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Zambo prepares Covid vaccination plan C
HIEF COVID frontliner Mayor Beng Climaco has assured the public that the local government will only use vaccines that are proven safe and effective against the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease. Climaco, head of the response, said the City ordination with the local task force on Covid Health Office (CHO) in coContinue on page 2
Most Common Symptoms of the U.K. Coronavirus Variant VICTIMS OF a new, fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus first identified in the United King-
dom are reporting more symptoms across the board than those infected with the original strain of
the virus, new research shows. A survey conducted Continue on page 2
Beng turns over new school building for Arena Blanco Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite and Mayor Beng Climaco.
Zamboanga youth convert idle lands into productive ‘Food Gardens’
Hydroponics lettuce and pechay production of the Barangay Santa Maria Youth Food Garden.
LOCAL YOUTH groups have effectively turned idle lands into productive food gardens with the help of the advocacy group called “Kids Who Farm.” The Kids Who Farm, founded by Moncini Hinay and daughter Raaina Hinay, aims to inspire future farmers by educating the youth on the importance and value of food Continue on page 3
MAYOR BENG Climaco turned over a P25.6-million climate-resilient school building to education officials in Barangay Arena Blanco. The 3-storey, 12-classroom building at the Arena Blanco West Elementary School forms part of the City Government’s infrastructure projects that are designed to address climate change and ensure the comfort of the people who will use them. The flooring of the classrooms are tiled and the Capiz-inspired and glass windows and wide wooden doors add to the beautiful design of the brick-façade building Continue on page 3
Mayor Beng Climaco turns over the new school building to education officials in Arena Blanco West Elemenary School.
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The Zamboanga Post
February 15-21, 2021
Zambo prepares Covid vaccination plan
Continued from page 1 Department of Health is now preparing plans for the implementation of the mass vaccination program.
She said the preparation plans include the master list of target individuals to take the first batch of the inoculation,
the operation center, storage facilities and the vaccination action plan and information campaign to make people aware of the
Most Common Symptoms of the U.K. Coronavirus Variant Continued from page 1 by the Office for National Statistics in England found that those who test positive for the variant are more likely to report a persistent cough, tiredness, muscle aches, sore throat and fever compared to those who have the original strain. Interestingly, patients infected with the variant were significantly less likely to report a loss of the sense of taste or smell, among the more unusual symptoms of the coronavirus. Tony Moody, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute at Duke University Medical Center, said it’s not surprising that a new variant would cause somewhat different symptoms. “Variants have changes in their genetic code that will result in proteins being built differently, and those can change how the virus interacts with the body,” he said. He noted, however, that the differences found in the British survey are quite subtle — no new symptoms were reported by patients with the variant — and it’s too early to know if they indicate anything significant. “If suddenly a new symptom emerged or another one went away, then that would be perhaps something more concerning,” he said. Most common variant symptoms The U.K. variant, known as B.1.1.7, was first detected in September and has since spread rapidly around the world. It is circulating in at least 28 U.S. states. Studies show it is 40 to 70 percent more transmissible than the original coronavirus strain. It could become the dominant strain in the U.S. by March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. Preliminary studies suggest the current COVID-19 vaccines will be effective against the
B.1.1.7 strain. It’s unclear if the B.1.1.7 causes more severe disease. A U.K. report released Jan. 21 states there is “a realistic possibility” that it’s associated with a higher death rate in infected patients, although more data is needed to know for sure. The Office for National Statistics surveyed people who received a strong positive COVID-19 test between Nov. 15 and Jan. 16. Those with the variant and those with the original strain answered questions about the symptoms they experienced in the seven days before the test. Cough was the most common symptom in those infected with the new variant, reported by 35 percent. The other common symptoms were: fatigue/weakness (32 percent), headache (32 percent), muscle aches (25 percent), sore throat (22 percent) and fever (22 percent). Only about 15 percent with the new variant reported a loss of taste or smell, compared to 19 percent of those infected with the original coronavirus. Other fast-spreading strains Viruses mutate, so it’s not surprising that the coronavirus is changing, the CDC said. A few specific variants have attracted the attention of scientists because they spread more quickly and therefore have the potential to become dominant. In addition to the U.K. variant, scientists are tracking strains discovered in South Africa and Brazil, according to the CDC. The one identified in South Africa, known as B.1.351, was found in the U.S. for the first time on Jan. 28, when health officials announced two cases in South Carolina. The patients had no history of travel or of contact with each other, which suggests it is already spreading in the community.
The South African variant contains a mutation that could allow the virus to elude some of the antibodies produced through vaccines, the CDC said. Early studies indicate that the current COVID-19 vaccines may be less effective against that strain, although they would still provide some protection. Vaccine makers Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech have already announced that they are working to modify their vaccines — and possibly to create booster shots — to better protect against the South African variant. The strain first identified in Brazil has been found in only one U.S. case — in Minnesota — and that person had recently traveled to Brazil, health officials said. There is some evidence to suggest that it, too, may be able to elude antibodies. Vaccine rollout is key to stopping mutations Anthony Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in a press briefing that getting the COVID-19 vaccines out quickly is important to reduce the spread of the variants while they are still somewhat rare. The longer the virus is allowed to propagate, the more mutations will develop. “Getting people vaccinated as quickly and as efficiently as you possibly can will always be the best way to prevent the further evolution of any mutant,” Fauci said. “When you do that, you prevent replication, and replication is essential for mutation.” Besides getting the vaccine, the best way to protect yourself against the new variants is to continue to follow the same precautions that protect against the original coronavirus strain: Wear a mask (consider doubling up), wash your hands, practice social distancing, avoid crowds and stay home if you can. ( Michelle Crouch, AARP)
health benefits and protection they will get from the Covid vaccines. The local government’s vaccination program, Climaco said, will prioritize healthcare workers, essential and other frontline service providers, and vulnerable populations such as the elderly and poor. The CHO is also setting up mechanisms for the proper storage of 410,000 doses of vaccines, according to the mayor, who recently signed a $2 million (or roughly P100 million) deal with the British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. The agreement with AstraZeneca is 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 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. Climaco said the local government will allocate P100 million more for additional Covid vaccines following talks with US-
based Johnson & Johnson. She also thanked Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte for including Zamboanga in the talks. “The City Government will use the remaining P100 million for other vaccine brands as we just recently met with USbased Johnson & Johnson among others. Again, thank you to Mayor Sara Duterte for inviting Zamboanga City in her discussions with Janssen,” she said. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have also their own Covid vaccines and so are Russia with its Sputnik and China’s Sinovac and Sinopharm. (Zamboanga Post)
Tight watch ordered in coastal areas SECURITY FORCES have tightened their guards in coastal areas and wharves after the local police and Coast Guard intercepted a motorized boat carrying passengers from Basilan province in entering Zamboanga without pertinent health documents. The passengers were on their way to a wedding ceremony in Barangay Sinunuc when alert mem-
bers of the police and the Coast Guard stopped them at sea for failing to present any medical certificate or RT-PCR test results as part of the government’s health protocols and other laws. This was also reported to Mayor Beng Climaco by Barangay Chairwoman Pilarica Ledesma. Climaco commended Ledesma and security forces for
their swift action and vigilance. Climaco ordered security forces and barangay officials to continue patrolling and to monitor the unauthorized entry of people from other provinces in Zamboanga’s coastal areas, especially those who have no medical certificates issued by their local government. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
February 15-21, 2021
Zamboanga youth convert idle lands into productive ‘Food Gardens’
Kids Who Farm Core Team (From L-R) Khen Lexter Torres, Odessa Julienne Rebaya, Amina Shayne Halil, Raaina Hinay, Munir Akil and Moncini Hinay.
Beng turns over new school building for Arena Blanco
Arena Blanco West Elementary School. Continued from page 1 surrounded with stainless steel rails. The design of the window grills is simple and far from other school buildings erected during the previous administration of Mayor Celso Lobregat where the big letters CL were included in the design of the window grills. Climaco said her administration puts “premium in the education of our
children for education is the key to a better future and better Zamboanga City.” The mayor also thanked the education sector, especially the teachers for being an inspiration or resiliency in this critical times. “The only way we in the City Government can contribute is through our support and assistance, through infrastructures and other forms,” she said,
adding, despite the Covid pandemic, the local government infrastructure projects under the Security, Health and Education or S.H.E. Program is pursued with more zeal and vigor. The project was undertaken by the AEJ Construction and Enterprises, a private contractor, under the supervision of the City Engineer’s Office. The building has an area of 1,327 square meters. (Zamboanga Post)
Continued from page 1 and farming. The food gardens were implemented by the Sangguniang Kabataan Councils of each barangay as part of their efforts to improve food security in their communities. Referred to as Youth Food Gardens, each garden will be managed and maintained by the community youth. Helping with the construction of these food gardens are the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Zamboanga City, the Zamboanga City Agriculturist Office, Rotary Club of Zamboanga City West, Rotary Club of Zamboanga City Central, JCI Zamboanga Inc., Seedbank Project, I Can Make A Difference Inc., Crimsonvironment, El Cosechas Soilless Gardening Solution and the Coca Cola Zamboanga City Plant. Food gardens were built in the Barangays Tumaga, Santa Maria, Divisoria and San Jose Gusu. The food garden in Tumaga was constructed behind the Barangay Government Center, to replace a 33-square meter waste disposal area that had sat idle for many years. The same was done in Santa Maria, Divisoria and San Jose Gusu, in vacant lots owned by the Barangay Government. Boasting hydroponics system and containerized production that can host a wide variety of crops in a small area, the food gardens are aimed to address the cities’ food security problems. By bringing farmland into the city, each garden brings food within reach of those who would otherwise have a hard time accessing their local markets. The founders said they also intend for the food gardens to serve as an educational tool to help future generations grow an appreciation for farming. “The truth is we’re running out of farmers. There aren’t enough young people interested in tending to the fields. Through these food gardens, we’re hoping the next generation will learn to grow their own food, for their sakes and for the sake of their communities,” the elder Hinay said. The food gardens are part of the broader Youth Food Garden Project. Led by Kids Who Farm, the project looks to convert idle land into food gardens across Zamboanga
City. The father and daughter tandem are working to make sure the people of Zamboanga get enough to eat, while raising the next generation of small farmers. With the help of the Kids Who Farm core teammates Amina Shayne Halil, Khen Lexter Torres, Munir Akil, Abdulnasir Pandangan Jr. and Odessa Julienne Rebaya, they work with communities and with youth groups on efforts like the Youth Food Garden Project. The elder Hinay stressed the importance of transforming idle land into productive spaces. The food gardens, he said, are proof of what can be done with land that is not being used. “There’s no such thing as idle land. Every bit of land can be made to serve the people living around it. These gardens bring nature into the city, provide food for those living around them, and make for a nice, cool space to spend time in,” he explained. The food gardens have already established gardens in Barangays Tulungatung, and Pasonanca, along with the new plots in Tumaga, Santa Maria, Divisoria and San Jose Gusu. Preparations are in place for similar gardens in Barangays Malagutay, Mercedes, Sinunuc, Santa Catalina and Lumbangan. The Kids Who Farm and its partners are committed to building a food secure future for cities like Zamboanga. By inspiring young people to take to the farms and to turn idle land into prosperous gardens, Kids Who Farm is raising the next generation of agriculturalists so that everyone may have access to good food. Food Security The advocacy virtually
complemented the local government’s food security plan. Mayor Beng Climaco said the local government has increased its investment and budget allocation amid the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure food security and sustainable agriculture. “We also looked into the provision of relief, emergency assistance and support to the most vulnerable population,” Climaco said as she underscored the need to adopt a convergence of resources program to revive the economy of Zamboanga City and to provide economic amelioration support in the form of livelihood assistance to sectors directly and indirectly affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. She said this measure will also encourage the affected and displaced workers to work from home in ventures initiated by the City Government and encourage linkage with private sector and people’s organizations in rendering livelihood and other assistance to affected sectors, and to rebuild consumer and business confidence and eventually resume a new normal state of economic activity. The mayor also cited the importance of the “Kadiwa on Wheels,” a mobile market that supported the local farmers and fisherfolks and provided consumers access to basic needs in their respective barangays and at the same time allowed sellers and micro enterprises to earn. She said the Office of the City Agriculturist also initiated the Home Gardening Project and provided assorted vegetable seeds to more than 20,000 families and households aimed at providing alternative activity and income. “It allowed our household to produce their own organic vegetables for their own consumption and as an alternative source of income during the lockdown. The project also aided in the local production of vegetables that resulted ample supply in the local market, especially at this time of the pandemic,” she said. (With additional reporting by the Zamboanga Post)
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February 15-21, 2021
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
February 15-21, 2021
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by Giana Andrion, Sheila Covarrubias, ZCPO, TFO, Andrei Bantoto/ZCADAC, and Bong Serondo.
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February 15-21, 2021
Across : 1. Desert plants 6. Mishievous one 9. Tax inits. 12. Embellish 13. Spy org. 14. Knicks’ league (abbr.) 15. Lease again 16. Jug handle 17. Wine (Fr.) 18. Self-___ 20. Nutmeglike spice 22. Domicile 26. Arms depot 30. Musician ___ John 31. Shopping bag 32. Hawaiian garland 34. Heavy burden 35. Musical drama 37. Accompanies 39. Boundary 41. Singer ___ Diamond 42. Painters’ stands 47. Links gadget 49. Dollop 51. Forbidden 52. Existed 53. Train terminal (abbr.) 54. Macaroni shape 55. Umpire’s cry 56. Steeped brew 57. Relaxes Down : 1. Concern 2. Summer drinks 3. Young male horse 4. Fir or poplar 5. Student doctor 6. Solid water 7. Florida metropolis 8. Formal procession 9. Thomas Edison, e.g. 10. Batter’s stat 11. ___ Juan 19. Dinner, e.g. 21. Violin’s kin 23. Icy precipitation 24. Winter garment 25. Concludes 26. On the peak
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Climaco sets housing ultimatum for victims of MNLF attack
Victims of MNLF siege in Zamboanga City. (Al Jacinto)
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MAYOR BENG Climaco has given an ultimatum to various local government agencies until August this year to finish the construction of housing units for some 720 families displaced by 2013 deadly attacks of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members loyal to Nur Misuari. Climaco has instructed the members of the Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC) to ensure the remaining 720 families now living in temporary shelters to resettle in their permanent housing units. “As mayor and chairperson of LIAC, I have given the agencies concerned a deadline until August 2021 to finish the construction of the housing units and award them to the target beneficiaries - the internally displaced people,” she said, adding, “we want our IDPs to know that we have not forgotten them even as we are currently coping with the Covid pandemic,” said Climaco. She said her directive was in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s instructions to all government agencies to have their projects, programs and activities completed before his term ends next year. Climaco last week convened the LIAC composed of the City Housing Division, the City Engineer’s Office, the National Housing Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways. Last year, Climaco also directed LIAC members to ensure continuity of various projects and programs amid the Covid-19 pandemic to help alleviate the plight of families displaced by the MNLF siege. Supporters of Misuari attacked Zamboanga after declaring independence and
their failed attempt to raise the Bangsamoro Republik flag at City Hall. Misuari publicly denied involvement in the siege of Zamboanga that displaced over 200,000 people and affected the economies of Basilan and Sulu which are dependent on Zamboanga for their trades and goods. Climaco set September 9 as a “Special Day of Remembrance” in honor of all those who perished in the siege that lasted for 3 weeks. Eight years after the deadly attack, residents here are still crying for justice which remains elusive for the innocent victims of the siege. In 2016, Climaco – who stood firm against the MNLF during the entire period of the crisis – has banned any socalled peace rally or gathering of the MNLF members in Zamboanga City. She said such rallies will not be allowed as this might disturb Zamboanga anew. “I am giving you a categorical no; you must not disturb Zamboanga anymore. If you want to come up with your rally, make it in your area, Zamboanga will not welcome a rally by MNLF, not at this time because you still have to be accountable with the killings and devastations we are suffering from,” Climaco said in the past. “The destruction wrought by the 2013 siege continues to linger, as internally displaced persons – both Muslims, Christians and Lumads, most of whom are those who eluded the conflicts in Sulu and Basilan – have suffered the brunt of the MNLF attack in Zamboanga,” she said. Misuari signed a peace deal with Manila in Septem-
ber 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the peace accord, he said there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted. Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards. It was the second attack by MNLF in the past decade. In November 2001, hundreds of MNLF members occupied the Cabatangan Complex and held hostage dozens of civilians, including children; and another group also attacked a military base in Sulu province in an effort to stop the elections in the Muslim autonomous region after Misuari was ousted as governor. More than 100 people were killed in the fighting and in the end, then Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat allowed the attackers to leave Zamboanga in exchange for the hostages. Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, where he had been arrested and deported to the Philippines and was eventually pardoned and released by President Gloria Arroyo in 2004. He also ran several times for governor in Sulu even while under detention, but lost. Now, President Rodrigo Duterte said he wanted to resume the peace process with Misuari and ordered police and military not to arrest the MNLF chieftain. (Zamboanga Post)
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February 15-21, 2021
February 15-21, 2021
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Que pasó ZAMCELCO? Z
AMBOANGA CITY – The local electric cooperative is now the subject of a complaint after a house owner said they were overbilled not once, but twice after a meter reader deliberately and falsely misread their actual power consumption in December 2020 and January 2021.
Eletric bills
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco Jb 7:1-4, 6-7 “I shall not see happiness again.” TODAY’S READINGS significantly tie up with the difficult life the pandemic has brought. Limited freedom, mobility and livelihood devastated. (Last week) I sat down in meetings in morning, the team continued in the afternoon and another one at night which brought in challenges and problems upon problems that needed solutions. Ustedes ba ansina tamen ta sinti? Bien mucho problema debe resolve? Fr. Arnel Aquino, S.J., enumerated the pleas of security guards and workers affected by the pandemic with a question I ask myself too: “Paano itatawid ang buhay sa hirap?” Que manera pwede tiene solusyon na difficultad de vida?” I look to many challenges we face and it also breaks my heart to police and enforce, to bring measures that take away people’s capacity to enjoy because the overarching duty is to protect lives! Mothering Zamboanga brings in many challenges because I want my children healthy, happy and safe. Putting in discipline and restrictions will mean resentment. I carry this burden and do my best to keep focus on God’s mission: LOVE. Ta hace yo este por amor, para protege.
Cuando pa gaha reina otravez el alegria? Gospel Mk 1:29-39 “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” This was Jesus in the face of people’s need for him, sought God’s strength in PRAYER, and carried on the mission. Ya ofrece yo todo el problema y pesades, el ansias y agrabio hasta de maga gente de influencia, maga Netizens, aquellos na govierno y privado que debe hace el buen para de Zamboanga! Na mano de DIOS ya ofrece yo todo junto con la Virgen Maria y San Jose! There is much to be done
and time is ticking for a year and six months. I pray to God for the wisdom to do our best for Zamboanga and for everyone to do our mission for love of God and our family. We are one family navigating this pandemic. We need each other, we need to contribute our best and to cooperate. And as Fr. Tony de Castro, S.J., mentioned “Jesus assures us: YOU WILL SEE HAPPINESS AGAIN! You will be happy again in God’s time.” This message came to me of a mother praying at Fort Pilar and Cathedral: “Maam Beng, every time I pray, you are the answer of my prayers. Ya dale sign si LORD adelante tu comigo cada ta reza yo na Fort Pilar y na Cathedral.
Thank you for being part of my recovery especially in times of darkness in my life. I wish that you can serve more people and I wish you long years as a public servant in Zamboanga. God bless you Mayor Beng and your family.” Another friend, Ms. Rosie Hong, expressed gratitude for the joy of her over 90-year old sisters receiving government’s gift for Nonagenarians. Ya sinti alegria maga seniors na amor ya dale el govierno por medio de incentives que si Atty. Sang Jimenez y SP ya legisla un programa ya impesa na deaton termino y ojala ay contribui mas na Buen Vida para na Ciudadanos de Zamboanga! (MBC)
Covid cases up in Zambo THE NUMBER of active Covid cases in Zamboanga has spiked with new infections mostly from residents who returned home and those who are authorized or allowed to travel, and prisoners. From a little over 100, the active Covid cases now is more than 140 with majority getting the deadly respiratory disease from the community, according to the City Health Office. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite said 25 patients are admitted in hospitals and the rest in different isolation facilities maintained
Zamboanga Peninsula
by the local government. Mayor Beng Climaco again appealed to residents to strictly follow the health protocols and community quarantine guidelines. “Como siempre tiene cuidao, maskin donde, maskin cuando. Compli maga reglamento de Covid protocols - usa el face mask y face shield, firmi lava mano y mantene distancia fisika y esta protegido contra el coronavirus,” she said. But despite Climaco’s almost daily reminders and appeals, many residents are defiant and undisciplined, making it even more difficult for au-
Basilan
thorities to enforce the guidelines and the local laws. Climaco said she even observed that many residents flagrantly disregard the health protocols and do not wear face mask and face shield in public places, and others violate curfew law. “Adhering to quarantine guidelines and minimum health standards will be our simple contribution to our fight against Covid-19. Tiene cuidao firmi y segui con el maga reglamento y protocol para evita con el Covid,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
Sulu
In his complaint posted on the ZAMCELCO Consumers’ Complaint Page on Facebook, Joules Abubakar Susulan questioned how the meter reader computed their electric usage from December and January. Susulan said reading from their December electric meter showed 959.9 kWh. But the meter reader recorded 1,000 kWh. And he said the same thing happened again in January, the electric meter reads 983.8 kWh and the meter reader listed it again as 1,000 kWh. “Always check the actual meter reading, it happens that they will do like this. Kung sana no read, no write ako abay magpapasalamat talaga ako sa kanila dahil wala na akong bill sa January,” he wrote on his complaint, showing the 2 electric bills. The electric meter measures the amount of electrical energy in kWh that was consumed in the house. The kWh meter has a counter display that counts units of kilowatt-hour. The energy consumption is calculated by the difference of the counter’s reading in the specified period. Other power consumers also criticized how the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative computes actual electric usage. “That’s what they call Table Reading tsk…tsk…,” wrote Edmin de Guzman Lagonera in his reaction to Susulan’s predicament. Aivhan Blocknyt said: “This is the problem, even I. This is (a) big headache.” “That’s why our bill from P1800-P2000, (now is) P3,600. How come?” asked Ion Raz Jangayo. Marinela Ordoña Redoña said the electric reading was obviously inaccurate: “Eh, di parang nag mano-mano mag reading kasi hindi accurate ang reading. Di tumutugma ang reading sa actual (count) na nasa meter. Ginagawa tayong mga tanga nitong Zamcelco na ito.” “Messed up, always,” said Anne RaRa Susulan said he complained to the cooperative, but
he was told that the billing was advanced by ZAMCELCO. “Ang sabi ng nakausap ko sa ZAMCELCO bale daw na advance na yung bill sa January,” he said. But no one believed ZAMCELCO. “Puede bang i-advance ang pag reading ng meter? Parang nag guessing-guessing ang meter reader niyan dahil hindi makabigay ng accurate na reading,” said Redoña. Last month, many house owners complained that they were overbilled by ZAMCELCO after it imposed back-billing to many residential accounts following a massive installation of new electric meters. Back-bill is a catch-up bill sent when a power consumer is incorrectly charged for energy usage. It covers a longer period than the usual billing cycle and will likely be for a larger than usual amount. This was confirmed to the Zamboanga Post newspaper by ZAMCELCO General Manager Gannymede Tiu who said that “in the past several months until December 19, we conducted massive installation of kilowatt-hour meters to more than 10,000 consumers that has no installed meters for so many years back.” Tiu said many residential accounts here have no electric meters and ZAMCELCO only billed them through “averaging” or minimum amount compared to their actual electricity usage. He said back billing of customers is to ensure all power consumers pay for the utilities they use. “That is the reason for the ZAMCELCO back-billing,” he said. Following the outcry, ZAMCELCO eventually adjusted the overbilling. ZAMCELCO is now being managed by Crown Investment Holdings, Inc. and Desco Inc. The two firms took over ZAMCELCO in January 2019 after bailing out the heavily-indebted and poorly-managed electric cooperative for P2.5 billion. (Zamboanga Post)
Tawi-tawi