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Zambo’s quarantine measures slow down Covid spread
Z
AMBOANGA CITY has effectively controlled the spread of the deadly new coronavirus disease or Covid-19 and slowed down the pandemic through the strict enforcement of the quarantine guidelines set by the national government. The local task force sures in March. at the facility. Covid-19 chaired by Now, the number of They are now in govMayor Beng Climaco active cases is only 49, ernment isolated quaranhas only four recorded mostly prisoners at the tine facilities. Covid-19 deaths since reformatory center who The Zamboanga City the imposition of the were infected with the vi- Medical Center said its strict quarantine mea- rus despite the lockdown Continue on page 3
A member of the Barangay Emergency Network Group at work. (Bong Serondo)
BHERTs praised for hard work, role in battling virus LOCAL MAYOR Beng Climaco praised health care workers in the villag-
es for their selfless efforts in helping curb the spread of the novel coronavirus
or Covid-19, calling them heroes for risking Continue on page 3
What overpriced rice? ‘Zambo BAC says procurement law followed’ ZAMBOANGA CITY’s Bids and Awards Committee or BAC has flatly rejected allegations of overpricing in the purchase of some 250,000 bags of rice intended for each household in all 98 villages here affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Erwin Bernardo, the
BAC chairman, said the acquisition of rice went through negotiated procurement under emergency case, particularly in the in-
stance, “when time is of the essence arising from natural or man-made calamities.” The BAC approved the purchase of rice at P1,300
per 25 kilo-bag after the supplier, 5MJ Marketing, submitted all legal documents required by laws. Bernardo explained
that in order to determine whether the supplier is technically, legally and financially capable to Continue on page 2
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The Zamboanga Post
June 8-14, 2020
What overpriced rice? ‘Zambo BAC says procurement law followed’
A member of the Barangay Emergency Network Group at work. (Bong Serondo) Continued from page 1 address the emergency, BAC required 5MJ Marketing to submit the following documents – the PhilGeps (Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System) Platinum Certificate, Omnibus Sworn Statement, Latest Income Tax Returns and Business Permit. He said aside from the submission of the documents, it is very important that the supplier has an excellent track record with the procuring entity. “It is equally important to use the contents of the PhilGEPS electronic registry of suppliers to determine the eligibility of a supplier relative to its past transactions with other entities of the government,” he told The Zamboanga Post, adding, “the procurement of rice was done within the bounds of the procurement law and the price is reasonable based on the prevailing market
price.” Bernardo said the procurement of rice went through the process and it was done within the bounds of the procurement law and the price is reasonable based on the prevailing market price. “It cannot be denied that we are in a state of worldwide calamity. Hence, this alternative mode of procurement was resorted to instead of the usual competitive bidding because it relates to time element as the primordial reason,” he said. Bernardo further explained that the procedure is, upon receipt of the purchase request together with supporting documents to include the approved budget for the contract from the end-user which is the City Social Welfare and Development Officer, the BAC may directly negotiate with a supplier with technical, legal and financial capability to deliver the goods. And upon con-
firmation and ascertainment of such capability to address the emergency, the head of the procuring entity, upon recommendation of the BAC, shall immediately award the contract to the supplier. He said while rice are sold by retailers and traders at lower price, the Procurement Law (RA 9184) mandates that local government units only transact with “technically, legally and financially” eligible suppliers, that is, compliant with requirements set by law. “Inasmuch as we want to buy directly from traders and retailers, requirements of the law (RA 9184) preclude us to do so. The amount of P1,300 per sack was indicated in the purchase request and the approved budget for the contract before it reached the BAC. And upon receipt of the purchase request, the BAC made its own calculation based on the prevailing market price. During
the market survey, the price ranged from P1,120 to as high as P1,250.” “Allowing the 10% markup under COA (Commission on Audit) rules, the allowable price per sack would be around P1,232 to P1,375. The 10% markup is intended for handling costs, labor costs, other overhead expenses incurred by the supplier and his allowable profits,” Bernardo said. He said the BAC cannot settle with the lowest amount only because, considering the instability of supply and abnormal demand in the market, the supply for the lowest priced premium rice may not suffice the demand of the City Government which is 250,000 sacks. Hence, the ceiling price was pegged at P1,300 so that the supplier can still go for other rice brands of higher price without going beyond the ceiling price. Bernardo clarified that the price of rice is variable and can easily change depending largely on the law of supply and demand amid the pandemic. “We are in a state of extraordinary times and not normal times where time is of the essence in the procurement process. The City Government cannot purchase it directly from the retailers or wholesalers, as some would tend to believe, because of the volume of the transaction nor can it split the contract since it is prohibited by law. It needs the services of the supplier who will buy it from retailers and traders and deliver it and collect (it) later from the (local) government,” he said. He also cited that COA al-
lows 10% markup on normal or ordinary times and considering the different factors affecting price and supply in the market such as higher labor cost due to scarcity of laborers, doubling of cost of transportation of goods, disruption of normal supply in the market since even ordinary buyers hoarded for their own supply, “the City Government complied with the 10% allowable markup during this pandemic to religiously comply with laws and rules. Had the City Government not provided the allowable higher maximum price per sack, we will not be able to procure the needed 250,000 sacks and be able to distribute the same to the people of Zamboanga City, because the supply for the lowest price is not sufficient.” Bernardo said the few reported cases of spoiled rice were immediately replaced by the supplier. “As admitted
by the supplier, rice spoilage may not be easily detected in big volumes of rice. The immediate replacement of spoilt or low quality rice signifies the City Government’s commitment in assuring that the supplier fully complies with its obligations,” he said. Political foes of Mayor Beng Climaco have used the rice issue in attacking her despite the transparency and strict processes imposed by the local government in the procurement of welfare goods and other necessities in the middle of the health crisis. Climaco shrugged off all black propaganda and fake news and false information against the local government and urged her political enemies to move on if they cannot help in unified efforts to fight the pandemic, heal the sick and feed the hungry. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
June 8-14, 2020
Zambo’s quarantine measures slow down Covid spread Continued from page 1 last Covid-19 patient has recovered, but remains in medical care due to other existing condi-
tion. The latest Covid-19 patient was a 43-year old woman from Baliwasan village who had been
tested positive for the virus on June 3 after being infected by her 18-year old son who died May 25 due to respiratory failure
BHERTs praised for hard work, role in battling virus
Continued from page 1 their lives for the safety of other just like medical front-liners. Climaco said the role played by members of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams or BHERTs is important in the efforts of the local government in fighting the spread of the deadly respiratory virus. “They are our heroes just like medical front-liners working hard and risking their lives for the safety and well-being of others,” she said, referring to the BHERTs. Hundreds of BHERT members recently finished a three-day re-orientation on emerging and re-emerging epidemics and infectious diseases held in four venues at the
Western Mindanao State University or WMSU. Climaco also thanked WMSU President Dr. Teresita Narvaez and the entire university administration for their assistance and support during the BHRTs re-orientation. “Miles de gracias WMSU OIC President Dr. Teresita Narvaez and the entire WMSU administration for your assistance and support to the City Government’s COVID-19 response (measures). Muchisimas gracias y vaya con Dios,” Climaco told Narvaez during a visit at her office. Climaco said the re-orientation of the BHERT members from 98 villages - organized by the City Disaster Risk Re-
duction and Management Office - is aimed at capacitating them in responding to Covid-19 related issues and concerns in the “new normal” system when Zamboanga transitions from General Community Quarantine to Moderate General Community Quarantine. “BHERTs will be in the frontlines in addressing all Covid-19 related issues in the barangays in the new normal system,” she said. While Climaco extolled the role of the BHERTs in fighting the spread of Covid-19, other people mocked health care workers, saying they lacked training despite their hardship in the field serving the public rain or shine. (Zamboanga Post)
GOOD JOB LTO-9. Zamboanga City LTO is complete with foot mats, security guards armed with thermal scanners and disinfectants, alcohol in every windows. Staffs working even late in the afternoon. (Zamboanga Post)
secondary to congestive heart failure after battling other medical problems. The woman, although asymptomatic, has been brought to a quarantine facility in Cabatangan and those who have contacts with her were placed on home quarantine despite being negative for Covid-19. Zamboanga remains under General Community Quarantine until June 15 after the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases approved Resolution No. 40 and signed by Health Secretary Francisco Duque, the task force chairman; and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles, co-chairman. Climaco said the lo-
cal government is strictly enforcing the resolution. “We are calling on residents to continue strict compliance of GCQ guidelines and help curb the spread of the virus,” she said, adding, the wearing of face mask and physical distancing will strictly remain to prevent the spread of the deadly respiratory disease. She said residents must strictly follow quarantine guidelines, saying, the current curfew hours from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. will also stay. The mayor has been praised many times over for how the local government handles the health and humanitarian crisis brought about by the pandemic. Dr Tony Leachon, of the Manila Doctors Hos-
pital, who visited Zamboanga recently to inspect the Covid-19 testing facilities, praised Climaco for her leadership in battling the pandemic. “We are extremely impressed by the able leadership of City Mayor Isabelle ‘Beng’ Climaco,” he said. The local government has been effective in controlling the spread of the pandemic because of the early imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine and continued information campaign in villages. Climaco has repeatedly called on residents to pray to God and be strong amid the difficulties everyone is facing due to the pandemic that has crippled the local economy. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
June 8-14, 2020
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go. (Photos by Bong Serondo, Eugene Elnar, Carlo Ezer Camins, and Giana Andrion)
June 8-14, 2020
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News
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The Zamboanga Post
June 8-14, 2020
June 8-14, 2020
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The Zamboanga Post
June 8-14, 2020
Across : 1. Summed up 6. Saloon 9. Shred 12. Throw 13. Boxer Muhammad ___ 14. Pitcher’s stat 15. Peruvian range 16. Motorcycle adjunct 18. Sulphur, e.g. 20. African desert 24. Chicken serving 27. Hillary Rodham ___ 29. And not 30. Well-ventilated 31. Hero sandwich 33. Begeyman 34. Grant’s opponent 35. Tailors’ needs 37. Make lovable 41. Church leaders 42. Leading lady 44. Enjoying continual success (3 wds.) 46. Asian country 51. Poetic twilight 52. Director ___ Brooks 53. Tuckered out 54. Beet’s color 55. Mule’s father 56. Hearty soups
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Residents thank Beng for relief aid
ESIDENTS HAVE thanked Mayor Beng Climaco for the second wave of relief assistance they received from the local government of Zamboanga. Social work- grocery items. ues with the distribution ers and barangay offiThis was also con- of additional relief goods cials and their volunteers firmed by Climaco, who as well as replacement of winded up the distri- said the second wave of re- items in some areas. bution of welfare goods lief assistance has covered Climaco also thanked which consisted of one all 98 villages here. But the all those who were insack of 25-kilo commer- City Social Welfare and De- volved in the distribution cial rice, vegetables and velopment Office contin- of relief assistance in the
Zambo drugstore sells even free tab on promo pack Photo by Bong Serondo
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Oro Wonder Drug has been accused anew of overpricing after its branch in Veterans Avenue here sold multivitamins higher than its cover price. One customer alleged that Oro Wonder Drug sold her recently two promo packs of Enervon 9+1 (tablets) and charged her all 20 tablets at P6.50 each despite 2 tablets were supposed to be free. She also showed an official receipt as proof of her purchase of two promo packs of Enervon 9+1 for P130. But Oro Wonder Drug’s competitor just across its branch, Joan’s Pharmacy sells the same Enervon promo pack 9+1 for only P55.50 lower than the P65 per pack Oro Wonder Drug is selling. There was no immediate statement from Unilab, the manufacturer of Enervon; and Oro Wonder Drug about the allegations.
In March, Oro Wonder Drug issued a public apology after it allegedly sold an overpriced N95 face mask to a customer in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. This came out after a photo had surfaced online and allegedly showed its branch sold the mask for P395 each and about P290 higher than its suggested retail price. During that time, the Department of Trade and Industry said N95 face
mask can only be sold at P45-P105 which was recommended by the Department of Health. Oro Wonder Drug blamed “human error” for the overpriced mask, saying the pricing should have been sold per pack, not per piece and corrected its pricing to their stores, and even offered a refund to its customers who had purchased the overpriced masks. (Zamboanga Post)
villages, saying, their dedication to help feed the hungry is a testimony of their hard work and love for the others. She also praised the members of the City Council for approving the aid budget. “Muchisimas gracias a todos por el de ustedes esfuerzo que ya ayuda facilita el distribucion casa en casa,” she said. Lawmakers approved the budget used to aug-
ment the second wave of allocation of relief aid to each household, including a one-time financial assistance worth P1,000 for their water and electricity bills. The first wave of relief assistance by the local government though the City Social Welfare and Development Office - comprising of rice, canned goods, noodles and vitamins – benefited a total of 178,615
households in all 98 villages. The distribution of food packs was on top of the P5,000 emergency cash assistance received by each family from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Special Amelioration Program in collaboration with the local government that targeted the poorest of the poor. (Zamboanga Post)
Farmers carry brunt of conflict, pandemic PEOPLE IN conflict-affected areas faced risky and limited access to their farms even before the outbreak of the coronavirus disease or Covid-19, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross or ICRC. It said with the movement restrictions, farming activities shrank considerably while agricultural inputs became harder and more expensive to get. ICRC anticipates food insecurity to increase, particularly in volatile areas of Mindanao where agricultural activities are the main source of livelihood. The ICRC is now calling for social protection programs to be maintained or extended, and that they include the most vulnerable. Existing humanitarian activities focused on food security, nutrition and livelihoods must also be reinforced, it said.
It noted that the typical coping mechanism that families use to overcome lean times -- asking for loans from neighbors or family, reducing purchases, using savings -- have been exhausted for many. The hardest-hit households were already food insecure, with physical and financial access to food markets restricted due to Covid-19 It said worryingly, chronic hunger and malnutrition and Covid-19 are mutually reinforcing, as previous outbreaks — Ebola, SARS, MERS — have negatively impacted food security, increasing malnutrition rates. Improving health systems in conflict zones offers positive returns locally and globally. “In the near term, strengthening health, water and sanitation systems in conflict zones, to prevent and manage infec-
tious disease transmission, must become a priority,” said Esperanza Martinez, ICRC’s head of health. Additionally, she said income shortages could hit families at a time when countries struggle to provide essential services, deepening food insecurity for people already at risk. When movement restrictions are imposed, people face a dire choice between earning a living and protecting their health. Families that depend on remittances from migrant relatives are also at risk, as income opportunities even in wealthier countries deteriorate. Global remittances are projected to decline 20 percent in 2020 due to the Covid-induced economic crisis, according to the World Bank. (With a report from the Mindanao Examiner.)