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February 22-28, 2021
Beng rejects water rate increase ‘Mayor wants to scrutinize ZCWD financial records’
M
ayor Beng Climaco has rejected a proposed water rate increase here, saying the Zamboanga CityWater District must first open its financial statements to public scrutiny. The ZCWD is silent ZCWD executives want- of employees. But resover calls toscrutinize ed to raise water ratesto identshave long comits financial state- improve its utility ser- plained of inefficient Continue on page 2 ments. Since last year, vices and raise salaries
Road-clearing operations continue Left, a glass of mineral water from commerial water station, and the other is from the Zamboanga City Water District. (Zamboanga Post)
Members of the Task Force Clearing Operations chaired by the City Engineer’s Office with the Office of the City Administrator, City Legal Office, City Police and other agencies continue the campaign upon the order of Mayor beng Climaco. (CEO) MAYOR BENG Climaco ordered barangay officials not only to help the
local government in clearing public roads and spaces of all obstruction, but
to maintain the campaign in an effort to preserve all Continue on page 3
Violators of health protocols warned MAYOR BENG Climaco strongly warned violators of Covid health protocols to strictly follow the law or face arrest after a local resident beat up a border
guard in Licomo who prevented him from entering Zamboanga for failing to show a valid RT-PCR test results. Climaco ordered
police and soldiers to tighten security in the borders to prevent similar incidents after police arrested the 30-year old Continue on page 3
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The Zamboanga Post
February 22-28, 2021
Beng rejects water rate increase ‘Mayor wants to scrutinize ZCWD financial records’
Continued from page 1 services and yearly water rationing, andwasted water from broken or leaking pipes in different barangay that largelycontributed to the non-revenue water or losses to the ZCWD. Due to the poor services of the ZCWD and itsinsistence to increase water rates, members of the City Council previously calledon Leonardo Rey Vasquez, the ZCWD general manager to resign. But the embattledVasquez, who has been with ZCWD for many years now, said only the ZCWD Board ofDirectors, can compel him to resign. No Way Climaco said she would be open to anypossible solutions as long as the ZCWD allows scrutiny of its book of financialrecords to truly find out if there is really a need to increase
the water ratesamid the economic difficulties of the people due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “As mother of this City, I cannotallow our people to suffer water rates increase, not this time of the pandemic,believing that there are other solutions to the problem,” Climaco said. “All ofthese would take us to scrutinize the book of the ZCWD to truly find out ifindeed there is a need to increase the water rates,” she said. Climaco last year also rejected the proposed water rate, saying it has to first improve utility services and ensure clean supply of potablewater to residents, among other woes locals have raised against the ZCWD whichis a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC). GOCCs receive
from the government subsidiesand program funds. Subsidies cover the day-to-day operations of the GOCCswhen revenues are insufficient, while program funds are given to profitableGOCCs to pay for a specific program or project. Scrutiny Climaco said she also wanted to lookinto the salary problems of the ZCWD following complaints that they have neverreceived any salary increase for a long time as executives cited the need toincrease water rates before it could increase the salaries and benefits ofemployees. “We have to look into the (financial)books of the ZCWD and utilize existing funds from loans. And before we increasethe rates, we have to provide better service to the public. It’s just
as simpleas that and by looking at an area where to improve,” the mayor said, adding, shewill be studying the possibility of asking the ZCWD to forgo the increase of waterrates and look instead for other ways to address the funding need fordevelopment projects. She said the local government is willing to help ZCWD, but atthis time it is not proper to increase the rates of water. “One of the causesof the ZCWD’s financial burden is its system’s loss or the non-revenue waterbeing not fully maximized. So much water is wasted and this is compounded byclimate change resulting in water rationing. To be efficient and sufficient,the ZCWD should and must always be at the helm of providing water,” Climaco said. The local government last year also handed over some P29.36million in cheque
to the ZCWD as part of its assistance to tens of thousands ofbonafide concessionaires. The P500 one-time cash subsidy to waterconcessionaires - as promised by Climaco - was credited to the account of allbonafide water concessionaires upon payment of their bill. Recommendations Climaco previously ordered the creation of atechnical working group (TWG) headed by Vice Mayor Rommel Agan and CityEnvironment and Natural Resources Officer Engr. Rey Gonzales to help the ZCWD findsolutions for its problems. Among the recommendations of the TWG were to strengthenthe enabling environment for sustainable service delivery; strengthen thecapacity of water supply and wastewater treatment service provides to expandcoverage and improve services; strengthen the collec-
tion, analysis and sharingof water and climate data; reduce risks from climate-related disasters andimprove capacity for ensuring long-term water security. The members of the TWG were Councilor Elbert Atilano, City AdministratorAngelique Go, City Agriculturist Carmencita Sanchez, City Budget OfficerGeraldine de la Paz, City Planning Officer Engr. Rodrigo Sicat, City DisasterRisk Reduction and Management Officer Elmeir Apolinario, City Legal OfficerAtty. Jesus Carbon, Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry PresidentRodrigo Rufo Soliven, Rotary Club of Zamboanga City West President James CesarMakasiar, Ateneo de Zamboanga University President Fr. Karel San Juan, and the EmployeesConfederation of the Philippines. (Zamboanga Post)
Mayor orders strict monitoring of meat prices Villamero’s Enterprises
MAYOR BENG Climaco has ordered a strict monitoring of meat prices in Zamboanga City to ensure the protection of consumers from inadequate supply and unreasonable price increase. Climaco, who chairs the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC), appealed to suppliers to sell their products at an affordable and acceptable price in a bid to ensure stable prices in the market. The LPCC is continuously monitoring meat prices in the markets - from groceries to
supermarkets and even flea markets – to ensure traders follow the prices of meat set by the Department of Trade and Industry. Prices of chicken here went up to as high as P220 per kilo and pork as much as P290 a kilo due to the shortage of supply. Hog
raisers said the African swine fever in different parts of the country was largely to blame for the shortage of meat. Even the price of lechon or roasted pig is now pegged at P450 a kilo from only P360 in December. Just recently, Climaco convened the LPCC to tackle immediate measures to address the high prices of meat products due to short supply. She has ordered the creation of a committee to study the possibility of implementing a price cap for chicken, pork and beef in local markets. (Zamboanga Post)
For all your newspaper publications or subscription to The Zamboanga Post and The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper, please call or text Villamero’s Enterprises at these numbers (062) 955-8677 and 0917-1223496. Located at Campaner Street, Zamboanga City and serving Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
OVER 100 jeepney and trike drivers in Zamboanga City benefited from the “Malasakit sa mga Bayaning Tsuper” program of the Land Transportation Office in collaboration with the local government, the Jaycees Zamboanga and Mason Snake Ib-
ingan chapter, The groups led LTO Regional Director Aminola Abaton distributed food packs and hygiene kits to the drivers. The hygiene kit included t-shirt, face mask, face shield, alcohol and vitamins. (Jonathan Perez)
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The Zamboanga Post
February 22-28, 2021
Road-clearing operations continue
Violators of health protocols warned Continued from page 1 Bobby Daniel who assaulted Aldrin Suazon, 47. Daniel attacked Suazon, a local government frontliner, with a steel bar during a confrontation after he was caught carrying an expired RT-PCR test results. Suazon is set to undergo operation due to fractures in his arm and other parts of the body as a result of the beating. Climaco expressed dismay over the incident. “We don’t need to be violent. We will always protect and defend our frontliners who are just doing their job for the safety
and protection of our city and our people against Covid-19,” she said. She acknowledged Suazon’s heroism and vowed to assist the frontliner in his medical needs. Local authorities have previously issued a stern warning against violators of the health protocols and community quarantine guidelines following daily apprehension of hundreds of people who broke the law. Climaco told police commanders to intensify their campaign against violators of the health protocols in an effort to curb the spread of the deadly
Covid-19. The mayor 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. Many pedicab drivers in different barangays also violate the health protocols and continue to ferry passengers more than the allowed by the national Covid task force. It was unknown why barangay officials fail to impose the health protocols and community quarantine guidelines. (Zamboanga Post)
Continued from page 1 the hard work of all those involved in President Rodrigo Duterte’s directives. “Our road clearing campaign is a continuing process. Let us continue the tasks of ensuring road safety as well as the safety of the motorists and people as well. Hace todo manera que debe hace, tene Disiplina todo,” Climaco said. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered the resumption of the road-clearing operation (RCO) in the country and gave local governments (LGUs) 60 days to comply with the Presidential directive to clear all roads of blockades or obstruction to ease the flow of traffic and movement of people. The campaign ended on February 15 and the DILG validation of program has begun on February 16 and shall run until March 2, according to DILG Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Bernardo Florece, Jr. He said that the DILG will be fair in the road-clearing validation, but will point out the deficiencies so that this can be acted upon soonest by the LGUs. “One of the strategies that we will adopt is that once a road is cleared by the LGU, a contract is drawn up and signed by the Barangay Captain who then is now responsible for maintaining the cleared roads. There will also be an exit conference with the mayor so that he is advised of the results of the validation,” Florece said. He also said that no-parking signs and visual cues must be placed in cleared roads so that the residents do not go back to their old ways. Florece acknowledges that with the expected arrival of the Covid-19 vaccines, LGUs may have their hands full but he nonetheless challenged them to comply with Duterte’s directive. “Nais po nating makita ang tagumpay ng road clearing operations sa buong bansa ngunit ayaw rin nating maantala ang
rollout ng vaccine kaya’t dapat galingan ng ating mga mayor,” he said. DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya also echoed Climaco’s order and he urged LGUs to include the promotion of road discipline and education in line with the conduct of their road clearing operations. “Hindi po dapat nagtatapos ang ating trabaho sa road clearing operations. Sa panahong ang mga kalsada sa buong bansa ay naibalik na sa publiko, responsibilidad din po nating panatiliin itong ligtas,” he said. “Disiplina sa kalsada ang ambag ng bawat isa para sa maayos na daloy ng trapiko. Ang maayos na transportasyon ay may malaking epekto sa ekonomiya ng bawat LGU at ng buong bansa,” he added. Malaya stressed the road clearing and safety operation is a year-round activity that requires sustained effort and implementation. Citing the Local Government Code, Malaya said the mayors are the disciplining authority of barangay chairmen. “Impose your authority. Huwag ninyo nang i-asa pa ang pagbabantay sa mga barangay sa ating national government,” he said, citing Section 32 (of the Local Government Code) which states that “the city or municipality, through the city or municipal mayor concerned, shall exercise general supervision over component barangays to ensure that said barangays act within the scope of their prescribed powers and functions.” In cases of resistance from barangay officials, Malaya said the mayors must exercise their political will and discipline these uncooperative community leaders. “Tapos na ang eleksyon. Trabaho na ngayon. Regardless of whether kapartido o hindi, they (mayors) should suspend or reprimand barangay captains who do not comply with the President’s directive,” he said,
adding, road obstructions will not happen without the knowledge of the barangay chairmen. Winner In July 2019, the DILG - upon the order of President Rodrigo Duterte - issued Memorandum Circular 2019-121 which gave mayors 60 days “to exercise their powers essential to reclaim public roads which are being used for private ends, and in the process rid them of illegal structures and constructions.” Following Duterte’s directive, Climaco – together with barangay officials – led a massive operation called “Oplan Baklas” against road obstructions even though the local government had been implementing this long before the DILG order. Zamboanga was also cited last year by the DILG for its vigorous road-clearing campaign, including the strict enforcement of the anti-littering, anti-garbage and anti-traffic laws and city ordinances. The DILG commended Climaco and the local government for its efforts in implementing Duterte’s order to clear public roads of all obstruction. Paizal Abutazil, the DILG regional director for Western Mindanao, said Zamboanga City obtained 90 points – the highest points beyond the passing mark set by the national government, and praising the local government efforts and Climaco. Abutazil led the validating team of the national government in Zamboanga and the following criteria were the basis of the rating: Ordinance, wherein the City scored 14 out of 15 points; Inventory- the City got a perfect score of 5; Road Clearing – the local government got 45 out of 50 points; Displacement Program earned for Zamboanga 8 out of 10 points; Rehabilitation Efforts gave the City Government 13 out of 15 points; and Grievance Mechanism with a perfect score of 5 for a total points of 90. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
February 22-28, 2021
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
February 22-28, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by Vic Larato, Jasmine Mohammadsali, CEO, ZCPO, TFO, Jonathan Perez, Giana Andrion, and Sheila Covarrubias.
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The Zamboanga Post
February 22-28, 2021
Across : 1. Foreman 5. Mar. follower 8. Prod 12. Demonic 13. Shad delicacy 14. Inspiring one 15. Got worse again 17. Pinnacle 18. Cavern 19. Mess up 21. Aardvarks 26. Play divisions 30. Submerge 31. Chess piece 32. Commercials 33. Conserve 34. Oval 36. Recipe abbr. 37. Speaks to 40. Bombshell ___ West 41. Capital of the Philippines 46. Artist Salvador ___ 49. Unsealed again 51. Bullring shouts 52. Explosive initials 53. Pimples 54. “Gone ___ the Wind” 55. Opposite of NNW 56. Darn it!
The Zamboanga Post
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Answer to last week’s crossword: Down : 1. “Titanic” foe 2. Completed 3. Grain tower 4. Bed support 5. Fiery felony 6. “The Raven” poet 7. Restores the honor of 8. Most brainy 9. Young seal 10. Consume 11. Tyrannosaurus ___ 16. School group (abbr.) 20. Lamb’s father 22. Ocean currents 23. Significant times 24. Invitation letters 25. Notices 26. Zone
Reynold Toribio
27. Chilly 28. Narrated 29. Minor battle 32. Maintains 35. Green vegetable 38. Overact 39. Tree fluid 42. Close 43. Machu Picchu native 44. Fasting season 45. Thirst quenchers 46. ___ Jones Industrial Average 47. Frazier’s rival 48. Lease 50. 14th letters
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February 22-28, 2021
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The Zamboanga Post
Climaco warns fakers of travel, medical documents MAYOR BENG Climaco has warned individuals who use faked RT-PCR test results and forged travel documents as part of an intensified campaign to stop unauthorized people from illegally entering Zamboanga City. Climaco said charges await those caught in possession of fake or false travel documents and medical certificates. She said Covid-19 protocol enforcement teams have been deployed in the borders and entry points since the pandemic started in March last year to strictly check on the accuracy of information in the travel documents of inbound travellers. “Our protocol teams at the borders are able to validate the information given them. That is why we are very particular in the entry of people at the borders. Those who will submit fake documents or dubious information, particularly on the required RT-PCR negative test result, will face legal charges for misrepresentation,” Climaco said. She cited for instance the case filed by the local police against a couple who misrepresented themselves in their travel
documents which were found to be invalid and dubious. “We do not allow entry of people with dubious or fake travel information because it is a crime and will endanger the health of our own people in the city,” the mayor said. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) aired a similar warning following a series of apprehensions of people carrying forged RT-PCR test results. The DILG also ordered the police to prosecute individuals who are in possession of fake RTPCR test results. DILG Officer-in-Charge Bernardo Florece, Jr. said that fakers of RT-PCT tests, once caught, will be punished the fullest extent of the law. He said the police must ensure that all perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice. “The DILG directs the PNP to arrest and prosecute individuals who are forging their RT-PCR tests. This is a crime and is punishable under our law. We are also warning those people planning to fake their test certifications. Huwag niyo na pong gawin at kung hindi, sisiguraduhin po
Paraan Para Pahabain Ang Buhay ( Part 1 )
namin na makukulong kayo. Huwag po tayong matigas ang ulo. Magpa-test po tayo para sa kabutihan nyo, ng inyong pamilya, at ng lahat,” he said. Florece said Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, provides for penalties of P20,000 but not more than P50,000 or imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court. He said tampering of records relating to notifiable diseases or health events of public health concern, which includes official medical test results or medical certificates, or such other documents and records issued by public health authorities is punishable by law. “The PNP must be vigilant in guarding entry points of tourists and travellers to ensure that people are abiding by the standards set by the IATF and the local governments and are compliant with minimum health standards,” Florece said. (Zamboanga Post)
HEALTH
Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong
G
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
usto mo bang humaba ang iyong buhay? Siyempre lahat tayo ay gusto niyan. Heto ang ilang epektibong mga paraan: • Mag-relax – Magbawas ng stress sa buhay. Kapag lagi kang galit at mainitin ang ulo, tataas ang iyong stress hormones (cortisol) sa katawan. Sa katagalan, puwede kang atakihin sa puso at ma-istrok. Maging masaya at hahaba ang buhay mo. • Suriin ang iyong vitamins at supplements – Ang pinakamagandang supplement ay ang Omega-3 fish oil. Ito’y napatunayang nagpapahaba ng buhay dahil pinapaluwag nito ang ating mga ugat. Epektibo rin ang vitamin B complex, pampagana kumain at pampasarap ng tulog. Ang iniinom ko ngayon ay isang multivitamin kada 2 araw. • Magdasal – Ayon sa Bibliya (2 Kings 20:6), si
Haring Hezekiah ay nagdasal sa Diyos para bigyan pa siya ng mahabang mabuhay. Pinakinggan siya ng Diyos at binigyan pa siya ng 15 taon. Sana nga ay ganoon kadali iyon. Ayon sa pagsusuri, ang mga taong madasalin ay masiyahin ay mas mahaba ang buhay kumpara sa mga hindi naniniwala sa Diyos. • Magpabakuna – Malaki ang tulong ng bakuna para makaiwas sa sakit. May mga bakuna laban sa hepatitis B, pulmonya, trangkaso, at iba pa. Alamin kung kailangan mo nito. Magpakonsulta sa doktor. • Umiwas sa alak – May mga nagsasabi na “Wine is good for the heart.” Oo, aaminin kong may kaunting katotohanan ito, pero sa katunayan ay mas malaking pinsala ang maidudulot ng alak, kaysa sa benepisyo. May mga manginginom diyan na kayang umubos ng isang boteng red wine o isang lapad. Kaibigan,
masama po ang alak kapag sobra sa kalahating basong wine o isang shot ng hard drinks. Nakasisira ito sa ating ugat, utak at atay. Huwag na lang uminom. Iwas ka pa sa gulo at sakit ng ulo. • Magpatingin sa magaling na doktor – Ang trabaho ng isang doktor ay ituro sa iyo ang dapat mong ipa-test sa iyong katawan. Magpa-blood test, urinalysis at ECG bawat taon. Uminom ng gamot kung kinakailangan. Huwag mahiya na magtanong sa ibang doktor kung hindi kayo komportable sa una ninyong doktor. Good luck po! Para sa karagdagang payo, magbasa ng librong “How To Live Longer” na mabibili sa National Bookstore outlets. Sana po ay makatulong itong libro ko sa inyong kalusugan. Good luck!
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The Zamboanga Post
February 22-28, 2021
February 22-28, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
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Founded July 2019
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February 22-28, 2021
Ordinance sought to penalize telecom, cable TV firms
L
OCAL RESIDENTS are asking members of the City Council to introduce an ordinance that will penalize telecommunication firms and cable television operators who fail to properly maintain their cable lines. They say the cables have been “Task Force Alambre” to continue disleft hanging by the poles and often mantling unserviceable wires and catimes snagged by passing trucks bles that pose threats to safety aside causing them to break and pose se- from being an eye sore in streets. rious safety concerns in the different There were no immediate statebarangays. ments from executives of telecommu“Cosa ya gayot estos maga cable nication firms PLDT and Smart, and wires dol maga sablayan ya. Nohay Globe Telecom; and cable television quien ta mira na law del maga tele- operators Sky Cable and Mindanao com y cable (television) operators. Cable TV who are being blamed for all Delicao este na camino. Debe el maga the problems posed by dangling cable consejales hace ley contra con este lines and their poor maintenance serproblema desde antes hasta ahora,” vices. (Zamboanga Post) said Pedrito dela Cruz, who cited the Residents have long complained to cable lines along Veterans Avenue. Mayor Beng Climaco has ordered telecom companies and cable television operators of tangled wires in many the General Services Office and the barangays here. (Zamboanga Post) City Engineer’s Office through the
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco
Mayor Beng Climaco PUPPY LOVE Fur-ever! Papa God, thank you for our lives! I used to whisper this prayer of gratitude for the life of Mimah, her daughter Brunah and her granddaughter Sonah! I am having second thoughts in sharing this, but I take inspiration in sharing this from my affection, desde corazon. After Queenie’s tragic accident two months after my Father’s death, I was so fearful getting another dog. My Dad taught us to take care of pets and it has helped me be compassionate as a person. As stewards of God’s creation, they
teach us responsibility and kindness tambien. After a fire incident in Sta. Catalina, 6 years later after Queenie’s loss, I was ready to take on a new pet. Totally opposite from Queenie, I saved up from the phone I swapped with my student Marius. I got Mimah, a black poodle terrier with black nails that assured me her fur would not fade. She came from a friend, Ermin, in Alfredo’s bakeshop and she smelled Vanilla! The first stop I took was to buy vitamins for this threemonth old puppy. I was hesitant to bring her home, fearing
Zamboanga Peninsula
I would be scolded. But the moment she was fed, I could hear her growl! Valiente suyo raza equal con sus mayores maski pequeno. Originally, I called her Chuva (Rain in Brazilian Portuguese) from my Rotary scholarship. She had her initiation to Dr. Anton Lim who was a vet to all the 3, very caring and reliable. That year 2006, I had a conference on women at San Antonio, Texas, and it was a long trip. On the way, I chaperoned a student to the US and continued on with two more flights. I was away for two weeks. I missed Mimah and General TP. Little did I know, Mimah would cry all night missing me. I would take her with me in my activities and she would bark in objection when young people would clap in conferences. She knew her way with me in the office. Then after a year, Dynah of Paws and Claws grooming shop told me it was time for her to be a mom. Out of her 4 puppies, we got Brunah, a biege puppy who was happy and smart. By 2007, we transferred to a new home. Eventually in 2010 during the SONA, Brunah became a mom. These 3 fur babies fill me with joy as my stress reliever, who followed me wherever I went on the house, my alarm and my protector. During the Zamboanga Siege, I would go home very
Basilan
late and they comforted me in those difficult times. They enjoyed trips with their heads out to breathe fresh air. All of them were protective of me, even my bag. Every time I travelled, Mimah would be most affected. In 2018, I came from Tigbalabag and the three came running up to meet me. As I was dressing up, Mimah gave a loud shriek, I rushed to see her convulsing and her eyes wanting to pop out. I cried not knowing what to do. I wanted to give-up, but Garnette and Dynah, Gina and Nengay called Dr. Irma and Dr. Chris who consulted Dr. Anton Lim. That night Mimah would have 5 attacks and I gave her medicines from the syringe. I would cradle her in my arms like a baby and every attack would spurt involuntary urine - heat stroke. She was put on dextrose. Miraculously she survived but eventually became blind. As my political battles increase, Mimah and the Fur babies comforted me. When I cried, they would lick my face. Mimah never gave up and she would memorize the steps of the stairs to be with me. Learning the value of life, losing my parents and Queenie, I was thankful to God. Here are 3 wonderful reasons that give me joy from the stress. Mimah taught me resilience and courage to keep up the fight to life.
Sulu
The lockdowns were opportunities for me to work from home and she would be beside me in Zoom sessions, even international talks in the evening. Having other attacks, she could no longer walk. I would take her out to pee and she instinctively responded. I would be so proud of her. The two would watch over Mimah. I marked her 15th birthday last January 17th. She enjoyed Nangka cake by my cousin Bong. Being busy for SOCA, Mimah would cry in pain due to kidney failure. Of course I would be bothered when she cried. Then one afternoon after she was given a bath, I could feel spasm in her head. I would comfort her, but had to work. I got home past 7 p.m. and her legs were convulsing. I cradled her in my arm with Dr. Irmah administering dextrose. Garnette played Mama
Mia to relax her. That evening, I slept with her and in her pain gave her water from the syringe, she would drink con gusto. I played inspirational songs and we both slept, I woke up 30 minutes past midnight...Mimah left us. My husband patted me in the shoulders and the two was with Mimah! I write this because I mourn the loss of a gentle creature that depended on me for care and comfort. There are processes of grieving. It has been difficult, but I find comfort in everyone who made Mimah’s life significant. Others may belittle this, but this has taught me God’s love. I have not fully learned Mimah’s purpose, but Brunah, Sonah are here to continue the journey. All creatures great and small are God’s blessings. We are taught to be good stewards of God’s creation! (MBC)
Tawi-tawi