It’s a go for AstraZeneca in the Philippines THE PHILIPPINES said it will not stop the rollout of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines despite reports of blood clots in some people who received the shots in several countries in Europe.
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“The Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration are aware that a few countries in the European Union have recently paused their vaccination campaign with Covid-19 vaccine AstraZeneca following reports of blood clots in people who received the vaccine.” “At present, the DOH
and FDA emphasize that there is no indication for the Philippines to stop rollout of AstraZeneca vaccines. The DOH, NTF (National Task Force) and FDA are closely coordinating on this matter. The public is assured they will closely monitor all deployed vaccines,” the DOH said. It said the Europe-
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an Medicine Authority (EMA) has also emphasized that there is currently no indication that vaccination has caused these conditions (blood clots), which are not listed as side effects with this vaccine, saying: “The position of EMA’s safety committee PRAC (Pandemic Response Continue on page 7
March 22-28, 2021
Beng orders strict health protocols
W
ITH THREE Covid variants now in the Philippines, the City Government of Zamboanga has ordered a stringent implementation of health protocols in spite of the relaxed travel requirements imposed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID). Mayor Beng Cli- anew the need for manmaco, head of the local datory RT-PCR testing for Covid task force, said specific travellers based she ordered the strict en- on the Executive Order forcement of health pro- 641 as well as the need for tocols at the borders and the imposition of curfew in different barangays to hours, adding. “The strict enforceprevent the spread of the deadly respiratory dis- ment of the regulations and protocols is ease. Continue on page 2 She emphasized
Vehicles pass through a checkpoint in Zamboanga City. (Zamboanga Post)
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In 2018, Mayor Beng Climaco donated 200 push carts to the Zamboanga International Airport. The push carts feature photos of local tourism spots and cultural heritage. Climaco is pushing for a new world-class airport in Zamboanga City. (Kathy Wee Sit)
Climaco pushes anew for world-class Zambo airport THE MINDANAO Development Authority said it is pushing for the initial construction or comple-
tion of the Zamboanga International Airport project before the end of the Duterte presidency next
Zamboanga Peninsula
year. In August 2017, the National Economic and Continue on page 7
Basilan
ng wala umanong notice. Matagal na umano o maraming taon na itong ginagawa ng Sky Cable kung kaya’t inireklamo na sa pahayagang Zamboan-
ga Post ang kumpanya upang mabatid ng publiko at madala ito sa atensyon ng National Telecommunication Continue on page 3
Zambo issues amended travel guidelines ZAMBOANGA CITY Mayor Beng Climaco has issued Executive Order 641-2020 amending the guidelines for travellers. Under the amended
guidelines, in addition to authorized persons outside residences (APORs), Covid-19 testing is no longer mandatory for transit travellers, for indispens-
Sulu
able travel - specifically funeral and other emergency transaction such as processing of Department of Foreign Affairs Continue on page 2
Tawi-tawi
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The Zamboanga Post
March 22-28, 2021
Beng orders strict health protocols pag-function naman yung gobyerno ng lungsod at nakapag-serbisyo naman ‘yung tao. Precautionary measures lang,” he said. The Manila mayor said there should be an increased vigilance in the
country’s ports of entry due to the new Covid-19 mutations. “Isa siguro na pwede nating gawan ng assessment ay ‘yung mga pumapasok na bagong variants na siya namang aking pinagtataka. Baka
naman napapabayaan ng Bureau of Quarantine sa ating mga ports of entry via air and sea. Baka ‘yung mga dumarating dito ay hindi nila masyadong nasisiyasat,” Moreno said. (Zamboanga Post)
Beng featured in ‘Strong Cities Network’ special on women leadership Passengers disembark from a ferry in Zamboanga City. (Zamboanga Post) Continued from page 1 being done to ensure that Covid-19 will not thrive in the city. All persons should be subject to compliance with the IATFMEID and local government health protocols for everyone’s safety and protection,” Climaco said. “No queremos que se enfermen porque al final el gobierno local tiene que cuidarlos,” she added. Climaco, citing latest health records, said Zamboanga has only over 5 dozen active Covid cases and at least 189 deaths since the pandemic began in March last year. “We reiterate the need for public
compliance on all safety and health protocols to prevent a spike in Covid cases. The wearing of face mask and face shield, washing hands often with soap and water, or alcohol, and the strict observance of physical distancing remain to be our main defense against Covid-19,” she said. The mayor said at least 34 people tried, but failed to enter Zamboanga through Barangay Licomo on the other side of Zamboanga Sibugay for failing to present any documents. The emergence of a new Philippine variant of Covid-19, and also the
U.K. and South African variants have health officials and medical experts worried over the sudden spike of the disease, especially in the National Capital Region. In Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno has imposed selective or “granular” lockdowns in different barangays even while the city is under General Community Quarantine due to the rising numbers of active Covid-19 cases there. “GCQ kami ngayon, pero buhay-ECQ,” he said, referring to the strictest quarantine status. “Nagawa na natin yan noong ECQ. Naka-
Zambo issues amended travel guidelines Continued from page 1 documents, retirement, real estate, court cases, Board and Bar examinations for professionals and other similar instances. And for frequent business travellers from Zamboanga City, the local government will only allow them 3 days to travel outside the city and shall be given an exit pass which they must present upon their return. If their travel time is beyond 3 days, they will have to show RT-PCR negative test result upon entry to Zamboanga City. Similar travel time is also allotted to inbound business travellers who shall be given an entry pass which they must surrender at the time of their exit. But those considered as indispensable travellers, RT-PCR test is no longer required upon their entry to Zamboanga City. The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging In-
fectious Diseases (IATFMEID) last month passed Resolution Number 101 introducing new guidelines or uniformed travel protocols. 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 IATFMEID said travel 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. (Zamboanga Post)
ZAMBOANGA CITY Mayor Beng Climaco was featured from among over a dozen selected mayors and practitioners from all over the world and spoke at the Strong Cities Network’s “Strong Cities, Strong Female Leadership,” in celebration of International Women’s Day. Strong Cities Network is the first ever global network of mayors, policymakers and practitioners united in building social cohesion and resilience to counter violent extremism in all its forms. In its recent publication, it said that while overall global numbers of female participation in politics are rising, there is a lot of work to be done. And also cited a recent study by the World Economic Forum that said just 38% of all nations have had a female head of government or state for at least a year in the past 50 years. It added that the United Nations Development Programme’s newly published Gender and Social Norms Index reveals that around 50% of the world feels that men make better political leaders. And because of that and to help change this perception, “we chose to celebrate International Women’s Day (on March 8), by asking leading female mayors, policy leaders, directors and practitioners from a broad spectrum across our global network to give their views. This is what they said.” The first in the list to answer was Climaco and these were the answers she had given to a set of questions from the organizer. Why is female leadership important to building community resilience? “Women by nature are nurturing, caring and can multitask across the work-
place, at home and with their families. When rebels attacked our city, my priority was our people – 120,000 were displaced and many living in fear. Being a family counsellor, I made sure hostages got psychological first aid. By night, I would be in communities reassuring their safety. This built trust since people knew the Lady Mayor was present with them.” What advice would you give to girls and women aspiring to get involved in local government? “Follow your heart. Make your voice heard. You are a leader with the heart.” How can we as a global society support increased female leadership on local issues? “Hone women from childhood. My mom told me to speak out for my rights as a girl and teenager. We must continue to educate women of our rights and our significant roles in contributing to our community.” Among in the list or mayors and professionals were the following: Mayor Anna König Jerlmyr, Stockholm, Sweden; Mayor Valérie Plante, Montreal, Canada; Vice-Mayor Rina Mariann Hansen, Oslo, Norway; Rubina Abu Zeinab, National Coordinator for Preventing Violent Extremism, Lebanon; Gulmina Bilal, Director for Individualland in Nowshera, Pakistan; Munira Hamisi, Director for CVE and Community Engagement in Mombasa, Kenya; Malin Martelius, Safety and Security Coordinator in Malmö, Sweden; Julie McKercher, MERIT Specialist from Ottawa, Canada; Marijeta Mojasevic, Youth Advisor in the Municipality of Berane, Montenegro; Johanne Nilsen, Crime Prevention Coordinator in Kristiansand, Norway; Rehema Zaid Obuyi - Inte-
grated Initiatives for Community Empowerment in Nairobi, Kenya; Joumana Silyan-Saba, from Los Angeles in the U.S.A.; Desanka Stoshevska, Secretary of the Municipality of Kumanovo in North Macedonia. “Our sincerest thanks to all the mayors and practitioners who contributed to the making of the article. We’re proud to share the diversity of voices across our network and would love to hear yours,” said Strong Cities Network. In January this year, the Strong Cities Network also invited Climaco to join a group of selected global mayors for an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Climaco said she was impressed by the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who talked about the Covid-19 pandemic and appreciating medical scientists and health workers for their sacrifices, learning and listening to experts, and telling everyone to be cautious. The January 27 webcast was held from the residence of His Holiness in Dharamsala in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and broadcast live in Zamboanga City in the Philippines, India, Los Angeles and Washington DC in the United States, London in the United Kingdom, Beirut in Lebanon, Nairobi in Kenya, Surabaya in Indonesia and Melbourne in Australia. The 14th Dalai Lama is the current Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibet, and considered a living Bodhisattva, an emanation of Avalokitevara. The Dalai Lamas are also leaders of the Gelug School, which is the newest school of Tibetan Buddhism and was formally headed by the Ganden Tripas. (Zamboanga Post)
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March 22-28, 2021
Things you need to know about vaccines: DOH
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Sky Cable Zambo inireklamo! Continued from page 1 Commission (NTC). Nais rin idulog ng subscriber sa NTC - na siyang may supervision sa mga regulasyon ng cable television industry – ang maling ginagawa ng Sky Cable Zamboanga. At ayon sa NTC, maaaring i-reklamo sa kanila ang mga sumusunod: Poor Service (Technical and Customer Service), Billing Problem, Fair Use Policy, at Denial of Subscription Plan Application. Sa kanyang sumbong, sinabi ng customer na agad itong nagtungo sa opisina ng Sky Cable upang i-reklamo ang pagputol ng linya ng walang abiso o notice. “Aba, may mga trabahao kaming lahat at ni walang notice of disconnection man lang na ibinigay ang Sky Cable upang mabayaran ang anumang
arrears. Ni hindi nga tumatawag sa amin okaya mag text man lamang tulad ng ginagawa ng mga telecom firms. Paglabag ito sa Consumer Protection Guidelines ng NTC. Idudulog namin ito sa NTC upang mapatawan ng kaukulang penalty ang Sky Cable Zamboanga,” ani ng customer. Nabatid pa na bukod sa walang notice of disconnection na ibinibigay sa mga customer ang Sky Cable ay wala rin natatanggap na billing ang mga subscribers. “Isa pa yan, walang notice of disconnection at wala rin billing statement na ibinibigay ang Sky Cable Zamboanga. Ang daming paglabag ng Sky Cable sa patakaran ng NTC,” sambit pa ng customer. Nakakatanggap lamang ng abiso ang mga customers ng Sky Cable kung magtataas lang ito
ng kanilang subscription rates. Nasa P500 ang ibinabayad ng mga customers sa Sky Cable bawa’t buwan, bukod pa ang P100 sa bawat extra television sa bahay. Sinabi pa ng customer na matapos itong magbayad ay hindi agad naibalik ang serbisyo ng Sky Cable Zamboanga at sinabi sa kanya na hintayin na lamang at ang Sky Cable Davao Office diumano ang magre-reconnect nito. Ngunit tadtad rin ng reklamo ang Sky Cable Davao Office mula sa kanilang mga subscribers. Hindi agad mabatid kung ilang mga customers ng Sky Cable Zamboanga ang may parehong reklamo sa kumpanya. Bukod sa Sky Cable Zamboanga, tanging ang Mindanao Cable Television lamang ang kumpitensya nito sa naturang lungsod. (Zamboanga Post)
1. How do vaccines prevent disease? Vaccines mimic the virus or bacteria that cause disease and trigger the body’s creation of antibodies. These antibodies will provide protection once a person is infected with the actual disease-causing virus or bacteria. 2. How do vaccines differ? Vaccines differ in their composition and how they trigger the immune response to create antibodies. These antibodies protect the body from microorganisms and serve as protection once a person gets infected with disease. Vaccines can be inactivated, weakened or killed copies of the whole or part of the virus or bacteria, or genetic product (like mRNA vaccines) that creates protein copies without causing disease. 3. What are the possible side effects of vaccination? The possible side effects of a vaccine include pain, redness, itchiness or swelling at the injection site (which may last a few hours); fever; feeling of weakness or fatigue; headache; dizziness; diarrhea; or nausea. Consult the nearest healthcare professional if you experience any of these. 4. Is vaccination mandatory? No, vaccination is not mandatory. But the government highly encourages the public to get vaccinated and be protected against preventable disease. 5. Why do we need to get vaccinated for COVID-19? With the BIDA steps and observance of minimum public health standards, vaccination is an important way to protect you from getting severe COVID-19. 6. When will the COVID-19 vaccine be available? The government is currently in the advanced stages of negotiations with various vaccine manufacturers. We expect the first vaccine supply to arrive in the first quarter of 2021. 7. What is an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)? It is an authorization granted through a risk-based procedure for assessing unregistered (under development) vaccines or drugs during public health emergencies of international concern. It aims to expedite availability of the vaccine or drug to people affected by public health emergency based on essential set of available quality, safety and efficacy performance data. 8. Who will get the vaccines first? Frontline health workers, senior citizens, indigent population, and uniformed personnel are
the priority groups to be vaccinated. 9. Why will the prioritized groups get the vaccine first? With the initial limited supply, frontline health workers and uniformed personnel are prioritized since they have higher risk of exposure while on duty and to allow them to continue fulfilling their duties in both the public and private sectors. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly and the indigent population are prioritized guided by the principle of equity. 10. Can I purchase the vaccine from private clinics or pharmacies? No, you cannot purchase COVID-19 vaccines from private clinics or pharmacies. At present, only the government is duly authorized to procure and administer vaccines. Until a full market authorization is issued by the Philippine FDA, any COVID-19 vaccine should not be sold to the public. 11. Is the vaccine free for priority groups? The cost of vaccines for priority groups will be shouldered by the Philippine government. 12. If I am not part of the priority group, how will I get access to the vaccine? The government is continuing negotiations to ensure adequate vaccine supply for all Filipinos, including those not in the priority groups. 13. Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective? COVID-19 vaccines that are granted with Emergency Use Authorization by the Food and Drug Administration are considered safe and effective based on the available evidence to date. 14. Are there risks for complications when given the COVID-19 vaccine? Yes, like all other vaccines, there are risks of complications but severe or life-threatening reactions are extremely rare. The benefit of protection against severe COVID-19 is greater than the risk. Anyone who will get the vaccine will be properly evaluated and closely monitored by health professionals to further minimize any risk. 15. What can we do while waiting for the vaccine? We urge the public to be more vigilant with the information found online. Let us make it a habit to fact check and verify with reliable sources (DOH Facebook page, DOH website, WHO website, PIA website) regarding new information. Continue observing the minimum public health standards to prevent further transmission of the virus. (Zamboanga Post)
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by : Giana Andrion, Christine Lim, CHO, Bong Serondo, PIO, and ZCPO.
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March 22-28, 2021
Across : 1. Continues 6. Lime drink 9. Venomous viper 12. Spare 13. Evergreen 14. Confederate general 15. Shine 16. Use the supplier again 18. Large truck 19. Disposable hankie 20. Brother’s daughter 22. Makes mistakes 25. Motherly 28. “Mamma ___!” 29. Fire residue 30. Verse makers 32. Flower wreath 33. Georgia city 36. Corn spikes 38. Reside 39. Struggle roughly 41. Freeway exit 45. Assumption 47. Contributor 48. Lincoln, informally 49. ___ Plaines 50. Exceed 51. Finish first 52. Baltimore time zone (abbr.) 53. Some curves
Down : 1. Lower limbs 2. Wheel shaft 3. Rose stalk 4. Apprentice 5. America’s uncle 6. Nigeria’s continent 7. Truck fuel 8. Love deity 9. City officials 10. Look at 11. Miles ___ hour 17. Wish undone 19. Perfect gymnastics score 21. Taxing agcy. 23. Film legend ___ Hay-
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It’s a go for AstraZeneca in the Philippines Continued from page 1 Accountability Committee) is that the vaccine’s benefits continue to outweigh its risks and the vaccine can continue to be administered while investigation of cases of thromboembolic events is on-going. PRAC is already reviewing all cases of thromboembolic events, and other conditions related to blood clots, reported post-vaccination with Covid-19 vaccine AstraZeneca.” The DOH added that “this has been decided as a precautionary measure while they conduct a full investigation to determine causality between the vaccination and the reported adverse events following immunization.” Following a recent concern raised around thrombotic events, AstraZeneca said it would like to offer its reassurance on the safety of its vaccine based on
clear scientific evidence. “Safety is of paramount importance and the Company is continually monitoring the safety of its vaccine,” it said. It added that a careful review of all available safety data of more than 17 million people vaccinated in the European Union and UK, AstraZeneca has shown no evidence of an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or thrombocytopenia, in any defined age group, gender, and batch or in any particular country. So far across the EU and UK, it said there have been 15 events of DVT and 22 events of pulmonary embolism reported among those given the vaccine, based on the number of cases the Company has received as of March 8. “This is much lower than would be expected to occur nat-
urally in a general population of this size and is similar across other licensed Covid-19 vaccines,” AstraZeneca said. “Furthermore, in clinical trials, even though the number of thrombotic events was small, these were lower in the vaccinated group. There has also been no evidence of increased bleeding in over 60,000 participants enrolled,” it added. The vaccine has been granted a conditional marketing authorisation or emergency use in more than 70 countries across six continents, and with the recent Emergency Use Listing granted by the World Health Organization accelerates the pathway to access in up to 142 countries through the COVAX Facility. The World Health Organization said there is no link between the shot and
Climaco pushes anew for world-class Zambo airport
A Cebu Pacific aircraft lands at the Zamboanga International Airport. (Zamboanga Post) Continued from page 1 Development Authority revived the airport project after Mayor Beng Climaco stated plans to develop a new airport in the city to replace Zamboanga International Airport. Secretary Manny Piñol, of the Mindanao Development Authority, recently met with Climaco to discuss the airport project. Piñol said the airport project is among the top priorities of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) because of Zamboanga’s role in the BIMP-EAGA or Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area. He told Climaco that Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has pledged to work for the allocation of additional funds for the transfer of the airport to a bigger area. Climaco thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for his commitment to the project, and also praised Tugade and Piñol for their efforts in ensuring that it pushes through. “The City Government is also focused on this project and is coordinating with concerned agencies to warrant its actual implementation in due time. We are
thankful to know that the Mindanao Development Authority under Secretary Piñol has identified the ZIA project as one of the most crucial infrastructure projects in Mindanao to focus on before President Duterte’s term would end,” she said, adding, the project is long overdue. The mayor said the airport project would be a monumental accomplishment for the people of Zamboanga. “We are praying very hard for this project and we will do our very best to have this realized sooner, including the transfer of the Edwin Andrews Air Base,” Climaco said. Zamboanga is home to one of the busiest airports in Mindanao. The airport serves as the gateway to one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing business and cultural hubs, and to the entire Western Mindanao area, according to DOTr. “To make this gateway even more efficient and modern, the Aviation and Airports sector of the Department of Transportation has been working at top speed to upgrade and enhance the airport’s facilities, with the array of upgrades that are well un-
derway,” it said. According to Australia’s CAPA-Centre for Aviation, the Zamboanga International Airport project is another transformational “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure initiative of the Duterte administration that is envisioned to boost the economy of Mindanao with the expected increase in tourist arrivals and heightened local travel. “With its upgrade nearing completion soon, there’s no stopping Zamboanga City’s Bloom and Boom,” it said. In October last year, Mindanao Development Authority Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro reported that the construction of the new Zamboanga International Airport would cost government around P13.9 billion. The project will feature a new terminal, six jet bridges, and a control tower and will have a 3440m runway to accommodate heavier aircraft. Construction is expected to commence this year. The government plans to relocate Zamboanga International Airport to a proposed site 17km away in Barangay Mercedes. (Zamboanga Post)
an increased risk of developing blood clots and is investigating. 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 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 USbased 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 pandemics 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 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. (Zamboanga Post)
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Mandatory drug testing
M
AYOR BENG Climaco has ordered a mandatory drug test for all local government employees, including members of the local Sanguniang Kabataan (SK), to ensure no civil workers are engaged or taking illegal substance. Climaco instructed test to its employees ti-narcotics campaign. the Office of the BaranBut the recent arrest of She ordered authorigay Affairs and the City a 25-year old SK chairman ties to further intensify the Health Office to imme- here and his 18-year old campaign against illegal diately make available accomplice, and a local drugs hand-in-hand with reagent testing kits and government employee, in the implementation of the prepare the mass drug separate drug sting oper- local government’s rehatesting. The local govern- ations has irked Climaco, bilitation programs. ment has been regularly who is a staunch supportIt was unknown why conducting random drug er of the government’s an- the local SK federation has
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco
4th Sunday of Lent 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23 Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 Ephesians 2:4-10 John 3:14-21 John 3:16 ‘God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.’ WE WITNESSED the special mass celebrated by Pope Francis in the Vatican with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and other Concelebrants with around 100 people from the Filipino Community in Rome. We thank God for the introduction of our Christian faith 500 years ago in Cebu. The beautiful liturgy partly in Filipino, reflects a new call of evangelization as our gift of faith to love and serve God. Pope Francis tells us: “God loves you so much that He gave you his entire love.” He is NOT a God who condemns, but in my understanding a God who forgives! The Power of Love overcomes fears. God’s love is so great! Jesus heals us from the venom of death! The more we love the more we become capable of giving. Rejoice and be glad you who mourn. These excerpts from the homily is fitting as we experience pain from Covid. Families struggling with this deadly disease that keeps mutating. We are called to have faith and bow before
God to heal us. We are also called to guard our lives by following safety protocols as we welcome the vaccines. The Pope acknowledges our gift of faith 500 years ago with the arrival of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Women are banners of joy in Rome. This joy is a good illness! We received the joy of the Gospel. A testimony of Faith. God loves to bring the joy of faith. We are called to persevere in the work of evangelization, constantly brought to others. Church to care for those who are hurting. Not to condemn, but to bring Christ who is our salvation. Never be discouraged to proclaim the Gospel. To serve and to love. We begin the celebration on April 4 2021-indulgence for this Jubilee in Churches to pray for Priestly Vocations and Defense of Family! Lord we thank you for the gift of faith and your love that saved us. We are here to love and serve you! With our Blessed Mother, Saint Joseph and all angels and saints, we rejoice at our gift of faith! Amen. (MBC)
Zamboanga Peninsula
(Photo from Matrix Diagnostics) not detected that one of its chairmen was allegedly involved in illegal drugs. Following the SK chairman’s arrest, Climaco met with Councilors Pinpin Pareja and Jihan Edding and other former SK officials and they demanded the local SK federation to conduct a mandatory drug test on all its members, including officers. “They cannot be good examples for the youth if they are into drugs. We continue to advocate for drug-free communities and a drug-free Zamboanga City,” Climaco stressed, adding, the local government has allocated funds for rehabilitation of drug users and drug dependents. Last January, the Zamboanga City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ZADAC),
headed by Climaco, held a two-day workshop on “Intervention for Drug Personalities” in an effort to plan out strategies on how to assist and ensure a better life for drug personalities and towards the realization of an effective and efficient community-based rehabilitation after-care program. The ZADAC also regularly conduct seminars and workshops to members of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC) to further strengthen the local government’s fight against the drug menace. The local government also rewards barangays which have been declared “drug-free” as the local government continues its effort to rid Zamboanga of illegal drugs. In the past, the mayor
handed over P50, 000 to each barangay and recognized all those behind the success of clearing their areas of illegal drugs, and their hard work and efforts, saying BADACs are crucial in the success of the implementation of the anti-drug campaign. In declaring a barangay free from illegal drug activities, a committee composed of members of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council together with the PDEA validate “the non-availability of drug supply in the area and the absence of drug transit activity, clandestine drug laboratory and chemical warehouse, marijuana cultivation site, drug den, drug pushers and users. (Zamboanga Post)
Gumamit ng face mask sa loob ng bahay: DOH
Mayor Beng Climaco
Basilan
HINIHIKAYAT NGAYON ng Department of Health (DOH) ang mga Pinoy na magsuot ng face mask kahit sa loob ng kanilang tahanan bilang paniguro sa kanilang sarili laban sa Covid-19. Ayon kay DOH Epidemiology Bureau Director, Dr. Alethea De Guzman, na ang pagsusuot ng face mask ay makatutulong na maputol ang umano’y “chain of transmission.”
Sulu
“Lalo na po sa mga bahay na merong matatanda, merong mga kasama sa bahay na meron ding sakit katulad ng hypertension or diabetes, napakahalaga na gumamit ng face mask. Sila po naiiwan sa bahay, tayo po lumalabas. So tayo ‘yung posibleng magdala ng mga infection na ito sa loob ng bahay at napakabilis po talaga mag-transmit within our homes,” ani De
Guzman. Sa ngayon, may mahigit sa 621,000 kaso na ng Covid-19 sa bansa at halos pumalo na sa 50,000 ang active cases sa kasalukuyan. At patuloy na tumataas ang bilang nito dahil sa mga bagong Covid-19 variants mula United Kingdom, South Africa at ngayon ang Philippine variant ng virus. (Zamboanga Post)
Tawi-tawi