Founded July 2019
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT, PLEASE CALL (062) 9555360 or (0915) 3976197
P10
March 15-21, 2021
Covid vaccination starts Z
AMBOANGA CITY has begun vaccinating medical frontliners following the arrival of Covid-19 vaccines. Some 10,200 Sino- arrive soon. and prevent the further vac vaccines arrived here Chief Covid fight- spread of the disease. recently and will bene- er Mayor Beng Climaco, “This is good news fit about 5,100 medical who heads the local task for our frontliners who frontliners from different force against the dead- are putting their life at hospitals and health sta- ly respiratory virus, said risk to save others,” Clitions in Zamboanga. More the vaccines will greatly maco said. vaccines are expected to help protect frontliners Continue on page 2
RT-PCR test still needed for travellers Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco and other government officials look at a vial of Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine which arrived recently from Manila. (Bong Serondo)
LIAC Oks resolutions, benefits Z3R recipients
MAYOR BENG Climaco said the local government will continue to require RTPCR test for people travelling to Zamboanga City as part of a strict health protocols against the spread of the deadly Covid-19 disease. Climaco said travellers must present a negative Covid test result before they can enter Zamboanga, adding the requirement is in accordance with the new guidelines or the uniform travel protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) under Resolution Number 101. The new IATF-MEID travel protocols were crafted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, the League of Provinces of the Philippines,
the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, and the League of Cities of the Philippines. Although the IATF-MEID said travel Continue on page 3
Zamboangueños divided whether to take Covid shot or not Mayor Beng Climaco presides over the LIAC meeting. (Bong Serondo) THE LOCAL-Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC) chaired by Mayor Beng Climaco approved sev-
eral resolutions that will benefit poor families staying in resettlement areas here.
One resolution authorized the National Housing Authority (NHA) to Continue on page 3
A RECENT local government survey has showed that majority of residents do not want to be inoculated with Covid vaccine for various reasons while about one-third would like to see the results of the anti-coronavirus immunization before deciding whether to get the
shot or not, and the rest undecided. In the survey conducted by the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator to some 1,384 respondents in 87 of Zamboanga’s 98 barangays, showed that 47% do not intend to take any Covid-19 vac-
cine while about 37% will wait for its effects on others before availing. District 1 residents or 48% of the respondents showed they are more open to take vaccines without condition as opposed to District 2 residents or 45% of those Continue on page 7
First Standard Finance Corporation Zamboanga City 0915-3976197 FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE Subaru XV P790,000
Toyota Altis P650,000
Toyota Fortuner P2.1 Million
2
The Zamboanga Post
March 15-21, 2021
Covid vaccination starts
Continued from page 1 At least 6,000 health workers who are Covid frontliners in Zamboanga City have been included in the initial master list of the local government’s vaccination program. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite said that vaccination sites for health frontliners will be in hospitals and health centers, while other priority groups will have a different site for their vaccinations. Climaco said the City Health Office, in coordination with the Department of Health, is preparing plans for the implementation of the mass vaccination program and urged residents to take the vaccines for their own protection. 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 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. “Este vaccines para de ustedes contra Covid. No mas tiene miedo porcausa este buen para de atun todo,” she said. The mayor, who already signed a $2 million (or roughly P100 million) deal with the Brit-
ish-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, said 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 USbased Johnson & Johnson. Dr. Afdal Kunting, chief of the Zamboanga City Medical Center, was
Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco and other health officials look at Sinovac Covid-19 vaccines which arrived recently from Manila. (Bong Serondo) the first to be inoculated here with Sinovac vaccine. The vaccines are part of the 600,000 doses donated by Beijing to the Philippines. Dr. Augusto Alpichi, of the Department of Health, said the Chinese vaccine was recommended by the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and approved by the Food and Drug Authority. Health Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes also encouraged residents to get themselves vaccinated against Covid as an added protection and to help reduce transmission,
reduce deaths and morbidity and ultimately help restore the economy. The country also received some 487,200 doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine through the COVAX Advance Market Commitment, a global initiative to support equitable access to vaccines. Washington said it has donated P97.2 billion ($2 billion) to COVAX, by far the largest contribution, to ensure the Philippines and other countries receive Covid-19 vaccines. “The United States is proud to be the largest
contributor to COVAX, and we welcome the successful arrival of the first tranche of AstraZeneca vaccines in the Philippines. As we fight the pandemic together, the United States will continue to support the Philippines’ vaccination and Covid-19 mitigation efforts,” U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law said in a statement sent to the Zamboanga Post. The Philippines is among the first countries in the region to have received the vaccines through the COVAX facility. (Zamboanga Post)
Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey KIDAPAWAN CITY Coffee lovers in the Philippines may now enjoy the best and the most expensive coffee in the world - Kopi Luwak - but not as pricey as every connoisseurs think. Kopi Luwak is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. The cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet’s intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal matter, they are collected. In Manila, a kilogram of Civet coffee sells for as high as P15,000 and over $500 dollars abroad. But Kopi Luwak can now be enjoyed by every coffee lovers for as low as P150 for a 16 oz. cup that comes with a drip bag, ground organic Civet coffee beans, two packets of brown sugar and a stirrer in a beautiful Kraft paper bag – thanks to the Mindanao Civet Coffee seller in Zamboanga City. The new market player in the coffee business, although small, is now offering affordable organic Kopi Luwak – sourced and picked by farmers from the highlands of Mindanao, cleaned and dried and roasted to perfection to
give coffee lovers that distinct aroma of Civet coffee berries – chocolaty and nutty and smooth bodied brewed drink. Mindanao Civet Coffee, which started as a backyard reseller of coffee beans, now offers organic Kopi Luwak in 250 grams ground Civet coffee and 250 grams Civet coffee beans – all medium roasted to perfection. Kopi Luwak is also available now in 3rd Cup Café at LM Metro Hotel in Zamboanga City, and
resellers in Luzon, Cebu and other parts of Mindanao. The Mindanao Civet Coffee is a favorite among travellers and tourists and coffee connoisseurs. And for those who wanted the perfect gift for all occasions, Kopi Luwak is the best choice. And those who are interested to resell or perhaps enjoy a daily hot cup or cold brew of Kopi Luwak may call the Mindanao Civet Coffee at this mobile number 09153976197. (AJC)
3
The Zamboanga Post
March 15-21, 2021
RT-PCR test still needed for travellers
LIAC Oks resolutions, benefits Z3R recipients Continued from page 1 “download” some P23.18 million to the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) and local government for selected projects for Z3R (Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Rehabilitation) beneficiaries in Azcuna and Talisayan resettlement projects. And the NHA, through another resolution likewise instructed to turnover to the ZCWD the 1,800 water meters and the P6.5 million be downloaded to the utility firm as a form of subsidy for Z3R applicants for the re-installation of power lines. A resolution was also approved allowing the NHA to utilize the remaining P5.4 million to fund for the embankment at the Vicente Chiong property. The LIAC said it will also demolish illegal structures at the stilt housing project in Barangay Mariki to pave the way for the installation of street poles and power lines in the area. Different government agencies and private contractors have committed to speed up works on the Z3R projects after Clima-
co has given an ultimatum until August 31 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 repeatedly reminded LIAC members to expedite completion of the projects. The mayor even said that she plans to invite President Rodrigo Duterte for the inauguration of the projects. In her previous meeting, Climaco instructed LIAC members 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 Duterte’s
instructions to all government agencies to have their projects, programs and activities completed before his term ends next year. Last year, Climaco 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. (Zamboanga Post)
Continued from page 1 authority from and medical certificate are no longer required for land, air and sea travel, DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said Covid-19 testing shall not be mandatory for domestic travellers, except if the local government will require testing as a requirement prior to travel. “If the LGU of destination requires a test, it shall only require a Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction or RT-PCR test and no other. Meaning, LGUs cannot require Antigen tests or rapid tests as test requirements prior to travel,” Malaya said. He advised all travellers to check with the local government of their destination before travelling to ensure a smooth trip. Malaya also said that under the new protocols, no traveller shall be required to undergo facility-based quarantine unless they exhibit symptoms upon arrival at their destination. “Therefore, the health assessment of passengers or travellers supervised by medical professionals shall be mandatory upon entry in the port or terminal and exit at point of destination,” he said. Climaco, head of the Zamboanga City Task Force Covid-19, said with the new U.K. and South African Covid variants now in the Philippines, and the increasing number of active cases and deaths in the country, there is really a need to require travellers to undergo RT-PCR test. “As mayor and mother of the City, my priority concern is to protect the health of my constituents, thus the required RTPCR test is to protect our people from Covid-19,” she said. “We should not be complacent and strict health protocols must be observed at all times.” Due to Zamboanga’s strict health protocols, its active cases are a little over 50, although it went down to as low as three dozens. Lawyer Kenneth Vincent Beldua, a spokesman for the Zamboanga City Task Force Covid-19, echoed Climaco’s concerns, saying, the foremost responsibility of the local government is to its constituents. “The imposition of the RT-PCR testing requirement, which by the way, is authorized by the national government, is an exercise of the LGU’s police power for the general welfare of its inhabitants. If we loosen the restrictions here in the City of Zamboanga and the Covid cases will again surge, the people of Zamboanga will only have its officials to blame.” Beldua noted that most of those who opposed the RT-PCR testing are travellers from other provinces. “Much of the comments I see are not really from residents of Zamboanga, but from our neighbors who may have thought that leisure travels are now the norm. We are responsible for the health of our people, nearly one million
and nothing else is more important,” he said. Climaco also signed Executive Order BC-626 2021 which states that for inbound air, ferry and land passengers who are merely passing through Zamboanga to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi - the following documentation are needed: Endorsement letter from focal person of Ministry of the Interior and Local Government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to the Zamboanga City Tourism Office, RTPCR negative test result within 5 days from swabbing, and that the end destination local government must receive their constituents at the entry points or border. And for Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte, the following requirements are also needed: RT-PCR negative test result within 5 days from swabbing, and that the end destination local government must receive their constituents at the entry points or border. The order also said that for outbound air, ferry and land passengers en route to the airport, they need to present their “confirmed flight ticket.” And for frequent and business travellers, only “frequent travellers pass” shall be required for business owners, or their duly authorized representatives who engage in small, medium and large business enterprise in Zamboanga City. They are also required to undergo RT-PCR test once a month and present the result to the Zamboanga City through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. And for inbound frequent traveller, they need to surrender at least 1 valid government-issued ID at the entry point, and only allowed to stay in Zamboanga City for 3 days and must undergo RT-PCR test if they want to extend their stay. But for outbound frequent traveller, they are allowed 3 days to travel outside Zamboanga City for emergency purpose, business transaction or for any other essential purpose. Should their travel go beyond the 3-day period, they will have to undergo RT-PCR test. It said that travellers with incomplete documents shall not be allowed entry into Zamboanga City. And those caught illegally entering Zamboanga City shall be fined P5,000 and shall be immediately quarantined pending RT-PCR test all at their own expense. While travellers with falsified documents shall also be fined P5,000 and shall be immediately quarantined pending RT-PCR test all at their own expense. And those aiding in the entry of any persons with incomplete requirements shall be fined P5,000 for every individual smuggled into Zamboanga City, and the revocation of business permit if they are engaged in the trade or business in Zamboanga City, among others. (Zamboanga Post)
Villamero’s Enterprises 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.
Earn More, Be an Advertising Agency! Do you want to earn more? Be an ADVERTISING AGENCY and DEALER for The Zamboanga Post and earn hefty commissions. Apply now.This offer covers Zamboanga Peninsula. ZAMBOANGA CITY ADVERTISING OFFICE 3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan Phone: 062-9555360 Mobile: 0915-3976197
4
The Zamboanga Post
March 15-21, 2021
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
March 15-21, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
5
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by : Vic Larato, Bong Serondo, Giana Andrion, OCVET, and PIA/secov.
6
The Zamboanga Post
March 15-21, 2021
Across : 1. Wind dir. 4. Large bodies of water 8. Astronaut ___ Armstrong 12. Weeding tool 13. Peel 14. “The Diary of ___ Frank” 15. Ecstasy 17. Fails to exist 18. Option 20. Of course! 21. Shudder 24. ___ Kippur 27. Antlered animal 28. Sis’s counterpart 29. ___ wing and a prayer (2 wds.) 30. Fragrant flowers 32. Science rm. 33. ___ Moines, Iowa 34. choose 35. City trains 36. Take for granted 38. 100% 41. Was thankful for 46. Circle sections 48. Glue, e.g. 49. Fatigue 50. Juvenile 51. Once called 52. Encourage 53. Make ___ meet 54. Furthermore
Down : 1. Citi Field predecessor 2. Inner being 3. Cried 4. Fern “seed” 5. Merits 6. Operatic melody 7. Seahawks’ hometown 8. Innocent 9. coordinated outfit 10. Roadhouse 11. Rent 16. “You there!” 19. Bothers
The Zamboanga Post
An Edition of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper
Maritess Fernandez
Publisher/Executive Producer
Al Jacinto
Editor-in-Chief
Reynold Toribio Graphics/Video Editor
Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master
REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily Business Week Mindanao Star
ADVERTISING Jeng Fernandez (0917) 7930652 Zamboanga Peninsula
Answer to last week’s crossword:
22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
Exam type Steals from Jedi master Washington bills “The Texas Chainsaw ___” 27. MA time zone 30. Frolic 31. Perform surgery 37. Troubled 38. Hurt 39. Property claims 40. ___ Vegas, Nevada 42. Rocker ___ Turner 44. Uniform 45. Land document 46. ___ standstill (2 wds.) 47. Josh
Weekly Sudoku:
Richard Suarez
(0910) 7348600 Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera sts., Gatas District, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
The Zamboanga Post
is published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines.
ZAMBOANGA CITY OFFICE:
3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro St., Tetuan, Zamboanga City Phone & Fax: (062) 9555360 Mobile: (0915) 3976197 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
Answer to last week:
CEBU CITY G/F Dreamfield bldg, Sanciangko Street, Kamagayan (0923) 1670009
Rodil P. Ybañez
DAVAO CITY Door 2, 402 Nidea Street, Barrio Obrero, Davao City, Philippines (082) 2841859 / (0932) 4323301 / (0997) 3172021
Marilou Cablinda
NORTH COTABATO KIDAPAWAN CITY CENTRAL MINDANAO COTABATO CITY Rhoderick Beñez (0927) 4757936
PAGADIAN CITY
Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera st., Gatas District, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur (0910) 7348600
Richard Suarez
ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA BASILAN, SULU, TAWIͳTAWI ΈBARMMΉ
3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Zamboanga City (062) 9555360 / (0915) 3976197 / (0917) 7930652
Jeng Fernandez mindanaoexaminer.com mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
7
The Zamboanga Post
March 15-21, 2021
Zamboangueños divided whether to take Covid shot or not
Sinovac vaccine works on UK, South African variants - Brazil institute THE COVID-19 vaccine developed by China’s Sinovac Biotech is effective against the UK and South African variants, the vaccine’s Brazilian partner said on Wednesday, citing test results in Chinese trials. “We have tested this vaccine in China against the English and the South African variants, with good results,” said Dimas Covas, head of the Butantan biomedical center in Sao Paulo which lead domestic trials of the Chinese vaccine and is supplying doses to Brazil’s Health Ministry. Covas did not give any more details on exactly how effective the vaccine proved against these strains.
Butantan is also testing the vaccine, known as CoronaVac, against the Brazilian variant of the virus which appeared in the city of Manaus, he said. “Soon we will have the results and we are very positive it will do the job,” Covas said. Covas was speaking at a news conference in the small city of Serrana, in the interior of Sao Paulo state, where Butantan began on Wednesday a mass vaccination campaign aimed at inoculating the entire adult population against Covid-19 to test whether it lowers the infection rate. Covas said he expects CoronaVac to have an advantage over other vac-
cines due to the technology it uses - an inactivated version of a coronavirus strain. The efficacy of the Chinese vaccine against the Brazilian strain in particular will be vital to Brazil. The government has secured 100 million doses and made the vaccine a centerpiece of its inoculationcampaign. Covas’ comments come as several cities in Brazil, including state capitals of Rio, Salvador and Cuiaba have suspended new vaccinations as they ran out of doses. (Reporting by Leonardo Benassatto, writing by Sabrina Valle; editing by Stephen Eisenhammer and Aurora Ellis. Reuters.)
Gender must be holistic ZAMBOANGA MAYOR Beng Climaco called for holistic approach to gender equality and said it should be seen as an encompassing whole rather than just a matter of compliance. Speaking during a virtual lecture on Gender, Climate, and Disaster Resilience: Challenges of Equity and Sustainability, spearheaded by the National Resilience Council (NRC) and the Coastal Cities at Risk in the Philippines, Climaco said there is a need to push forward the agenda of gender for both women and men, adding: “We need to have gender as an organic
function ingrained in society as a whole.” “Despite of our advocacy for the inclusivity of women, we should not leave the men out. Through the advocacy na nakikita natin, malaking tulong talaga if we have a holistic picture of what we need to do and ensure that development is present from agriculture, social services up to technology,” the mayor said. Climaco, a champion of women’s rights, also cited the different gender and inclusivity initiatives of the local government, including the amended Gender and Development
Code, mainstreaming gender-sensitivity orientations, the Production and Training Center for Women, and the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance of Zamboanga City. The mayor’s talk coincided with the start of the month-long observance of the National Women’s Month. Those who attended the lecture were Dr. Patricia Licuanan, Dr. Bernadette Resurrecion, and Atty. Amparita Santa Maria, and the Urduja Women’s Desk of Ateneo Human Rights Center, and other personalities. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)
Continued from page 1 interviewed. Residents in rural areas or 48% also dislike the vaccines slightly more, although urban dwellers prefer trusted brands only. Female respondents or 48% are also slightly more wary than their male counterparts or 45%, but no statistical difference was observed between single and non-single individuals. The opinion survey also showed that native Zamboanga City residents and those born in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi provinces are more doubtful of the vaccines, while those coming from other parts of Zamboanga Peninsula are slightly less apprehensive. According to the survey, respondents who identify themselves as poor are also significantly distrustful of vaccines. When asked what Covid-19 vaccines they prefer, respondents chose the U.S.-made Pfizer which is the clear favorite vaccine brand even among respondents who will wait for the effects on others and those who prefer vaccines to be given free, and also those who will take the vaccines without condition. It is also the preferred brand across both congressional districts, genders and most major ethnic groups. More affluent respondents, as well as those with higher educational attainment, also favor Pfizer. The survey, conducted on February 15-26, aims to provide insights to the public’s views on the Covid-19 vaccines as the local government prepares to roll out its vaccination program. It will also aid policy-making and data-driven decisions relative to the local government’s continuing response to the ongoing pandemic. The Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator said surveys taken per barangay were proportional to their respective 2015 census population. The respondents were interviewed with a margin of error of +/- 2.7% at 95% confidence level. Mayor Beng Climaco, who heads the Zamboanga City Task Force on Covid-19, has repeatedly called on residents to take the vaccine as soon as they are available. Climaco has already signed a $2 million (or roughly P100 million) deal with the
British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for the local government’s vaccination program that 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 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. 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. Climaco said the City government is closely coordinating with the national government for the acquisition of more Covid-19 vaccines since Zamboanga is a priority area. “With the emergence of new variants of the virus, we must not let our guards down. We continue to work hard while balancing other functions of government to keep our city safe, restore our vitality as a people, and continuously repair our economy.” “As Mayor of this City, I vow that we will not stop doing our jobs and we will continue to sincerely serve our City to keep our people safe just as we have always done since 2013. It takes the whole-of-government effort to accomplish this task,” she said. Dr. Saude Imlan, president of the local chapter of the Philippine Medical Society, has also encouraged residents to avail of the Covid vaccine as soon as it is made available to the public. Dr. Norvie Jalani, an epidemiologist at the Zamboanga City Medical Center, said: “As an epidemiologist, I have witnessed individuals on ICU without vaccines. Vaccine is still the most effective approach against Covid-19 and other emerging pandem-
ics in the future. Turn hesitancy into empowerment. Trust science, get your vaccines now.” Dr. Aisa Gregorio, of the Zamboanga City Medical Center, also doused fears of residents to the effects of the Covid-19 vaccine on the body. “Do not be afraid of the vaccination. The vaccination is to prevent the spread of infection,” she said. Herd Immunity City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite has said the vaccines will be available by the 3rd quarter of this year, adding, the local government is now working on plans for the mass inoculation following the guidelines from the Department of Health (DOH). “Tene kita guidelines from the DOH, el deaton maga priority groups, con quien kita una man vaccinate and ta mira kita el strategy deaton de que manera hace,” she said, adding, that the local government is targeting at least 70% of the populations in order to reach herd immunity. “Ta habla gane for Covid, at least 70% del population should be protected to have herd immunity para puede man protect con aquellos maga vulnerable populations deaton. Si tene kita budget and available deaton supplies for the vaccine, actually puede kita man vaccinate more than 70%. Pero ta habla gane kita, at least 70% to be protected for us to have herd immunity,” Miravite explained. Herd immunity is a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, whether through vaccination or previous infections, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection for individuals who lack immunity. Climaco said: “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. Cay ta crea iyo na favor del Dios y na de aton unidad, ay sale kita mas mafuerza, mas valiente, mas resiliente y lleno de esperanza para keda victorioso na maskin cosa pa man desefios kita ay enfrenta.” (Zamboanga Post, Claudine Uniana and Jasmine Mohammadsali.)
8
The Zamboanga Post
March 15-21, 2021
March 15-21, 2021
The Zamboanga Post
9
Founded July 2019
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT, PLEASE CALL (062) 9555360 or (0915) 3976197
P10
March 15-21, 2021
Pro-poor programs continue D
Mayor Beng Climaco hands over cash assistance to a Muslim beneficiary, one of many who are provided with aid by the local government. (Bong Serondo)
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco
3rd Sunday of Lent Exodus 20:1-17 or Exodus 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17; Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 1 Corinthians 1:22-25; John 2:13-2 WHAT MAKES you angry? How do you react? In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus showed his humanity as explained by Ronald Fussell in his reflection at Creighton University. He narrates the account of Jesus “flipping the tables” in order to cleanse the Temple of those turning the sacred place into a market place. Fr. Manoling Francisco, S.J., talks about the righteous anger of Jesus who was indignant for the right cause. We speak out against “systematic corruption” in society and grant freedom, justice and liberation from those oppressed. We are called to cleanse ourselves this Lent in Fr. Bill Kreutz,’ S.J., reflection to make way for God to enter in our lives. I remember when I was a City Councilor in my 30s, I had a table slapping experience to express my anger against negotiated contracts during a meeting in City Hall! The quiet gentle self-expressing rage in public. “Napuno na!” Being young, I was bullied, but my idealism also made me stand my ground toward what I believed was just. It was a significant act for me, a quiet neophyte who sat as Committee of Appropriations Chairperson. When the Council was against me, Mayor Caling told me to remain. In her stern manner, she was a stable source of wisdom and strength. What came after was RA 9184, the Government Pro-
curement Act that needs amendment to meet the needs of a pandemic era where government procurement is needed to save lives. In my first few days as Mayor, I recall going to the streets in a feat frustration to express the urgency for the police to be proactive since two of their colleagues were killed on June 30, 2013. I could not stand the sight seeing the police relaxed while there is a need to be alert. Last week, I had a cathartic table slapping mode. RG Go calls it the “beast mode” to express frustration over the rudeness of people toward our guests. Ustedes ba ta rebenta de rabio na cosas que debe corregi? This week, someone dear sent me a text that made me reflect deeply over disillusionment. This Lent l, I will offer periods of silence to ask myself how have I become a cause for others frustration and how can I cleanse myself of all that is not pleasing to God and His mission. Anger is normal and expressing and venting it out are means to help us remove the toxicity of all that is negative that eats us up! The Pandemic has caused a lot of sadness and frustration that can lead to harm and depression. We need to release our anger in a way to make room for healing. Likewise, we do not give others the power to rob us of joy because they are angry and bitter. We find creative ways of dealing with negative people by acknowledging them, yet keeping our peace to understand where we stand in the relationship. Life is complicated and if we pay attention to every problem, we will get lost in the sea of troubles and end up sinking. Just as the First Reading talks of the Commandments as ways for us to follow God. So too, must we abide by them in a loving way and give time to forgive. May we find ways to let go of anger in a way to make room for healing and growth. The gauge of discernment will lead to God’s peace and happiness in our lives. (MBC)
Zamboanga Peninsula
Basilan
ESPITE THE killing of the “Largo Vida” programs by opposition councilors, Mayor Beng Climaco’s administration continues to provide assistance to the poor, especially families in crisis situation. Just recently, Climaco opment pursuant to the Pioc, VP Elago, Gerky - assisted by representa- Republic Act 10858 or the Valesco and Jerry Perez. tives from the City Trea- Centenarian Act of 2016. Dela Cruz and the surer’s Office and the City Nonagenarians or younger Dalipe ran Social Welfare and Devel- those who are 90-99 years under Climaco’s politopment Office - led the old also receive P20,000 ical party, but eventudistribution of cash assis- and for octogenarian or ally broke off ties after tance to “families in crisis residents who are 80-89 winning the 2019 polls. situation” as part of the years old get P10,000. There were reports that local government’s social This cash incentive seeks Lobregat will again run services program. The to ensure that senior cit- for mayor and also the beneficiaries, who were izens will have funds to elder Dalipe with his seated a meter apart out- buy basic necessities brother possibly gunside the mayor’s office, such as medicines. ning for a congressional received their aid. Climaco blamed the seat or vice versa. The social services opposition councilors Climaco said the program includes intern- who are political allies actions of the Lobregat ment and medical assis- of defeated mayoralty and Dalipe allies in the tance, and other support candidate Celso Lobregat City Council have afservices, including im- and Representative Man- fected some 17,000 semediate assistance for nix Dalipe - for killing all nior citizens and all 400 families displaced by fire. the Vida Programs of the “Vida lifeliners,” includLast month, senior local government after ing women and those citizens and their kin they removed vital fund- who are out-of-school have praised Zamboanga ing in the 2021 Executive and mostly breadwinMayor Beng Climaco for Budget. One such pro- ners of their families, putting the welfare of the gram is the Largo Vida, who were tapped to elderly in the priority list an initiative that Climaco tirelessly deliver health of the local government’s started in 2018 and which assistance door-to-door pro-poor program. she intends to expand to to every elderly benThe program’s ben- over 60,000 beneficiaries eficiaries of the Largo eficiaries, especially the this year. Vida. It is only during centenarians, receive as She identified the the time of Climaco that much as P50,000 cash opposition councilors as such programs and sowhich is the local govern- Monsi dela Cruz, John cial services benefitted ment’s share to the aid Dalipe, BG Guingona, thousands of senior citsenior citizens received Mike Alavar, Litlit Mac- izens and the vulnerafrom the Department of rohon, Khymer Olaso, ble sector. (Zamboanga Social Welfare and Devel- Lilibeth Nuño, Cary John Post)
Gratitude and praises FOR THE nth time, Mayor Beng Climaco has expressed her gratitude and praised the police and military for securing Zamboanga City and its people against from lawless elements. Climaco has recently met with security commanders for a briefing on the peace and order situation here. The meeting was attended by Col. Rexmel Reyes, the city police chief; and Col. Randolph Rojas, commander of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga, and other police station commanders and military officials. Details of the closeddoor meeting were not made public by City Hall, but a press statement from Climaco’s office
Sulu
said: “The mayor laid out her priority programs in terms of security as she urged the police and military officers to exert their best efforts to maintain the City’s zero-bombing, zero-piracy and zero-kidnapping record.” “She expressed gratitude to the security sector
for their commitment and dedication to serve the City of Zamboanga,” it added. Climaco has been in regular night patrols with police and military and frequently visits various checkpoints in different barangays. (Zamboanga Post)
Tawi-tawi