HAJJ
Lawmakers want probe on alleged fraud READ STORY ON PAGE 5
Rep. Samier Tan
Founded July 2019
Rep. Shernee Tambut
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Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2020
ZCWD general manager, pinagbibitiw sa puwesto! M
AINIT NGAYON ang panawagang magbitiw sa kanyang puwesto si Leonardo Rey Vasquez, ang general manager ng Zamboanga City Water District, dahil sa umano’y palpak na serbisyo ng ZCWD at sa isinusulong nitong water rate increase. Kabilang sa mga kom naman ang bibig ng nanawagang mag-resign mga board of directors si Vasquez ay si Zamboan- na naturang panawagan. ga Rep. Cesar Jimenez Jr. Nais ng ZCWD na Ngunit sinabi ni Vasquez madagdagan ang sinna ang mga board of di- gil sa konsumo ng tubig rectors lamang ng ZCWD upang may magamit na ang maaaring magtanggal pondo sa pagpapalit ng Continue on page 3 sa kanya sa puwesto. Ti-
Si Mayor Beng Climaco at Vice Mayor Rommel Agan habang nakikinig sa paliwanag ni ZCWD General Manager Leonardo Rey Vasquez ukol sa water rate increase. (City Hall)
Beng sees ‘glorious’ destiny for Zamboanga WITH TWO years left in her third and final term as local chief executive, Mayor Beng Climaco vows to continuously work hard for the bene-
fit of all Zamboangueños as she cited the vibrant economy and glorious destiny for a better and brighter Zamboanga City. “We are just getting
started and the possibilities and unlimited potential of the City of Zamboanga excites us to plan and to continuously work hard so that an amazing quality
of life will be within reach for every Zamboangueno family as we enter a new decade,” Climaco said. “Our City is now Continue on page 2
Mayor Beng Climaco, who donated push carts for the Zamboanga International Airport, poses with airport workers in this photo taken 2018.
First Standard Finance Corporation Zamboanga City 0995-5202358 FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE
Toyota Fortuner P795,000
Mitsubishi Strada HONDA CITY SPORT P899,000
P475,000
Suzuki Swift P350,000
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The Zamboanga Post
Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2020
Beng sees ‘glorious’ destiny for Zamboanga
Continued from page 1 vibrant more than ever and our economy is thriving – a boom that has rarely been seen before. Now is the time to transcend beyond our differences and unite, because when we are all together, we win as one. We share one heart, one home, one victory and one glorious destiny for a better and brighter Zamboanga City,” she added. With the adoption of the 2016-2025 Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the 2018 Revised Zoning Ordinance, Climaco said “we can really dream big for Zamboanga City and transform it into a world-class metropolitan city with new growth areas.”
She also cited the proposed transfer of the Zamboanga International Airport from its present site to Mercedes-Talabaan area, adding, the local government is only awaiting for the release of the first tranche of P200 million for the acquisition of lot for the new project. Climaco said the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center has evaluated two proposals for the airport project. Megawide Corporation has shown interest in handling and funding the airport transfer and Manila Water for the waste-to-fuel project. The PPP Center is an attached agency of the National Economic and Development Authority and it is tasked with facil-
itating the implementation of the program and projects under it. The Climaco administration and the Department of Transportation last year signed a memorandum of agreement for the acquisition of lot, procurement of services for appraisal, survey works, transfer of titles and other documentary requirements for the airport project. The last six years of Climaco’s governance has transformed Zamboanga to what it is now and her hard work and support of the City Council and the public to her administration only demonstrate her unrelenting pursuit of peace, progress and development. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2020
ZCWD general manager, pinagbibitiw sa puwesto!
Leonard Rey Vasquez, ZCWD General Manager. (City Hall Photo) Continued from page 1 mga luma at sirang tubo. Subali’t isa sa mga isyu ng publiko kay Vasquez ay ang mataas na porsyento ng “non-revenue water” o ang patuloy na pagkalugi ng ZCWD dahil sa mga ninanakaw na tubig, sira o mga leaking na tubo sa maraming barangay dito, at iba pang mga kadahilanan.
Sinabi ng ZCWD na kailangan nitong magtaas ng singil sa tubig upang makalikom ng P5.3 billion para sa umano’y investment plan nito sa susunod na 10 taon. Mula P185 sa unang 10 cubic meters at dagdag na P26 sa susunod na 11-20 cubic meters, ang water rate adjustment ay papalo na sa P278 mula sa unang 10 cubic meters
at dagdag na P39 sa 11-20 cubic meters. Dahil sa pamimilit ng ZCWD na magtaas na singil sa tubig, ipinag-utos ngayon ni Mayor Beng Climaco ang pagbuo ng isang technical working group (TWG) upang ma-review ito at maglabas ng rekomendasyon ukol dito. Sa kanyang Executive
Order 536-2020, itinalaga ni Climaco si Vice Mayor Rommel Agan bilang TWG chairman at si City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Engr. Rey Gonzales ang tatayong TWG Secretariat. Layunin ng TWG at mga sumusunod: “To strengthen the enabling environment for sustainable service delivery; strengthen the capacity of water supply and wastewater treatment service provides to expand coverage and improve services; strengthen the collection, analysis and sharing of water and climate data; reduce risks from climate-related disasters and improve capacity for ensuring long-term water security.” Kabilang sa mga miyembro ng TWG ay sina Councilor Elbert Atilano, City Administrator Angelique Go, City Agriculturist Carmencita Sanchez, City Budget Officer Geraldine de la Paz, City Planning Officer Engr. Rodrigo Si-
cat, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, City Legal Officer Atty. Jesus Carbon, Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Rodrigo Rufo Soliven, Rotary Club of Zamboanga City West President James Cesar Makasiar, Ateneo de Zamboanga University President Fr. Karel San Juan, at isang kinatawan ng Employees Confederation of the Philippines. “As a strategy to provide adequate, safe and sustainable water supply, the City shall pursue convergence and collaboration of efforts among government institutions and private organizations,” ani Climaco. “Presidential Decree 856 or the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines states that the health of the people, being of paramount importance, all efforts of public service should be directed towards the protection and
promotion of health. Despite the available water resources and the many efforts to utilize and manage these resources, the inadequacy of water supply services remain as one of the major challenges of the water sector in the Philippines,” dagdag pa nito. Ayon pa sa pagaaral ng World Bank sa mga developing countries, kabilang ang Pilipinas, tinatayang aabot sa 45 milyon cubic meters ng tubig ang nasasayang bawat araw at aabot ito sa mahigit US$3 bilyon kada taon dahil sa non-revenue water. “Water utilities suffer from the huge financial costs of treating and pumping water only to see it leak back into the ground, and the lost revenues from water that could have otherwise been sold. If the water losses in developing countries could be halved, the saved water would be enough to supply around 90 million people. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2020
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Mayor Beng Climaco. (Photos by Kathy Wee Sit, Giana Andrion, and Sheila Covarrubias)
Acting Mayor Rommel Agan leads City Government officials and employees in reciting the pledge of commitment to the advocacy on autism on the sidelights of the flag raising ceremony in City Hall.
Acting Mayor Rommel Agan together with Councilor El King Omaga engages last-minute applicants at the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) at Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar.
Mayor Beng Climaco graces the oath-taking ceremony of the 76 newly-registered and licensed psychometricians in Region 9 facilitated by the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology of the Professional Regulation Commission at Palacio del Sur.
Mayor Beng Climaco assures the public that the local government will continuously explore new options and technologies on alternative energy in government structures and facilities, and will assist in investments in sustainable power supply.
Mayor Beng Climaco meets with barangay officials from Talisayan, Boalan and Labuan to discuss about relevant issues concerning the barangays. Mayor Beng Climaco administered the oath of Omar Bazan Basing, newly-appointed councilman (kagawad) of barangay Talisayan in simple rites held at City Hall.
Mayor Beng Climaco has issued an executive order creating the technical working group on water security primarily to review and recommend to the local chief executive the proposed water rate hike by the Zamboanga City Water District.
The City Government of Zamboanga joins the Chinese community in welcoming the Chinese New Year.
MUSLIMS ARE supporting a proposed probe on alleged fraudulent schemes in the annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia, saying, there had been persistent reports and complaints from pilgrims who paid huge amount of money for services and accommodations, but got less and worse, some had been left to fend for themselves in Mecca. Muslim lawmakers Shernee Tambut, of the Kusug Tausug partylist group; and Samier Tan, of Sulu province, have filed House Resolution Number 611 directing the Committee of Muslim Affairs to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation in order to implement remedial measures that will put a quietus to the endless miseries being experienced by Muslim Filipino pilgrims. The resolution they introduced reads: “Directing the Committee of Muslim Affairs to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, on the fraudulent schemes during the registration phase to hajj or the annual Islamic pilgrimage, and other anomalous practices on the selection and accreditation of travel agencies that handle the travel ticketing and reservation of Muslim Filipino pilgrims, misrepresentation in the accommodation and provisions in Medina, Mecca and Mina, and grave abuse in the constitution and composition
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The Zamboanga Post
Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2020 of the supervisory groups committed by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) in order to implement remedial measures that will put a quietus to the endless miseries being experienced by Muslim Filipino pilgrims.” The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca where pilgrims perform acts of worship and renew their sense of purpose in the world. It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime. Tambut and Tan the investigation is necessary to shed light on all allegations of fraud. They said the paramount objectives of the government to put to task the NCMF to administer all programs, projects, and activities related to the Hajj have been defeated by condemnable acts of the same agency by employing fraudulent scheme and other anomalous practices to the detriment of the Muslim Filipino pilgrims. The lawmakers added that the NCMF was created to perform powers and functions such as, among others, to “administer all programs, projects, and activities, formulate the necessary rules and regulations, and coordinate with pertinent offices to ensure the success of the annual Hajj to Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” “And promote the de-
HAJJ
Lawmakers want probe on alleged fraud velopment of a Hajj Assistance Fund that shall be created from contributions of Muslim Filipinos and other donors which shall be used to support the financial needs of deserving Muslim Filipinos intending to participate in the annual Hajj.” Elyas Company Last year, the state-run Philippine News Agency reported that pilgrims had nearly been blocked from attending the Hajj over a huge debt by the NCMF to a Saudi Arabian tourism company. It said Elyas Company, which took charge of some Hajj-related activities for Muslim Filipino pilgrims in 2017 and 2018, had filed a case against the Philippine government for an uncollected P11-million debt. An investigation into the mess alleged that the funds had been mismanaged by some NCMF officials who even brought many of their relatives to the Hajj using government money. There was also confidential report implying
that the funds were allegedly pocketed by some officials. PDAF And in June 2017, the Office of the Ombudsman affirmed the dismissal of 5 NCMF executives for their complicity in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam. Then Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales affirmed the dismissal and perpetual disqualification from public office of Secretary and Commissioner Mehol Sadain, Director III Galay Makalinggan, Acting Chief Accountant Fedelina Aldanese, Acting Chief Aurora Mabang, and Cashier Olga Galido. They were found guilty of Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. An in-depth investigation uncovered that in May 2012, the Department of Budget and Management issued a Special Allotment Release Order covering P3.8 million in favor of NCMF,
as implementing agency, charged against (former) Maguindanao Representative Simeon Datumanong’s (who passed away in February 2017) PDAF. The money was intended to finance livelihood programs such as soap making, candle making and meat processing for the municipalities of Mamasapano, Ampatuan and Datu Abdullah Sanki. To facilitate the fund utilization, Datumanong requested that the P3.8million be coursed through the Maharlikang Lipi Foundation, Inc., as NGO-partner, through the execution of a Memorandum of Agreement. Upon audit, the Commission on Audit found that the selection of the NGO was undertaken in violation of COA Circular No. 2007-01 noting the absence of public bidding in the NGO-selection process. In its order, Ombudsman Morales ruled that “it has been proven that respondents participated in the preparation and execution of the MOA on the implementation of Datumanong’s PDAF-funded projects covered by the SARO.” The Ombudsman added that “respondents miserably failed to measure up to the procurement policy standards when they failed to strictly comply with the Government Procurement Reform Act.” And in July last year,
the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division convicted 3 of them and a private individual of their criminal charges. It said Sadain, Mabang, Makalinggan and Maharlikang Lipi Foundation Inc. (MLFI) General Manager Queenie Rodriguez were slapped with graft charges due to the endorsement of MLFI as the project partner in implementing the livelihood projects in Datumanong’s district, which was funded by his PDAF. It said the accused made an offer for plea bargaining on May 7, 2018, to plead guilty to the lesser offense of Section 7(a) of R.A. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials instead of graft. So in a decision promulgated on June 14, the anti-graft court approved the plea bargain. Sadain, Mabang, and Rodriguez pleaded guilty to two breaches of conduct violations and were imposed a total fine of P10,000. Meanwhile, Makalinggan is imposed a fine of just P5,000 after he was found guilty of one breach of conduct violation, according to the report. The 10-page decision was written by Acting Chairperson Zaldy Trespeses with the concurrence of Associate Justices Georgina Hidalgo and Bayani Jacinto. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Zamboanga Post
Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2020
Across : 1. Lived 6. Mama’s boy 9. Tax mo. 12. Weird 13. Habit wearer 14. Baked dessert 15. Interest benchmark (2 wds.) 17. Farm enclosure 18. Quick look 19. Tax inits. 20. Sour in taste 21. Pittsburgh player 23. Pronoun 26. Holiday hunter’s prize (2 wds.) 31. Pester 32. Respected leader 36. Actor ___ Cruise 37. Shows (a movie) 38. Bubble ___ 40. Jogged 41. Eden dweller 45. Buddy (Fr.) 46. Pierce 48. 1/60th of a minute (abbr.) 49. Billfold item 50. Performer 51. Printing measures 52. Eternally, in verse 53. Motif
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The Zamboanga Post
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LOTTO TIPS KARON SEMANA
Timbo karon, timbo ugma, timbo kada adlaw ug timbo kada semana!
HEALTH
Indigestion o Hindi Matunawan
Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong
Maraming dahilan ang indigestion. Ang iba ay dahil sa kanilang lifestyle sa sobrang pagkain at iniinom na alak. Ang labis na pag-aalala, paninigarilyo, emotional trauma, mabilis na pagkain, at kondisyon gaya ng ulcer o gallstones (bato sa apdo) ay maaari ring dahilan ng indigestion. Kung minsan ang taong may indigestion ay nakararanas din ng heartburn o pangangasim ng sikmura.
Para maiwasan ang indigestion, subukan ito: 1. Kumain ng pakonti-konti ngunit mas madalas - Kumain ng mas maraming gulay at prutas. Nguyain ang pagkain ng mabuti at dahan-dahan. 2. Iwasan ang mga “trigger foods” - Ang karaniwang nagdudulot ng indigestion ay ang matataba at maaanghang na pagkain, soft drinks, kape, pag-inom ng alak at paninigarilyo. 3. Panatilihin ang ta-
RECIPE
Chicken Mami
mang timbang - Ang sobrang timbang ay naglalagay ng pressure sa iyong sikmura at maaaring maging dahilan ng stomach acid para umakyat sa lalamunan. 4. Mag-ehersisyo ng madalas - Ang pag-ehersisyo ay malaking tulong para hindi tumaba at umayos ang iyong panunaw. 5. Limitahan ang stress - Magkaroon ng sapat na tulog. Maglaan ng oras sa mga bagay na gustong gaw-
in. Maaari rin mag-meditate o mag-yoga. 6. Suriin ang iyong mga gamot - Sumunod sa payo ng doktor kung kinakailangang inumin ang gamot. Ngunit ang gamot tulad ng aspirin at pain relievers (gamot sa kirot) ay pwedeng maka-irita at makasira sa lining ng sikmura. Kung kailangan talaga inumin ang gamot, kumain muna bago uminom ng gamot para mabawasan ang hapdi. 7. Uminom ng herbal tea na may peppermint Mayroong mga taong nag-
iginhawahan sa pag-inom ng peppermint, ngunit hindi pa ito tiyak. Pwede naman subukan. Kung hindi lamang natunawan, hindi dapat mag-alala. Kumonsulta sa doktor kung ang indigestion ay mahigit 2 linggo, at may kasamang senyales tulad ng: 1. Pagbaba ng timbang at walang gana kumain 2. Pagsusuka 3. Maitim ang dumi 4. Jaundice, o paninilaw sa balat at mata.
Earn More, Be an Advertising Agency! Do you want to earn more? Be an ADVERTISING AGENCY and DEALER for The Zamboanga Post and earn hefty commissions. Apply now. This offer covers Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi provinces. ZAMBOANGA CITY OFFICE: 3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan Phone: 062-9555360 Mobile: 0995-5202358 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
panlasangpinoy.com INGREDIENTS : • • • • • •
12 oz. chicken breast bone-in 1 piece Knorr Chicken Cube 1 lb. fresh noodles 2 cups Napa cabbage chopped 3 eggs boiled 1 cup carrot julienne
INSTRUCTIONS : 1. 2. 3.
Combine chicken breast, onion.and 2 quarts water. Let the water boil. Add Knorr Chicken Cube. Continue to boil for 40 minutes between low to medium heat. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the toasted garlic. Combine crushed garlic and cooking oil in a small pan or pot. Turn the heat on and cook slowly while stirring until garlic browns. Filter the garlic using a kitchen sieve. Note: Save the oil to cook other dishes
• • • • • • 4.
5.
6.
1 cup green onion chopped 1 piece onion wedged 1 head garlic crushed 2 quarts water 1/2 cup cooking oil Salt and ground black pepper to taste Heat 1 quart water in a small pot. Let boil. Add fresh noodles. Cook for 1 minute. Discard water. Arrange noodles in serving bowls, including Napa cabbage, carrot, and egg. Once the chicken cooks completely, remove from the pot. Separate the meat from the bone and let it cool down. Slice the chicken into serving pieces. Arrange the noodles, vegetable, and chicken in a serving bowl. Pour hot broth and top with chopped green onions and toasted garlic. Serve. Share and enjoy!
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More infra projects lined up
M
ORE INFRA projects are lined up in Zamboanga as Mayor Beng Climaco fulfils her campaign promises and among these are flood control system, solar-power street lights, parking building, hospitals and health care facilities, among others. She said for this year table. tion of a dam and P100 alone, the local governAnd P20 million for million for street lights ment with the support hospitals and health cen- powered by solar energy. of the City Council, al- ters and another P20 mil“We are also rehabillocated P50 million for lion for new barangay itating our existing parks a multi-layered parking halls and fire stations are and we are establishbuilding. Flood control also included in the plan. ing open green spaces projects and new road She said an initial P60 across the city,” Climaco network worth over P300 million has been allocat- said, adding the General million are also on the ed to start the construc- Services Office and the
Zambo goes ‘Green’
City Engineer’s Office are jointly working with the Department of Budget and Management for the proposed P74 million “Green, Green, Green” Program by developing the waterfront and heritage walkways. She said there is an urgent need for the local government to invest and encourage more green open spaces because of rapid urbanization such as the development of the center islands on R.T. Lim Boulevard. Likewise, the local government will complete the P26.9 million covered sheds in the business dis-
trict to provide adequate protection to pedestrians against the scorching heat or rains, or a place to take some rest. Climaco said an additional P15 million has been set aside for the rehabilitation and improvement of the sidewalks. She added that new Paseo Del Mar, which will open in summer, has an open stage, a skate and children’s parks. The P46.5 million improvement project at Paseo del Mar, is expected to revitalize the area not just as a family destination, but also as a recreational and tourism magnet for everyone
to enjoy. She said the iconic Pasonanca Convention Center will also have a major renovation this year in the amount of P20 million. The local government also resumed the construction of a board walk on Santa Cruz Island for its mangrove and forest tour, including a viewing deck, floating stage and a gazebo – the project is worth a little over P20 million. Climaco said the funding for all the projects is included in the 2020 annual budget of P4.266 billion. (Zamboanga Post)
Many business owners closed shops Solar powered LED lights in Zamboanga City. (City Hall Photo) ZAMBOANGA CITY is going green with the local government continuously exploring new options and technologies on alternative energy in government structures and facilities, and assists in investments on sustainable power supply. Mayor Beng Climaco has reiterated her call for the City Council to pass an ordinance promoting the use of renewable energy, to include solar powered systems, LED lights and environment-friendly buildings. She said the local government has begun replacing mercury and sodium lamps with energy-efficient LED lights, particularly on Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue. More would be in-
stalled in both the east and west coasts. “We have to shift because we have to be more conscious on the impact of our power technologies on our environment. Climate change is now the new normal,” she said, even citing the deadly Australian and Amazon forest fires, and the eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas province which Climaco describes as “grim realities of nature’s wrath” affecting both urban and rural communities across the globe. “Our City will never be exempted. We have to do our part with a sense of urgency just like how we respond when our house is burning,” she said. Last year, Climaco banned the use of plastic
bags on weekends, but despite this, many establishments, including KCC Mall de Zamboanga, Yubenco Mall and City Mall continue to violate the order. “Hinay-hinay ya ta cambia el maga materyales usando para envolve con el maga comestibles que ta puede kita compra na maga tiendas. Ojala, mas mucho pa quien ay sigue con este regulacion especialmente na maga grande establisimiento y maga mercado. Deseo de atun el policia de zero-plastic na Zamboanga. Ojala el Consejo Local ay puede tambien legisla maga mejoras para hace con este un realidad cay el problema de basura ta esta siempre un grande concierne na proteccion del diatun media ambiente,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
MANY BUSINESS owners here had closed shop due to the high cost of space rentals and government taxes due to the TRAIN Law of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017. Because of the TRAIN Law, higher taxes have been imposed in personal income tax, estate tax, donor’s tax; value added tax, documentary stamp tax and the excise tax of tobacco products, petroleum products, mineral products, automobiles, sweetened beverages, and cosmetic procedures. “Many of the business owners had to close shops because of higher rentals of office and commercial spaces. Establishment or building owners charge additional 10% to the rent every year. And the TRAIN Law of Duterte added burden to all of these, to them,
Zamboanga licensing chief Benjie Barredo says a total of 11,131 business applications have been recorded for January 2020. (Jasmine Mohammadsali) to us,” said one trader who was able to continue her business on a break-even point last year. The local licensing office under Benjie Barredo said it registered a total of 11,131 applications and assessed 11,047. Last year, a total of 11,109 applied for renewal of license. He said some P175
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million in local revenue were collected with around P300 million more still to be collected by the Office of the City Treasurer within the year. Barredo said there were 287 new business applications in January this year compared to only 55 in January 2019. (Zamboanga Post)