, which is already worth celebrating as a success story. Our determination to continue the fight will make us win this battle. The immediate future looks daunting now, but hope is everywhere. This too shall pass. And as in past crises, I am confident that we as a City will not only surmount this pandemic. We will bounce back stronger and greater than ever. Otro vez mientras tiene pa tiempo ta apela yo, uni quita para el bien de Zamboanga y por medio de este manda mira el Amor con Dios La Virgen Pilar y Ciudadanos de Zamboanga.” Praises Hundreds of residents who followed Climaco’s State of the City Address on January 26 flooded the mayor’s Facebook page with praises and admirations as she enumerated one by one the accomplishments of the local government amid the pandemic. The video of the mayor’s address quickly went viral. Nida Rose Natividad Alo wrote: “Mabuhay Maam Beng Climaco, keep up the good work. No one can destroy a good woman who work religiously for the good of Zamboanga City. May God Bless & protect u always.” Vic Perez, who works in Dubai, said: “We love you Mayor, watching from Dubai.” “God bless you always Mayor Beng. We Zamboanguenos love you dearly. You’re God sent to Zamboanga City,” wrote Marie Antoniette Lledo. Angelica Inot left this Continue on page 3
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Climaco joins global mayors in talks with Dalai Lama Continued from page 1 united in building social cohesion and resilience to counter violent extremism in all its forms. Climaco said she was impressed by the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who talked about the Covid-19 pandemic and appreciating medical scientists and health workers for their sacrifices, learning and listening to experts, and telling everyone to be cautious. And his other advice, according to the mayor, was to always wear a face mask which prompted Climaco to quickly put on her mask during the live webcast. Climaco’s immediate reaction to his advice made him smile obviously amused at the soft-spoken mayor. “Muchas gracias, Your Holiness, for your time, gentle words, and wisdom,” Climaco told His Holiness. The January 27 webcast was held from the residence of His Holiness in Dharamsala in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and broadcast live in Zamboanga City in the Philippines, India, Los Angeles and Washington DC in the United States, London in the United Kingdom, Bei-
rut in Lebanon, Nairobi in Kenya, Surabaya in Indonesia and Melbourne in Australia. The 14th Dalai Lama is the current Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibet, and considered a living Bodhisattva, an emanation of Avalokitevara. The Dalai Lamas are also leaders of the Gelug school, which is the newest school of Tibetan Buddhism and was formally headed by the Ganden Tripas. “Three years ago, the Strong Cities Network was honoured to have an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who conveyed a heartfelt need for cities to cultivate cultures of kindness and compassion. Today, as the world is struggling to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic and the wave of disinformation it has left in its wake, the role of local leadership in helping to promote this message and address human suffering is more urgent than ever.” “It is our pleasure, together with the United States Conference of Mayors, to present an intimate discussion with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and mayors on how kindness and compassion can cre-
ate peaceful societies,” the Strong Cities Network said in the opening of the rare event. The Strong Cities Network said it partners with city officials to establish local risk assessments and design action plans and programmatic responses. From de-radicalisation programming to youth engagement strategies, to ensure that local responses address local needs. “We connect cities, towns and regions around the world to share their local best practice on an international scale and collaborate at the subnational level to prevent violent extremism and the conditions in which extremism and radicalisation can take hold in communities,” it said. The Strong Cities Network is made up of member cities in every major global region, each with specific lessons, practice or challenges surrounding violent extremism. It works with mayors and local political leaders and frontline practitioners spanning multiple sectors in each member city. And also work closely with civil society groups and partner organisations in many areas. (Zamboanga Post)
Beng sees ‘Buen Vida’ ahead ‘Mayor introduces new pro-poor program’ Continued from page 2 note: “Mayor Beng, we continuously pray for your good health and strength, for in your service comes many good things for the City. Kudos! We love you Maam Beng. God bless.” Former Largo Vida Lifeliners, Len Enriquez, Ella Mae Elviña Nillas and Liezel del Mundo, also thanked the mayor for providing jobs to many lifeliners. “Gracias Mam Beng con el detuyo amor na maga Largo Vida (Lifeliners). We love you and support you solid Mam Beng.” One Netizen Mayora Brittanygaile said: “Dol ta durmi lang man si Monsi Dela Cruz. Ahora kay tiene (State of the City) report, ta durmi lang, si ta kritika dol aquel muri ya hahahaha.” Jay-r Bayo asked the opposition councilors why they killed the Largo Vida Program and wrote this: “Why kill the Largo Vida Program? Don’t you know that when you did that you killed many senior citizens on this pandemic time! Think about this concerned officials!”
Prince Bong Roberts wrote: “More like Mayor Beng to come...whoever is running for Mayor in 2022 election should overcome the legacy of Mayor Beng. Goodbye to all councilors on 2022 who are sleeping until now...shame on them. Call me hater for those who have no heart to support the Mayor, they deserve to be hated.” Shalina Maulana praised Climaco for her love and dedication in helping the poor. “Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, lalo na sa Mayor natin na matapang lumaban at tumulong sa mahihirap. God bless you Mayor.” Last Term Climaco, a multi-awarded mayor, is now on her third and last term. In 2018, Climaco was chosen as among “Top 5 World’s Best Mayors” by the prestigious City Mayors Foundation. She was named along with Valeria Mancinelli, Mayor of Ancona, Italy who is the Winner of the 2018 World Mayor Prize; Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster,
UK; Nathalie Appéré, Mayor of Rennes, France; and Charlotte Britz, Mayor of Saarbrücken, Germany. In awarding Climaco, the City Mayors Foundation said it heavily cited the local mayor for her commitment to offer Zamboanga harmony, security and prosperity. The City Mayors Foundation said “The World Mayor Prize and Commendations” awards are given every two years to mayors who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and have developed a vision for urban living and working that is relevant to towns and cities across the world. It noted that shortly after being elected in 2013, Climaco was confronted with an armed uprising by Moro rebels that left parts of Zamboanga City under siege for 19 days and by the time government forces had defeated the rebels, 183 people had died and more than 120,000 residents were displaced. “During her first term in office, Climaco made it her priority for the victims
of the attack to receive justice and compensation. She has also been determined to heal any divisions between the city’s Christian and Muslim communities. The Inter-Religious Dialogue Council, she convened, has been successful in promoting peace. In a city, which was often perceived as violent, there have been no bombing or kidnapping incidents since 2016. In 2017, Mayor Climaco’s administration won the award for the most improved local government,” said the philanthropic international research think tank.
It said that in a series of personal essays, the finalists for the 2018 World Mayor Prize described the reasons that motivated them to enter politics, the challenges they face as mayors and how they envisage their towns and cities to develop and prosper in the future. They stressed the importance of women in politics and urge young women always to aim high. In her essay, Climaco describes how the values of family members formed her political and social beliefs. “My grandmother was a champion of Filipino women’s right to vote and it
was from her, we all learned the value of community service.” She also wrote that in times of crisis her faith in God sustained her. Climaco was also recognized as “Most Outstanding Mayor” by the Federation of Local Councils of Women in the Philippines in 2017. These awards and rankings were based on indicators and measurements such as economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure and resiliency. These recognitions are feats never before achieved by any administration. (Zamboanga Post)
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February 1-7, 2021
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
February 1-7, 2021
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by Giana Andrion, ZCPO, CSWDO, Angel Wee, HLMD, TFO, Coun. Omaga, and Christine Lim /CHO.
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February 1-7, 2021
Across : 1. Cobbler’s concern 5. Watering place 8. Manner of walking 12. Identical sibling 13. Beach color 14. Paddy product 15. Prince Charles’s sister 16. Involved 18. ___ Ryan of “You’ve Got Mail” 19. Felt dizzy 20. Airplane feature 22. Atlas chart 25. ___ League 26. Actor ___ De Niro 28. Test for flavor 31. Christmas visitor 32. Commnunion tables 34. Deep 35. Pod vegetable 36. Baby carriages 41. Pester 42. Perjure oneself 43. Out-of-date 46. Icicle’s spot 47. Color changer 48. Man’s title 49. Tread 50. School official 51. Rescue me! 52. Cherished animals Down : 1. Postage mark 2. Proprietor 3. Jargon 4. Compass dir. 5. Rock band ___ Dan 6. Discussion group 7. Moose’s horn 8. Crossword diagram 9. Feel pain 10. Cold cubes 11. Media mogul ___ Turner 17. Spray cans 19. About-face 21. Mideast bread 22. Chess pieces 23. Picasso’s field
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USAID promotes Halal food industry THE US Agency for International Development (USAID) recently hosted a webinar on “Halal Principles, Standards and Certification” with dozens of participants
from the food-processing and food-related industries in Zamboanga City. The webinar was held under the USAID’s Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth
with Equity (SURGE) Project, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Zamboanga City Government, and Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and
Industry Foundation. The participants, about 80, gained insights on the business opportunities of the growing Halal industry, as well as the various ac-
Covid-19, a story of fear, pain, loss and struggle Continued from page 1 a nation, and as a global community. It was a year that we all lived under the shadow of a pandemic when the Coronavirus or Covid-19 brought the world down to its knees. Lockdowns and community quarantine rolled across the globe and life as we knew it seemed to grind to a halt. Zamboanga City was no exception,” she said, citing local medical reports that since March last year Zamboanga had registered more than 3,900 Covid-19 cases and at least 140 more active cases. “The numbers reflect the gravity of the situation. These numbers are not mere statistics. They are mothers, fathers, grandparents, children and friends. For some families who lost their loved ones, this meant empty seats last Christmas. I, too, have lost two dearest and closest people who stood like my parents - my 95 year old Aunt was buried on her birthday last December 31, and ten days later, my 99year old Uncle, my mother’s brother, also died due to the virus. Bien deficil el Covid,” Climaco went on as council members listened carefully to her. “They left this world with a strong message that Covid is not a hoax. It is real. It remains a threat and an enormous task for all of us to come together and find solutions to this medical catastrophe than pulling each other down. We offer a moment of prayerful silence to all those who perished due to Covid-19,” she told the audience. And further saying: “We also express, as a City, our deepest sympathy to their families. We are one with you. Together, we will heal as a City and move forward with renewed hope and confidence, that with God’s amazing grace, all will be well and we will rise up victorious,” the mayor said. But despite the despair, Climaco said amidst these deaths are also stories of recovery for 3,585 Covid patients – “a story of courage, of bravery and selflessness of all our front liners, health care workers, security forces and countless others – ordinary peo-
ple doing extraordinary things for the City we all love and cherish.” “It is also a story of hope, of resiliency and of our strong commitment to continue with the work left to do because we still have lots of battles to fight. Felea contra Covid, felea contra hambre, felea contra mala informacion, felea contra propaganda y politica na tiempo de pandemia y felea para dale buen salud, esperanza, amor y prosperidad con todo vivientes de Ciudad de Zamboanga,” she said, reflecting from the challenges of the past year. She said this pandemic brought out the strengths and best of humanity faith, generosity, love of neighbor, loyalty and resilience. “This also showed the weaknesses and worst of a few - conspiracies, lies, ambitions, illusions of grandeur, crab mentality, betrayals and hypocrisy. During this pandemic, we faced hostile political attacks; disinformation and malicious campaign in traditional and social media; the influx of returning residents and arrival of deportees from Malaysia, movement of people in our transport terminals; draining government resources; unsynchronized inter-government guidelines; shortage of isolation and quarantine spaces; and the increasing discontent of the public due to the many restrictions,” she continued on. Speaking frankly on the podium, the mayor said: “For many of those who are eyeing the position as early as now, it requires being able to withstand all forms of political attacks snipe shooting from all possible angles regardless of your sincerity to help and serve, it requires faith in God no matter how hard the challenges may be, even if you feel like giving up; it requires profound analyses, sound judgment on very complex issues, a devotion to facts, to science and research in creating policies, it requires respect for our history and culture in building social relationships, a strong moral compass in making a decision, to be honest and accountable always,
to have the ability to listen and to genuinely care and not fake it just to gain public sympathy, and to believe that the lives and aspirations of almost a million Zamboanguenos matter and are worth fighting for. Ciudad y projimo antes de todo, antes de interes personal. It is not about us. It will always be about our people.” Climaco said as elected officials, everyone carry the confidence, hope, and trust of the constituents to deliver the promise of a secure society, a healthy environment, and a better life. “Hence, no matter how intimidating the situation is, we always have to be in our best because we owe it to the people who put their faith on us,” she said. Although the mayor did not identify those who maligned her and behind black propaganda against her, Climaco lambasted many times in the past years the fake news and false information being peddled by her detractors and she called on the public to carefully scrutinize news or stories created to deliberately misinform or deceive 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,” she said. “Y el los demas personas, como venganza contra con el govierno cay no puede estos maga gente influir con el gobierno local. Por tantos años, el ataque contra na administracion sin descanso por causa de politica.” 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 propaganda ahead of the 2022 national and local elections. Last year, she cited the P74-million Zamboanga City Waterfront and Heritage Walk Development Project in R.T. Lim Bou-
levard that her detractors claimed had been abandoned by the local government although it was ongoing. She said everything was thrown at her but the kitchen sink. However, despite all black propaganda and attacks of political trolls in social and broadcast media, Climaco continues to be popular among the local residents. And proof of her popularity is the huge number of her Facebook followers now at almost 323,000 or more than 200% increase from her 133,000 fans in 2018 – a year before she was re-elected and won over former mayor and lawmaker Celso Lobregat. Climaco said she is leaving behind a legacy of good governance responsive to the needs and welfare of the Zamboangueños, more especially at this time of the pandemic. She also thanked the Zamboangueños for their unwavering support and love for her. (Zamboanga Post)
creditation requirements for them to engage in the local and global Halal markets. Halal certification covers the whole production process including sourcing of inputs or raw materials, product packaging, logistics and shipment. Various technical assistance available for entrepreneurs intending to undergo the certification process were also presented during the session. Ar-chadee Bahjin, resource speaker from DTI, provided an overview of the global context as well as the local Islamic economy. He emphasized the growth in the market size of the global Islamic economy and identified key products and corresponding drivers contributing to this growth. Mohammad Salmann Sakili, Assistant Secretary of the Ulama Council of
Zamboanga Peninsula, also highlighted the religious background and basic principles underlying Halal. Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful or permitted which has been followed throughout generations of Islamic practice. Muslims only consume Halal food as it is the dietary standard prescribed in the Qur’an. About 40 percent of Zamboanga City’s population are Muslims, many of them migrated to the city to take advantage of emerging business opportunities. Residents from neighboring Muslim provinces also visit Zamboanga for business and leisure purposes. The Halal food industry has recorded unprecedented growth in recent years with a market size projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2023. (Zamboanga Post)
Granny, Grand Pa receive cash gift Continued from page 1 government’s counterpart to the DSWD’s P100,000 cash grant. It was also the first time in Zamboanga’s history and the latest benefit package for senior citizens by the Climaco administration, said City Social Welfare and Development Officer Socorro Rojas. She said a total of 437 senior citizens across the city received P20,000 which they can use to buy
basic necessities such as medicines. The pay-out, she said, began January 18 until February 1. Councilwoman Josephine Pareja, who authored the ordinance, was also present during the pay-out together with Rojas and Vice Mayor Rommel Agan, Arturo Onrubia, the focal person for senior citizens; and officers from the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines in Zamboanga. (Zamboanga Post)
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Many Filipinos scared of Covid vaccines
W
ITH MANY Filipinos worry over the national government’s Covid vaccine program due to safety concerns, Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco urged the Department of Health to institutionalize its vaccination program nationwide. She said the vaccines are A recent survey con- concerns among Filipinos, ducted by Pulse Asia showed now wanted to be the last to good for some 205,000 residents, but there is at least P100 that Filipino adults said they get the vaccine privately. Climaco said she made million more for the acquiwould not get vaccinated against the deadly respira- the suggestion following her sition of additional vaccines tory disease following news observation and the result of from other pharmaceutical reports of deaths in other the survey that 47% to 50% of companies, including Johncountries and the dengue Zamboanga’s population also son & Johnson. Pfizer-BioNTech and vaccine scare, including do not accept the vaccination the government’s purchase program. “Halos todo no qui- Moderna have also their own of Chinese Covid vaccines ere recibi con el vaccine con- Covid vaccines and so are Russia with its Sputnik and Chiwhich have lesser efficacy tra Covid,” she said. “The DOH should in- na’s Sinovac and Sinopharm. that other Western pharmaClimaco, head of the loceutical brands. stitutionalize its vaccination Nearly 50% of those who program nationwide to ensure cal task force on Covid-19, took part in the survey said its acceptability by the people, signed the agreement with they do not want to be inoc- efficacy of the vaccines and all AstraZeneca based on the ulated even when doses are other doubts, apprehensions approved authorization of already available. Only 32% are properly addressed,” she the City Council. The local government’s vaccination of the respondents said they said. are willing to be vaccinated Climaco has signed a $2 program will cover 694,696 while 21% remain undecid- million (or roughly P100 mil- residents or 70% of the prolion) deal with British-Swed- jected 2021 population of ed. President Rodrigo Dute- ish multinational pharmaceu- 992,423 inhabitants. The initial P200 milrte who said he would be the tical company AstraZeneca for first to be vaccinated in pub- the purchase of some 410,000 lion for the purchase of the vaccines are included in the lic to dispel fears and safety doses of Covid vaccines.
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco
TODAY WE are called to read and reflect on God’s word written in the Bible. One of my oldest was dedicated when I was in college in 1986 by Fr. Ben Y. Sim, S.J. May we seek God’s meaning and purpose in life by reading, reflecting and living the teachings of Christ in the Bible. Reading II 1 Cor 7:29-31 “I tell you, brothers and sisters, the time is run-
ning out.” As I prepare for my 8th State of the City Report (on January 26), I am made aware of TIME! For some it is just the start of the year, but for me I see it as my last full year and 6 months to end my term as Mayor. Poreso bien importante el tiempo trabaja mas para na maga vivientes cay este mandato del elegido oficiales es un oportunidad de servir y un regalo. Si cosa man
Zamboanga Peninsula
ya falta, tene pa tiempo corregi para empuja cambio. The attitude and spirit of Gratitude to God, with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit through Mama Mary’s intercession is essential. Time is running out and we must all work harder for our people! And in 1:Cor. 7:29 “For the world in its present form is passing away.” Once time passes, impossible ya hace bira el tiempo, since we live once and must live it to
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A health worker takes a swab sample from a senior citizen in Zamboanga City to test her for Covid infection. (Zamboanga Post) P4.38-billion 2021 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 co-
ordinating 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 vac-
cines. The local government, she said, will prioritize healthcare workers, essential and other frontline service providers, and vulnerable populations such as the elderly and poor. (Zamboanga Post)
the fullest!
held. And since my discovery in my National Movement of Young Legislators Days as a delegate of the American Council of Young Political Leaders, I have made it a point to visit St. Matthews. God chose us with Mayor Inday Sara Duterte to go on an International Visitor Leadership program in 2020 for a purpose. Our gratitude to God and the US Government. Viewing President Biden’s Oath, I am reminded of God’s blessing. Like him, God blessed me with a mandate whose victory was not
acknowledged by my opponent, instead protested in Comelec, but with God’s grace, we were affirmed. Thanks to our Legal Team Atty. JA and the brilliant SSB! Like Biden, my husband underwent an operation in the head, but God saved them both. All these are lessons we can indeed learn. Loving God, forgiving those who detest and destroy us and being caring, kind and compassionate. We only LIVE ONCE, let us MAKE THE MOST of GOD’S LIFE for us! (MBC)
Gospel Mk 1:14-20 “This is the time of fulfilment.” The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” The Call of the Apostles as explained in different reflections is also our call. One of my favorite songs is “Wherever You Will Go” by The Calling! I had a magical moment when my nephew Walfrido “Pepi” jammed with me in our fonda days in Cabatangan. I played the song as an orientation to the Sanggunian Kabataan Batch hoping to inculcate the values of service. Last December, I was surprised that Michael a.k.a. Tiny sang the song for the Department Heads year-end meeting. We are all called by God and time is precious. I was stunned in amazement when President-Elect Joe Biden attended mass at St. Matthews Cathedral. I told Michael Saavedra about it only to discover exactly a year ago on the same date, we attended mass there too. What could God be telling us? St. Matthews was where JFK’s Funeral Mass was
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Tawi-tawi