As polls near, black propaganda vs. Mayor Beng also intensifies AS NEXT year’s local and national polls near, political black propaganda against Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco also intensifies with trolls using the social media to spread fake
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news and disinformation campaign, especially at a time when people are suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic. The mayor’s supporters and followers said Climaco’s foes have in the
past years criticized her every single day, spreading false information and deceit not only on social media, but mainstream media as well. Even the local government’s Covid response
and efforts were not spared - from food aid for residents to infrastructure projects to a pothole on the road, and even nature’s wrath were also being blamed to the mayor. From the start since
she ran for the second time and won the election overwhelmingly, Climaco said the local government strongly abide and maintain transparency, accountability and inclusivity in all Covid-19 re-
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lief and support efforts to disprove and counter the propaganda of hate and division that do not contribute to healing, to community solidarity, to a more caring, Continue on page 2
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DOH lauds Zambo’s Covid response
T
HE DEPARTMENT of Health has lauded the local government’s Covid-19 response and its efforts in keeping a low tab on active cases. Zamboanga City head of the local Covid cases below 100. “I conhas only a little over four task force. gratulate the City (Govdozen active Covid cases Health Assistant Sec- ernment of Zamboanga) due to the strict imple- retary Romeo Ong con- for keeping the active casmentation of the health gratulated the local gov- es to below 100, we should protocols ordered by ernment for keeping the not keep our guards Continue on page 2 Mayor Beng Climaco, number of active Covid
Covid-19 restricts Holy Week activities DUE TO gathering restrictions set by the government to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Archdiocese of Zamboanga agreed that all activities related to the observance of the Holy Week and the solemn Paschal Triduum shall only be held in churches. The Paschal Triduum or Easter Triduum is the period of three days that Continue on page 7
MNLF gathering thwarted LOCAL AUTHORITIES pre-empted a supposed gathering of Moro National Liberation Front members in Zamboanga City following reports by civilians and barangay officials. Police and military
together with barangay officials of Pamucutan held a dialogue with former rebels who were planning to gather for the MNLF’s 53rd anniversary celebration. Mayor Beng Climaco Continue on page 3
Zamboanga Peninsula
Basilan
Sulu
Tawi-tawi
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March 29-April 4, 2021
DOH lauds Zambo’s Covid response
Continued from page 1 down, especially on our borders,” he said. Ong also urged residents to follow the strict health protocols, especially now that Covid cases spiked in other parts of the country. “This pandemic proves again this is not only a national, but a global challenge. The virus recognizes no national boundaries, no difference in political system, in culture, in religion whatsoever. It attacks all of us the same way. So there is an even greater need for closer and more effective cooperation, it has to be a whole of government and whole of society approach,” he said. “My message is to always keep the minimum health standards, keep masks and face shields on, social distance and washing of hands. No matter whether it is the variant or not, it is the same virus and the transmission is the same. For our health care workers, get vaccinated. We are about to go to the next batch of vaccines,” Ong added. Climaco said the “raging battle” to stop, if not reduce the spread of the deadly respiratory virus and other Covid variants,
is not only the work of government alone, but of everyone as everybody is vulnerable to the dreaded disease. She again reminded residents not to be complacent and always use face mask and face shield in public places, and sanitize or wash hands with soap and water frequently, and comply with the community quarantine guidelines. “I am enjoining the public to please cooperate with and help government in the implementation of these health protocols,” she said. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite also echoed the same appeal. “While we have the vaccines, this is no time to relax and we still have to practice proper wearing of face mask and face shield, practice hand hygiene and observe physical distancing. Until we get 70% of our population vaccinated, we will not be really protected from infection and surges,” she said. Climaco has repeatedly ordered the strict enforcement of health protocols at the borders and in different barangays to prevent the spread of Covid-19. She emphasized anew the need for
mandatory RT-PCR testing for specific travellers based on the Executive Order 641 as well as the need for the imposition of curfew hours, adding. “The strict enforcement of the regulations and protocols is 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. No queremos que se enfermen porque al final el gobierno local tiene que cuidarlos,” she said. “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,” the mayor said. 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, es-
pecially 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. Nakapag-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)
As polls near, black propaganda vs. Mayor Beng also intensifies Continued from page 1 optimistic and nurturing culture that her administration aims to build to counter this pandemic. “Too much negativity will not foster peace, will not foster progress and will not bring prosperity to our people. Covid-19 has increased vulnerability of our communities and our youth to hate, to polarization and extremism. Narratives are even twisted to build distrust versus the government such as conspiracy theories in social media that say government fabricates Covid numbers so it can get more funds and support from the national government. We also received accusations that the local government abuses its powers because as it im-
plements strict yet necessary Covid regulations,” she said. The mayor said the Covid fatigue has made people more prone to distrust and disregard government guidance and information. “Many feel restricted by the Covidhealth measures. We have curfew, limited recreational activities, and strict requirements for masks, face shields and social distancing and these are taking a toll on everyone’s mental health and well-being, which has also led to cases of depression, and sadly, even suicide,” Climaco noted. Last year, she also lambasted fake news and false information being peddled by her detractors and called on the public to
carefully scrutinize news or stories created to deliberately misinform or deceive the people. “El black propaganda ta continua y el fake news, false information na social media ta continua hace calayat el cuantos maga persona que tiene mal intencion para destrosa el govierno local, para destrosa el esfuerzos del govierno por de ila vested interest,” Climaco said. “Y el los demas personas, como venganza contra con el govierno cay no puede estos maga gente influir con el gobierno local. Por tantos años, el ataque contra na administracion sin descanso por causa de politica,” she added. Climaco said the black propaganda is a gross dis-
tortion of the truth, adding, the local government continues to work hard for the welfare of the people while her foes are busy spreading black propaganda ahead of the national and local elections. “We will continue rendering service and we as-
sure the public that the City Government will not cease doing its share in community-building (efforts), especially during this trying time. My co-workers in the City Government, specifically the department heads, knew what they are doing and I urge the pub-
lic to trust them more than ever,” she said. “I assure you that public interest is their sole motive and no other because the truth is on our side. I am proud of my team and together we will rise from petty politicking. (Zamboanga Post)
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Quick byVaccine Facts Dr. Edsel Salvana 1. It takes about two weeks from the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to get SOME protection from disease. FULL protection won’t be attained until 2 WEEKS AFTER THE 2nd dose. Continue sticking to face shield and face mask even AFTER getting vaccinated because you can still get infected, and you can still be a carrier even after completion of the 2 doses. But your chances of dying from COVID-19 will be miniscule once the protection kicks in. 2. NONE of the current COVID-19 vaccines can cause COVID-19. They will NOT cause you to have a positive RTPCR. The only type of vaccine that can do that is a live attenuated SARS CoV-2 virus vaccine and we do NOT have that vaccine platform yet available for use. The killed virus, mRNA, viral vector and spike protein vaccines will not cause a false positive RT-PCR or antigen test. They MAY cause a positive ANTIBODY test but this is not consistent enough with the different antibody kits to be used to determine whether the vaccine worked or not. 3. If you develop RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (cough, colds, sore throat) after vaccination, that is UNLIKELY from vaccination. You need to get a COVID-19 RT-PCR ASAP. 4. You DO NOT need an RT-PCR or antibody test before or after vaccination. However, make sure you have
no symptoms or recent (within 14 days) close contact with a confirmed case since you might be incubating. It isn’t harmful for someone to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they are incubating, but it may not work. 5. There is no need to check antibody levels after vaccination because we do not yet know what levels are protective, or if it represents neutralizing antibody. There are also no commercially available tests that measure CELL-MEDIATED immunity which is thought to play a MAJOR role in preventing severe COVID-19. 6. There is urgency in the highest risk groups like healthcare workers getting vaccinated especially in light of the recent surge. A day CAN make a difference since it takes a while for the immune response to kick in and healthcare workers are exposed every single day. If we had these vaccines last year, less than 10% of the 2.6 million people who have died from COVID-19 would have died. Please take the first vaccine offered to you if you are eligible so that it can begin protecting you as soon as possible. (The author is the Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the National Institutes of Health at the University of the Philippines in Manila, and is Clinical Associate Professor and Research Coordinator at the Section of Infectious Diseases of the Department of Medicine at the Philippine General Hospital.)
MNLF gathering thwarted
Mayor Beng Climaco together with barangay and security officials inspect Barangay Pamucutan where the MNLF members are supposed to gather to celebrate their 53rd anniversary. (Bong Serondo) Continued from page 1 along with Pamucutan Barangay Chairman Roberto Carpio and members of the police force and the military’s Joint Task Force Zamboanga inspected the area and appealed to MNLF members not to conduct any mass gathering in due respect to the deadly siege of Zamboanga by loyal followers of Nur Misuari in 2013. Security forces have been deployed to the area to ensure that no mass gathering would be held there. Such gathering is also a violation of the community quarantine guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Climaco and Col. Randolph Rojas, commander of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga, thanked the barangay officials and residents in the area for their vigilance. Rojas said due to mass gathering restrictions brought about by pandemic, all assemblies or activities should be properly coordinated with the local government. He said activities without clearance from the local government task force on Covid-19 will not be permitted. Sieges Supporters of Misuari attacked Zamboanga after declaring independence and their failed attempt to raise the Bangsamoro Republik flag at City Hall. Misuari publicly de-
nied involvement in the siege that displaced over 200,000 people and affected the economies of Basilan and Sulu which are dependent on Zamboanga for their trades and goods. In February, Climaco has given an ultimatum to various local government agencies until August this year to finish the construction of housing units for the remaining 720 families, mostly Muslims, displaced by the MNLF siege. The mayor repeatedly instructed the members of the Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC) to ensure the 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. Last year, Climaco also directed LIAC members to ensure continuity of various projects and programs amid the Covid-19 pandemic to help alleviate the plight of families displaced by the MNLF siege.
In 2016, Climaco – who stood firm against the MNLF during the entire period of the crisis – banned any so-called peace rally or gathering of MNLF members in Zamboanga City. She said such rallies will not be allowed as this might disturb Zamboanga anew. “I am giving you a categorical no. You must not disturb Zamboanga anymore. If you want to come up with your rally, make it in your area, Zamboanga will not welcome a rally by MNLF, not at this time because you still have to be accountable with the killings and devastations we are suffering from,” Climaco said in the past. “The destruction wrought by the 2013 siege continues to linger, as internally displaced persons – both Muslims, Christians and Lumads, most of whom are those who eluded the conflicts in Sulu and Basilan – have suffered the brunt of the
MNLF attack in Zamboanga,” she said. Misuari signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the peace accord, he said there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted. Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards. It was the second attack by MNLF in the past decade. In November 2001, hundreds of MNLF members occupied the Cabatangan Complex and held hostage dozens of
civilians, including children; and another group also attacked a military base in Sulu province in an effort to stop the elections in the Muslim autonomous region after Misuari was ousted as governor. More than 100 people were killed in the fighting and in the end, then Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat allowed the attackers to leave Zamboanga in exchange for the hostages. Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, where he had been arrested and deported to the Philippines and was eventually pardoned and released by President Gloria Arroyo in 2004. He also ran several times for governor in Sulu even while under detention, but lost. Now, President Rodrigo Duterte said he wanted to resume the peace process with Misuari and ordered police and military not to arrest the MNLF chieftain. (Zamboanga Post)
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.
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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
Wi-Fi access is now available at the Licomo Border Control Point. (Photo by Alan Aizon)
Licomo border now has Wi-Fi access 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)
Alamin Kung Sino Ang Maaaring Mabakunahan: DOH HINDI MAAARI KUNG: May edad na mas mababa sa 18 taong gulang May allergy sa polysorbate, polyethylene glycol / PEG, o iba pang sangkap ng bakuna May malubhang allergy matapos tumanggap ng unang dose ng bakuna IPAGPALIBAN MUNA KUNG: May alinman sa mga sumusunod na sintomas: lagnat / panginginig dahil sa lamig, sakit ng ulo, ubo, sipon, pananakit ng lalamunan, pananakit ng kalamnan, pagkapagod, panghihina, kawalan ng panlasa o pang-amoy, hirap sa paghinga, rashes May exposure sa taong confirmed o suspect na kaso ng COVID-19 sa nakaraang 14 na araw Dating ginamot para sa COVID-19 sa nakaraang 90 na araw Ginamot o nakakuha ng convalescent plasma o monoclonal antibodies para sa COVID-19 nitong nakaraang 90 na araw
Mga buntis na nasa unang 3 buwan ng pagbubuntis Nakakuha ng kahit na anong klaseng bakuna sa nakaraang 14 na araw KAILANGAN NG MEDICAL CLEARANCE MULA SA DOKTOR KUNG: May autoimmune disease Na-diagnose na may Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Na-diagnose na may kanser Sumailalim sa organ transplant Kasalukuyang umiinom ng steroids2 Nakaratay na lang sa kama o may sakit na hindi tataas sa 6 na buwan ang taning OO, SUBALIT KAILANGAN NG KARAGDAGANG PAG-IINGAT KUNG: May sakit kaugnay ng pagdudugo o kasalukuyang umiinom ng anticoagulants May history ng anaphylaxis o malubhang allergy May allergy sa pagkain, itlog, o gamot May hika
Bureau of Customs commended ZAMBOANGA MAYOR Beng Climaco commended the Bureau of Customs for surpassing its target collection by P1.36 billion in 2020 despite the slowdown in economic activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Climaco, who chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council, lauded the efforts of the Bureau of Customs
during the RPOC’s virtual meeting recently. The Bureau of Customs thanked Climaco for her unwavering support to the government’s anti-smuggling campaign. The Bureau of Customs, headed by Sigmundfreud Barte Jr., said they had collected over P5.17 billion last year and even surpassed their target col-
lection of P3.8 billion. He said the Bureau of Customs collected more than P2.18 billion in taxes from seized contraband from cigarettes, sugar and rice and even fake revenue stamps, among others. Barte said they also destroyed some P1.96 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes. (Zamboanga Post)
THE LOCAL government thanked the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Mindanao Cluster 1 for the Wi-Fi router and a digital tablet it donated for the personnel manning the Licomo Border Control Point. Mayor Beng Climaco said personnel who are manning the border screen all those entering Zamboanga City as part of a strict health protocol against Covid-19. “The communication to and from the Licomo border will be easier
and faster with this technology. This is a big help to the city government’s efforts to battle against Covid-19,” she said. The DICT Mindanao Cluster 1 handed over the donation to City Veterinarian Dr. Mario Ariola, who is also the Licomo Border in-Charge; and Alan Aizon, of the Computer Services Division of the local government. DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II said: “Through Free Wi-Fi (program), we want to reach places where there is min-
imal to no fiber and tower. Thus, we are currently carrying out Free Wi-Fi installation to target more geographically isolated and disadvantaged sites through the use of very small aperture terminal or VSAT Satellite.” Honasan said DICT has launched over 8,000 Wi-Fi sites in various national government agencies, hospitals, public schools, state universities and colleges, airports and terminals, and other public places nationwide. (Zamboanga Post)
Covid-19 restricts Holy Week activities Continued from page 1 begins with the liturgy on the evening of Maundy Thursday, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil, and closes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday. This was also confirmed by Mayor Beng Climaco, saying local government representatives have met with Fathers Leh C. Taib and Louino V. Alejandro, of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, and have agreed that traditional religious activities during the Holy Week will have limited participation and subject to the minimum health and safety protocols such as the wearing of face masks and face shields and physical distancing. Following prohibitions by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on processions, the Santo
Entierro shall be omitted, as well as the procession on Stations of the Cross in public places, such as in Abong-Abong, Pasonanca, Buenavista, Lumiyap, among others. To avoid any tactile contact on the cross used during the Veneration of the Cross, only the presider shall kiss the cross while the faithful shall venerate by bowing before it. The local government will also adjust the curfew hours from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. on April 1 (Holy Thursday) to give the faithful the opportunity to attend the Visita Iglesia, and on April 3 (Easter Vigil). The “Salubong” shall take place within church grounds while the Regina Caeli shall be modified to involve a limited number of cantors and musicians exceeding the age of 15, as
per IATF-EID guidelines. Salubong is a Filipino Easter tradition that has been observed for a long time. It is a ritual that re-enacts the meeting of Jesus Christ and His mother, Mary after His resurrection. And Regina Caeli is one of four Marian antiphons, with following versicles and prayers, traditionally said or sung after night prayer, immediately before going to sleep. It is said throughout Eastertide. (That is, from Easter Day through Pentecost, the seventh Sunday after Easter. The Regina Caeli is also said in place of the Angelus during Eastertide. This is the second year where Holy Week activities have been limited to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 through mass gatherings. (Claudine Uniana, Zamboanga Post)
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Social welfare programs continue
M
AYOR BENG Climaco distributed financial aid to the victims of a recent fire on a village here and those who sought medical and burial assistance as part of the local government’s social welfare programs.
Sunday Reflection
by Mayor Beng Climaco
Mayor Beng Climaco, assisted by San Jose Gusu Barangay Chairman Joel Esteban distribute financial aid to fire victims. (Bong Serondo) Climaco led the distribution of aid held at City Hall. She was assisted by San Jose Gusu Barangay Chairman Joel Esteban and representatives from the City Social Welfare and Devel-
opment Office (CSWDO), and the City Treasurer’s Office. Another fire also gutted at least 377 houses in Barangay Baliwasan and the conflagration displaced at least 400 fam-
Zamboanga Peninsula
ilies. The mayor also ordered the CSWDO chief Socorro Rojas to assist the fire victims, many of them are temporarily housed at the covered court of the Baliwasan Central School. Rojas said they put up a soup kitchen and provided fire victims - upon Climaco’s order – relief goods, among others. “The CSWDO has set up a community kitchen at the temporary shelter and coordinates with different groups and organizations and individuals who are sharing their blessings to the homeless families,” Rojas said. Climaco personally visited the fire victims and sympathized with them. She also distributed relief items at the temporary shelters during her visit. The mayor instructed the Housing and Land Management Division to conduct the validation of displaced families, tagging and spot mapping of houses and structures destroyed in the fire. (Zamboanga Post)
Basilan
Fifth Sunday of Lent Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15 Hebrews 5:7-9, John 12:20-33 TODAY (March 21), SR. MARY GLORIA, of Carmel OCD Zamboanga City, celebrated her 50th Jubilee of her profession of vows to God. Fr. Cantico Muñoz in the homily highlighted God’s presence in our journey. For someone like him from Tanjay City, in Negros Oriental, Sr. Gloria renounced everything to follow the Lord! We have been blessed by their mission in Zamboanga City. Yesterday, we rushed to Baliwasan Seaside to help in the conflagration. As I arrived, someone led me to the area like an angel guiding me. My pink boots caught the wire and I almost stumbled. There was a thick black burned wood, grey smoke and hot wall with the ground wet with water, people in shock, wanting to save what was left. On our way out with Councilor Pinpin Pareja, a slim figure met us crying and concerned. This beautiful lady, Kagawad Jeng Tawasil, recounted the tragedy on how the fire started in an abandoned area. They instinctively saved their loved ones. She also had a brother who served in the Barangay Council previously. Despite of her lost, only the clothes in her body, I saw the beautiful heart of a Moslem sister in her, she abandoned her need and even went to the Baliwasan Central School later because of her big love for the people. Her concern was to serve, to care and to help amidst her loss. In pangatayan niya landoh makasi iban malasa pa mga manusiya. Meeting with BFP and PNP officials and Councilor El King Omaga, we surveyed the seaside area. A 3-storey house would serve as a lookout tower. My heart bled seeing the burned appliances and the master’s bedroom all covered na carbon. The stairway was still burning and we had to retreat. On our way out, young Moslem men, mothers, and grandmothers responded with so much gratitude despite the loss. Councilor El King Omaga mobilized assistance with bread, and support very early past 4 a.m. while Councilor Pinpin Pareja shared vehicles para lleva maga victima na Baliwasan School. I saw generosity in place with another Moslem family setting up table with coffee and pan de sal. A PNP personnel stood with his wife still dedicated with the issued firearm amidst the loss. Later Congressman Jawo Jimenez would lead many to help out the CSWDO and Barangay Captain Joel Esteban mobilized the L200 vehicle to help out. As I nursed my blistered feet helping the fire fighters as Uncle Cesar did, amidst the pain, love and kindness prevailed!
Sulu
Last Sunday, we had a medical emergency and my dear classmate Dr. May Gonzales, as God used her to save my life, referred me to Dr. Alex Cerillo. I accompanied my dear Mama Lu and we were met by Mrs. Cerillo and our experience in the clinic was swift and comforting. Later on, Dr. Anna-Lissa Ruste Chan relieved me of my discomfort. They are angels that make me bow down in gratitude to God! Gracias damu gid nga salamat! This week was the Feast of St. Joseph and 150 years ago was declared patron of the Universal Church. He is a special patron in my life who interceded for me to have a husband like Jose my dad. In our problems like St. Theresa of Avila and Pope Francis, we go to Joseph. Like our Blessed Mother Mary, they intercede for us to Jesus. Despite of challenges, God answers my prayer. “Create a clean heart in me and grant me a steadfast spirit!” He reminds me that he led me to victory and serve as Mayor and despite of my faults and failures for as long as I surrender in FAITH to GOD we will prevail. GOD called me and led me to serve Him as Mayor and He will grant me the strength to persevere if I surrender to HIM. Ipaglalaban ko ito for the people, for our colleagues and above all, for God! Just as Sr. Gloria and Kagawad Jeng has shown, may we totally surrender all to God and abandon our concerns to God! The essence of our Salvation is narrated in today’s Reading II, Heb 5:7-9. In the days when Christ Jesus was in the flesh, He offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered; and when He was made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. (MBC)
Tawi-tawi