Can a vaccinated person still spread the coronavirus? Nine vaccines have proved effective at protecting people from developing symptoms of Covid-19, the disease that can result from infection with the SARSCoV-2 virus. It’s not yet known, however, how well the inoculations prevent people from getting an asymptomatic infection or passing the virus on to others. Preliminary signs suggest they do at least some of both. 1. Why is this important? While getting vaccinated gives people considerable insurance against falling
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ill with Covid, which is sometimes fatal, it’s so far no assurance that they won’t get silently infected with SARS-CoV-2 and pass it on, potentially sickening people who aren’t immune. Those who are infected but never develop symptoms are responsible for 24% of transmission, one study estimated. The more SARS-CoV-2 circulates, the more opportunity the virus has to mutate in ways that enhance its ability to spread, sicken and kill people, and evade the immunity provided by existing vaccines or a
past infection. Already, variants of the virus have emerged that appear to be more dangerous. Also, using vaccination to achieve so-called herd immunity, when an entire community is protected though not everyone has been immunized, requires vaccines that prevent transmission. 2. Don’t vaccines stop the infection and thus transmission? Some do and some don’t. The gold standard in vaccinology is to stop infection as well as disease -- providing
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so-called sterilizing immunity. But it’s not always achieved. The vaccine for measles, for example, provides it; the one for hepatitis B does not. 3. Do Covid vaccines have to prevent infection to stop transmission? Not necessarily. To the extent a vaccine prevents infection, it also prevents forward transmission. But it can do the latter without doing the former. Since SARS-CoV-2 spreads through respiratory particles from an infected Continue on page 7
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New Covid variants in Zamboanga? ‘U.K. variant found in Zambo Norte, Zambo Sur’
T
HE SURGE in Covid-19 cases in Zamboanga City may have been caused by new strains or variants of the novel coronavirus that are now plaguing the National Capital Region and other provinces in the country. From a little over 3o has more than 1,300 new spite strict quarantine active Covid-19 cases in cases and the number measures and health March, Zamboanga now continues to climb deContinue on page 2
Zambo targets to build 1,000-bed Covid wards Health workers take swab samples from residents in Zamboanga City.
Good Job Mayor, Good Job Zamboanga! ZAMBOANGA CITY climbed four notches to become the 15th in the “Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index (CMCI)” and distinguished itself this year as the 5th Most Improved Local Government among all 33 highly urbanized cities in the country – 16 of which are located in Continue on page 3
Mayor Beng Climaco inspects a government building. She orders additional construction of Covid-19 isolation wards due to the rising number of active cases here.
Vaccinated or not, negative RTPCR test still required for travellers THE CITY government of Zamboanga said all indi-
Mayor Beng Climaco during the announcement of the ranking in the 2020 “Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index.” Zamboanga City is the 5th Most Improved Local Government among all 33 highly urbanized cities in the country – 16 of which are located in Metro Manila.
Zamboanga Peninsula
THERE IS now a shortage of Covid-19 wards in both private and government hospitals due to the steady increase in active cases of the new Continue on page 3
Basilan
viduals who have received their Covid-19 vaccine or
those who are fully Continue on page 2
‘Don Quixote de la Zamboanga’ MAYOR BENG Climaco seems to be fighting alone the Covid-19 pandemic ala
“Don Quixote de la Mancha,” the character in the Spanish novel written by
Sulu
Miguel deCervantes. Although Climaco is Continue on page 7
Tawi-tawi
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New Covid variants in Zamboanga? ‘U.K. variant found in Zambo Norte, Zambo Sur’
Continued from page 1 protocols imposed by the local Covid-19 task force headed by Mayor Beng Climaco. The sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in the country was largely blamed on the new variants of SARSCoV-2 or Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 and quickly spread across the globe. Zamboanga Peninsula In March, the Department of Health said it has confirmed the presence of Covid-19 U.K. variant in Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur from 2 overseas Filipino workers who arrived home from Kuwait and Abu Dhabi in February. But Zamboanga Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite claims the city remains free from the new Covid-19 variants, but the spike in active cases is so alarming that there are no more available Covid-9 wards in hospitals. Among the early Covid-19 variants are those from the United Kingdom or U.K. and South Africa, but according to the medical website Mayo Clinic, viruses constantly change through mutation. Currently, several variants of the SARS-CoV-2 that causes Covid-19 are creating concern because they contain mutations in the spike-like S protein that the virus uses to bind to and infect cells.
Covid-19 Variants A variant identified in the U.K. (B.1.1.7). This Covid-19 variant appears to spread more easily and might have an increased risk of death. A variant identified in South Africa (B.1.351). This variant appears to spread more easily. It also has a moderate impact on the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody medications and moderately reduces the effectiveness of antibodies generated by a previous Covid-19 infection or Covid-19 vaccine. A variant identified in Japan/Brazil (P.1). This variant has a moderate impact on the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody medications. It also reduces the effectiveness of antibodies generated by a previous Covid-19 infection or a Covid-19 vaccine. A variant identified in the U.S. (California) (B.1.427). This variant appears to spread more easily. It also has a significant impact on the effectiveness of some treatments and moderately reduces the effectiveness of antibodies generated by a previous Covid-19 infection or Covid-19 vaccine. A variant identified in the U.S. (California) (B.1.429). This variant appears to spread more easily. It also has a significant impact on the effectiveness of some treatments and moderately reduces the effectiveness of antibodies generated by a previous Covid-19 infection or
Covid-19 vaccine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also monitoring two variants identified in New York — B.1.526 and B.1.525 — and another variant identified in Brazil — P.2. But a new Covid-19 variant, officially designated as Lineage P.3, was also detected in the Philippines in March this year as reported by the Philippine Genome Center. IATF-MEID The increase in Covid-19 cases in Zamboanga City was reported after the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) relaxed its travel protocols across the country and allowed people to go from one place to another without medical certificates and RT-PCR tests. And this was aggravated by the continued violations of the health protocols and complacency of residents despite Climaco’s repeated appeals to locals to observe the guidelines. “This is the reason why the City Government is intensifying enforcement of preventive measures such as wearing of face masks and face shields by residents, practicing hand hygiene and physical distancing, to include restricting mobility of people and even temporary closure of beaches and resorts to curb transmission of Covid-19,” she said.
Vaccinated or not, negative RT-PCR test still required for travellers Continued from page 1 vaccinated are still required to present their negative RT-PCR test results. Mayor Beng Climaco, who chairs the local Covid-19 task force, said just like all other travellers entering Zamboanga City must have negative Covid-19 results – whether by Saliva RT-PCR test or nasopharyngeal RT-PCR test. Climaco said the Department of Health and the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force
on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) have yet to release or come up with guidelines on travels of vaccinated individuals. She earlier issued Executive Order 6512021 that mandates all inbound passengers, whether APOR (Authorized Persons Outside Residence) or private individuals, regardless of reason or purpose of entry, including transit travellers to present negative RT-PCR test result within 5 days from date of spec-
imen collection, whether swab test or Saliva RTPCR test, together with their valid identification cards to entry into Zamboanga City. “These are temporary measures designed to curb the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in order to promote the health and safety of the general welfare of the citizens,” the mayor said, adding, the executive order took effect April 22 and shall remain in force until lifted, amended or superseded. (Zamboanga Post)
“Otherwise, if the (Covid-19) cases become unmanageable then the national government might declare ECQ and we do not want to be under ECQ because of its effects on the livelihood of people,” she added, referring to the strictest Enhanced Community Quarantine status. Private and government hospitals have put up additional wards to address the spike in the number of patients with the deadly respiratory disease. The Zamboanga City Medical Center has already converted other wards to accommodate Covid-19 patients with nurses working at least six or 12 hours per shift. Climaco stressed that in confronting the pandemic, the government has to balance medical science, facts and opportunity for people to be healed. Stricter Measures Based on the recommendation of the City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Elmeir Apolinario, the local government has asked
the IATF-MEID to revert Zamboanga to General Community Quarantine status from the current Modified General Community Quarantine to restrict the movement of people and control the spread of the disease. “The request for GCQ is based on the recommendation of Doctor Miravite and CDRRMO. Hace kita claro, we do not want any form of ECQ because if it is implemented, the people will really suffer. That is why I am asking everyone, this possibility is a likelihood just like in Metro Manila and I don’t think it is something we welcome in the city,” Climaco said, stressing that people must fully cooperate and support the government in the fight against Covid-19 to prevent further increase in the number of infections here. The IATF-MEID and President Rodrigo Duterte will have to decide whether to place Zamboanga and other areas where there are a high number of Covid-19 cases based on their assessment on the Covid-19 situation.
Climaco said the local government is making available the needed resources to assist people who are affected by temporary granular lockdowns in the barangays should Covid-19 cases spread rapidly. She also issued Executive Order 651-2021 that mandates all inbound passengers, whether APOR (Authorized Persons Outside Residence) or private individuals, regardless of reason or purpose of entry, including transit travellers to present negative RT-PCR test result within 5 days from date of specimen collection, whether swab test or Saliva RT-PCR test, together with their valid identification cards to entry into Zamboanga City. “These are temporary measures designed to curb the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in order to promote the health and safety of the general welfare of the citizens,” the mayor said, adding, the executive order took effect April 22 and shall remain in force until lifted, amended or superseded. (Zamboanga Post)
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Good Job Mayor, Good Job Zamboanga!
Zambo targets to build 1,000-bed Covid wards Continued from page 1 coronavirus disease. Mayor Beng Climaco, head of the local Covid-19 task force, has ordered at least 300 additional beds on top of the 700 beds in various isolation facilities to address the growing number of patients. “Our original plan of 700-bed capacity isolation facilities has already been increased to 1000-bed capacity,” she said, urging residents anew to follow the health protocols. “No amount of our (virtual news) presser or warning can resolve this (health) issue if people do not respond accordingly. The important thing is that we take into account and consideration que el Covid-19 hinde ta escoge maga gente. Hinde egual antes, uno lang ta queda active na un casa, este tiempo, el entero miembros de familia ta queda (Covid-19) positive,” she added. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite confirmed that most hospitals in Zamboanga City are now full. Climaco ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the City Engineer’s Office to build more isolation facilities. At present, the local government is the fol-
lowing as isolation centers - Ateneo de Zamboanga University Lantaka, Euntes Asian Mission Center, the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and the Baliwasan Grandstand. The mayor has been regularly inspecting repair and renovation of the isolation wards. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also built isolation facilities in Barangay Pasonanca to augment the existing quarantine facilities and mitigate the rapid spread of the deadly respiratory virus. The construction of the quarantine facility followed the standard designs and plans proposed by the DPWH in collaboration with the Department of Health. Three more tents will be constructed by DPWH with 30 more beds capacity. The facility consists of two constructed tents with 20 beds capacity and are equipped with air conditioner units, adequate lighting and ventilation, uninterrupted electricity supply, potable water source and sewer line. It has separate doors intended for entrance and exit while a common toilet and bath is constructed adjacent to each tent. The project was re-
cently inaugurated by DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain and turned over to Climaco and was also witnessed by DPWH Region 9 Director Cayamombao Dia and Assistant Director Honorato Saldua. Climaco, head of the local Covid-19 task force, thanked DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, saying the isolation facility, completed at the more opportune time, will go a long way in controlling further spread Covid-19. The mayor also made sure that those families affected by the granular lockdown due to Covid-19 receive their food aid. And just recently, Climaco asked Councilor El King Omaga to assist the San Roque Barangay Council led by its chairman Edgardo Delgado in the distribution of family packs from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for some 40 families whose houses are under lockdown. The CSWDO under Maria Socorro Rojas said other areas under lockdown also received food packs as part of the Climaco administration’s program to “heal the sick, feed the hungry.” (Zamboanga Post, Jasmine Mohammadsali)
Continued from page 1 Metro Manila. The CMCI is an annual ranking of cities and municipalities based on four pillars namely Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, and Resiliency. It was developed by the National Competitiveness Council through the Regional Competitiveness Committees with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development. From 19th place in 2019, Zamboanga not only improved drastically but also placed 10th in Economic Dynamism pillar; ranked 17th in Government Efficiency pillar and 17th place in Infrastructure pillar and 29th in Resiliency pillar. The local government along with other cities and municipalities were feted recently by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It said next year’s awards will include the 5th pillar which is “Innovation” to encompass the initiatives of cities and municipalities to harness new technology, digital transformation, and innovative thinking to boost competitiveness and sustain operations, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mayor Beng Climaco praised the civil employees and their department heads, as well as those who continued to support her administration, especially during this time of the pandemic and the heightened political propaganda and attacks against her administration. “I thanked each and every one in the local government and above all God who continues to guide us all. To God be the glory,” she told the Zamboanga Post in a phone interview. Number 1 Just recently, the local government also topped the entire Western Mindanao region in Covid-19 response despite the surge in community transmission
in the latest assessment of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) The DILG said the local government is number 1 in functionality rating garnering 86.5 percent and beating the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte, including the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog and Pagadian. Climaco thanked the DILG and all those who contributed in fighting the pandemic – from barangay health workers to the medical frontliners and security forces, including various local government departments. She said the highest rating the local government received from the DILG only proves and demonstrated the hard work and dedication put up by each and every frontliners to save the lives of others. “We are encourage by the (high) functionality rating (given by the DILG) as this gives us the will to carry on and do what we have to do to keep our people safe and protected from Covid-19 amediante el alto caso del aqui na ciudad,” she said. “Este functionality rating que ya dale el Departamento del Interior ta sirvi como inspiracion con todo canaton, especialmente el de atun compañeros na gobierno local sin descanso ta trabaja cay ustedes el de amun numero uno prioridad, el de ustedes salud y seguridad el numero uno na de amun prioridad poreso ta apela kame con todo con ustedes dale grande responsabilidad na proteccion de cada egual familia,” she added. Climaco said the raging battle to stop, if not reduce the spread of the deadly virus and other Covid-19 variants, is not only the work of government alone, but of everyone as everybody is vulnerable to the dreaded disease. Thank You All The mayor praised the various departments at
City Hall and the local police force and military for their role in Covid-19 response. She has, since last year, has nothing to say but praises to all Covid-19 frontliners from Barangay Health Workers and their leaders and officials, to the doctors and nurses both in private and government hospitals, and all those involved in the fight against the disease – and calling them all “modern-day heroes.” “Ta rindi tamen kita gracias con todo que ya contribui con este (alto) functionality rating (del DILG), talli el policia, el CDRRMO, el City Health Office, City Tourism Office, City Accounting Office, el Office of the City Planning (and Development Coordinator),el Office of the City Engineer, y todo con aquellos que ya hace este posible,” the mayor said. Very Good In March this year, the Department of Health (DOH) even cited the Climaco administration for topping in the anti-tuberculosis (TB) campaign in the whole of the Zamboanga Peninsula region despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Zamboanga City was also the sole recipient of the “Population Testing Rate Award” for garnering the highest percentage of the population tested for TB last year. And even in the midst of the local government efforts to completely eliminate the deadly Covid-19, the local government has not lost sight of its priority programs that benefit the Zamboangueño people. Considering the restrictions and the challenges posed by the pandemic on the anti-TB campaign, the local government though the City Health Office and Barangay Health Workers and others who were involved in the program, managed to vaccinate majority of its population against the lung disease. (Zamboanga Post)
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Can a vaccinated person still spread the coronavirus? Continued from page 1 person’s throat and nose, a vaccine that reduces the duration of the infection, the amount of virus in the respiratory tract (the viral load), or how often an infected person coughs may decrease the likelihood of it being transmitted to others. 4. Why don’t we know whether Covid
vaccines prevent infection and transmission? The trials testing the vaccines weren’t set up to answer those questions first. Rather, they were designed to initially determine the more urgent matter of whether vaccines would prevent people from getting sick and overwhelming medical systems. To explore that ques-
‘Don Quixote de la Zamboanga’ Continued from page 1 assisted by the local task force on Covid-19 which she chairs, the fight against the spread of the deadly respiratory illness cannot be won unless barangay officials do their jobs. The local task force on Covid-19 can be likened to Sancho Panza, another character in the novel of Cervantes. Panza, a simple farmer, was recruited by Don Quixote as his squire. Just like in the book, today’s pandemic is the wind mills that Don Quixote thought are giants and he fought it gallantly. But Don Quixote cannot fight the giants alone, and even with his squire; and so is Climaco and her Covid-19 task force. Many people in different barangay shave continuously violated the strict health protocols and quarantine guidelines imposed by the local government in an effort to stop or control the spread of the Covid-19. Barangay officials and their tanods are nowhere in sight to enforce the health protocols and worst, some of them violate the guidelines they are supposed to impose on their constituents – not wearing face masks and face shields properly, and even broke protocols on social distancing, among others. Climaco’s only consolation is the hardwork and dedication of soldiers and policemen in imposing the health protocols, but they could only do so much. Residents are hard-headed and complacent as if Covid-19 is just a simple flu. Even the mayor’s Facebook page are full of insults and expletives from people who do not understand why the local government has to strictly impose and adhere to the guidelines set by the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID). The profanities of those who cursed Climaco were full of rage. Many of them are political propagandists and trolls, fake accounts and people who are not even natives of Zamboanga. And sadly, the administrators of Climaco’s social media page allowed all these and failed terribly in defending the mayor, not even deleting the libelous comments. Being religious and a devout Catholic, Climaco only offers prayers to those who wish her ill and people
who be smirched her reputation. She leaves everything to God, her Savior and Protector. With the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Zamboanga, Climaco fears the national
government may place the city under a strict quarantine measure unless residents follow health protocols religiously. Climaco said if the Covid-19 situation becomes uncontrollable due to the continued violations of the health protocols and complacency of residents, the IATF-MEID could impose severe measures just as it did last year at the start of the pandemic. “This is the reason why the City Government is intensifying enforcement of preventive measures such as wearing of face masks and face shields by residents,practicing hand hygiene and physical distancing, to include restricting mobility of people and even temporary closure of beaches and resorts to curb transmission of Covid-19,” she said. “Otherwise, if the (Covid-19) cases become unmanageable then the national government might declare ECQ and we do not want to be under ECQ because of its effects on the livelihood of people,” she added, referring to the strictest Enhanced Community Quarantine status. Police continue to apprehend hundreds of health protocols violators every day despite the rising cases of Covid-19. Zamboanga City had a little over three dozen active Covid-19 cases in March. And even Health Assistant Secretary Romeo Ong congratulated the local government for keeping the number of active Covid-19 cases below 100. 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 anational, 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 ef-
fective 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. But the local health situation quickly changed and Zamboanga now has more than 1,000 active Covid-19 cases and the spike in the number of infections occurred after the IATF-MEID relaxed its travel protocols across the country and allowed people to go from one place to another without medical certificates and RT-PCR tests. Private and government hospitals have put up additional wards to address the spike in the number of patients with the deadly respiratory disease. But it was not enough. Climaco stressed that in confronting the pandemic, the government has to balance medical science, facts and opportunity for people to be healed. Based on the recommendation of the City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Elmeir Apolinario, the local government has asked the IATF-MEID to revert Zamboanga to General Community Quarantine status from the current Modified General Community Quarantine to restrict the movement of people and control the spread of the disease. “The request for GCQ is based on the recommendation of Doctor Miravite and CDRRMO. Hace kitaclaro, we do not want any form of ECQ because if it is implemented, the people will really suffer. That is why I am asking everyone, this possibility is a likelihood just like in Metro Manila and I don’t think it is something we welcome in the city,” Climaco said, reiterating that people have to fully cooperate and support the government in the fight against Covid-19 to prevent further increase in the number of infections here. (Zamboanga Post)
tion, researchers typically gave one group of volunteers the experimental vaccine and another group of equal size a placebo. After the total number of volunteers with confirmed Covid symptoms in the trial reached a pre-set level, investigators compared the number in each group to determine whether those who got the vaccine fared significantly better than those who received the placebo. For the inoculations that have worked, the vaccine groups have had anywhere from 50% to 95% fewer cases of sickness, figures that are referred to as the vaccines’ efficacy rates. 5. Why not check volunteers for asymptomatic infections as well? That’s a more complicated undertaking since the only way to know about asymptomatic infections is to regularly test volunteers, who can number into the tens of thousands in an efficacy trial. Still, about two dozen studies involving the vaccines proven to prevent disease are doing just that. 6. What have they found? Results so far are preliminary. The most extensive data released concern the vaccine made by AstraZeneca Plc. In a study in the U.K., volunteers are checked for SARS-CoV-2 infections using weekly self-administered nose and throat swabs. According to results as of Dec. 7, after a single dose, the group that received the vaccine had 67% fewer positive swabs than the placebo group, suggesting the vaccine cuts down on infections as well as disease. Earlier, Moderna Inc. reported similar results from people who had received a single dose of its vaccine as of November. 7. What other evidence do we have? Data from Israel, which has inoculated a higher percentage of its population than any other country, provide clues that the vaccine in use there, from Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE, may reduce transmission even if it doesn’t protect against
infection. After more than 75% of people age 60 or older had received one vaccine dose and only 25% of those between the ages of 40 and 60 had, researchers from Israel’s biggest coronavirus testing lab looked at their data. For those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, there was a notable difference between the two age groups in the average amount of virus found in test swabs. The researchers estimated that vaccination reduces the viral load by 1.6 to 20 times in individuals who become infected despite the shot. Another study in Israel, following people who became infected after inoculation, found the vaccine reduced their viral load fourfold. Also, a study of Moderna’s Covid vaccine in monkeys suggested that it will reduce, if not completely prevent, onward transmission of the virus. 8. When will we know more? As vaccination becomes more widespread, researchers should be able to discern the effect on infection and transmission patterns, although it can be difficult to distinguish the impact of inoculations from that of measures such as lockdowns and mask mandates. The completion of the vaccine trials testing for asymptomatic infections will bring additional information. Two trials are expected to finish in April. However, one is of a vaccine from China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd., which has a reported efficacy rate as low as 50% against symptomatic disease. The other tests the Russian Gamaleya Research Institute’s shot, whose efficacy rate against symptoms was 92% in clinical trials, but it’s a small study. September should bring the completion of sizable trials of highly efficacious vaccines. Results for the shots that have proved most effective at preventing disease (95%), from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, aren’t expected until October 2022 and January 2023, respectively. (ETHealthworld.com – The Economic Times)
SM Arise Project, UAP to build isolation facility in San Jose Gusu
Photos released by San Jose Gusu Barangay Joel Esteban show the facility being undertaken by the UAP Zamboanga City Chapter and SM Arise Project. THE LOCAL chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) is building an isolation facility in Barangay San Jose Gusu with the support of the SM Arise Project. The facility, which cost some P1.4 million, was donated by SM Arise Project with the UAP undertaking the construction, including the rehabilitation of the old
barangay hall. Once the project is completed, the UAP will turn it over to the local government and to the barangay officials, according to Mayor Beng Climaco. Climaco thanked SM Arise Project and members of the local UAP for undertaking such a benevolent project that will benefit Zamboanga and
its people, especially in fighting the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Muchisimas gracias SM Arise Project and UAP Zamboanga Chapter. We also thank the leadership of Barangay Captain Joel Esteban and all barangays in helping our government heal the sick and feed the hungry with God’s grace,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
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May 3-9, 2021
Zambo still ASF-free D ESPITE THE pandemic, the local government continues its intensified campaign not only against the spread of Covid-19, but also to prevent the entry of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in Zamboanga City. The ASF virus is transmit- scores the need for the imme- sure against the contagious anted by direct contact, ingestion diate adaption of the National imal disease. Climaco said the Office of of garbage or swill feeds con- African Swine Fever prevention taining unprocessed infected program to protect Zamboanga the City Veterinarian (OCVet) pig meat or pig meat products, from the dreaded animal dis- also regularly conducts animal ticks and biting flies, and con- ease and protect the swine in- deworming, anti-rabies vaccination and even vitamin suptaminated premises, vehicles, dustry and stakeholders. equipment and clothing. She ordered checkpoints plementation for employees While not a human health in entry and exit points in Zam- under the OCVet to ensure their threat, the ASF is capable of boanga to ensure that no in- health and welfare. The OCVet has so far annihilating the entire swine fected hogs and its pork prodinjected anti-rabies shots to industry. As of yet, no vaccine ucts slip past the city. And OCVet personnel con- nearly 300 dogs and cats and or treatment exists to combat the virus. But stringent impor- tinue to inspect and conduct provided deworming agents tation policies, early detection disinfection of trucks transport- to cattle and poultry, includand strict biosecurity mea- ing live pigs and other animals ing goats and pigs in differsures are being carried out to to Zamboanga to protect the ent villages. It also conducted meat ensure Zamboanga City re- hog population against the ASF. Strict protocols are also inspection, visited poultry mains ASF-free. Last year, Mayor Beng Cli- being observed to monitor and raisers and held dialogues maco issued Executive Order regulate the entry of hog and with stakeholders, especially No. BC 596-2020 which under- pork products here as a mea- on ASF. (Zamboanga Post)
A photo from the Office of the City Veterinarian shows a veterinary worker inspecting a truck transporting live hogs in Zamboanga City.
Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco Photos released by the OCENR show the participants to the mangrove planting efforts in Barangay Mampang.
Zambo’s future mangrove forest SOME 800 square meters of open space in Zamboanga City’s coastal village of Mampang have been planted with mangrove propagules and further boosting the ecological security and environment advocacy of the Climaco administration. Mayor Beng Climaco said the local government through the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources - spearheaded the planting efforts in celebration of Earth Day. Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EarthDay.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries, including the Philippines. Climaco said the Zamboanga City Government
Employees Cooperative, JCI-Zamboanga City La Bella and the group called Mi Ciudad de Zamboanga: De aton este, participated in the event. The mangrove planting forms part of the local government’s coastal area project in an effort to restore and create more mangrove forests and mitigate the impact of climate change, among others. Last year, the City Development Council (CDC) headed by Climaco endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for approval the local government’s management and development plans for watersheds and central mangrove forestlands, and the shelter plan for the next 10 years. The CDC also gave its imprimatur on the Management Framework Plan of the Central Mangrove Forestlands of Zamboanga covering 2,684.57 hectares in barangays of Rio Hondo, Mariki, Kasanyangan,
Zamboanga Peninsula
Tugbungan, Mampang, Talon-Talon and Arena Blanco. The central mangrove forests represent 51.2% of the 5,243.80 hectares of the total mangrove areas in the city. The plans also seek to address the issues on timber poaching. The CDC reviewed, adapted and endorsed the Updated Ayala and Manicahan Watershed Management and Development Plans 20202030 which was prepared by a technical working group and participated by stakeholders and follows the “ridge to reef” concept and landscape approach. Ridge to reef approach is a “whole-of-ecosystem” and refers to integrated approaches to freshwater and coastal area management emphasizing the inter-connections between the natural and social systems through coastal watersheds and habitats. (Zamboanga Post)
Basilan
Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 4:8-12, Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29 1 John 3:1-2, John 10:11-18 Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” IN THE Philippines, it is not common to see sheep. When I was a high school teacher, I remember bringing my three white puppies to act as sheep for the Christmas presentation of the Holy Family. In 2000 Jubilee Pilgrimage, I was blessed by God to join our CLC group fulfilling my Father’s wishes who died that same year. In a remote place in Italy, I would notice the flock of sheep grazing in the hillside. Around 6 years ago, after my talk to a group of Zamboangueños, Mr. Nonito Bernardo, the ever generous and an epitome of a Zamboangueño, gave me a female sheep whom we named Aiora. Years later, he gifted me another male sheep and I gave it to my cousin to care for. A wonderful coincidence as today we reflect on Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care of our common home. The Celebration of Mother Earth. Like Jesus the Good Shepherd, we are stewards of God’s creation. We have a responsibility to care for our environment and not to abuse it. The pandemic has brought destruction of lives and we must do our share to help. Lately too, we see so much negativity, destroying others instead of building, pollutants of the air as the virus that chokes the breath, there is also an intensity of pollution even in social media since it’s very easy to rant and rave. I am tempted to respond in pain, but I reflect on Jesus. “He is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone!” Rejection that has led to our salvation. Cosa man si ya puede man balus kay ya destrosa y deshonra? Este ba victoria? Este ba señal de fuerza? I am too weak to retaliate, but I listen in respect. In the Easter celebration, we see a testament of God’s humiliation that has led to our salvation. Literally my migraine clouds my spirit to fight back. But it is also
Sulu
God’s way of telling me: “I am the Good Shepherd, I will take care of you!” I surrender all to God. As our Covid positive cases now are over 1,000, we continue to work harder to help “Heal the Sick and Feed the Hungry” with God’s grace. I communicated with the chairpersons of top barangays with Covid cases and rolled out our CSWDO food packs to assist families on lockdown. We make sure to extend help and use resources to aid our barangays. Tetuan Barangay Captain Walmart Atilano was hopeful that there would be recoveries. And Santa Maria Barangay Captain Los Eli Angeles was thankful for the food packs. A single mother who questioned her existence after being positive with Covid had us ensure to take care of her children left by themselves as she went on isolation. She sent a text the other day, telling me she was going home! Gracias a Dios! I cannot please everyone. I know God has called me to serve Him in the mission and do His will. God will fight my battles. Fr. Jude Duncombe tells me, “Jesus is your lawyer”. Yesterday in Garnette’s word was a sign of Hope! Heaven opening up possibilities! Dr. Joshua Brillantes and DOH team with Dr. DulceMiravite, Eng. Chris Navarro, and Dr. Elmeir Apolinario had an ocular inspection for a possible isolation facility. A spacious distant place of healing we are called to prepare. Very timely! As I walked the vast spaces, I am mindful that I too might be a patient in this isolation facility since I am not vaccinated like Dr. Brilliantes. If there is a lesson I want to impart, it is the Ignatian teaching. Finding God in the ordinary. What is God telling me in the events of life? As we left the place hopeful, I received another good news this time from DOLE Dir. Roy Buenafe making available Contact Tracers in partnership with DILG and DOH. Miracles do happen. This is God’s Community / City Pantry of Resources shared to help our Beloved Zamboanga City. Amediante de Pandemia y monton de problema, el Dios nuestro Salvador junto con La Virgen Maria y San Jose ta esta presente na di aton vida. Following the Good Shepherd, may we genuinely commit to care for each other and our world! (MBC)
Tawi-tawi