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Zambo, lalong naghigpit! ‘Quarantine guidelines violators, hahabulin’
M
ULING IPINAG-UTOS ni Mayor Beng Climaco sa pulisya ang mas pinaigting na pagpapatupad sa community quarantine guidelines dahil patuloy na pagtaas ng bilang ng mga kaso ng Covid-19 sa Zamboanga City. Pumalo na sa ma- awang dosena na ang mga Maraming beses na higit 300 ang bilang ng nasawi dahil sa naturang rin nagpaalala si Climaco mga aktibong kaso ng sakit mula pa noong Mar- sa mga residente na Covid-19 at mahigit dal- so. Continue on page 3
DOH raises alarm on use of convalescent plasma vs. Covid-19 THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) has warned the public against buying and selling of convalescent plasma of recovered Covid-19 patients, saying, studies have shown that it could pose serious risks to other patients, who may contract transfusion-transmissible infections such as HIV, hepatitis, and malaria. Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood. Researchers hope that convalescent plasma Continue on page 2
Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma. (Witsanukorn Oya / Shutterstock)
Zambo now working to stimulate economy THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT of Zamboanga is now working closely with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Covid-19 Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan in an effort to stimulate the economy which was severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Continue on page 9
Mayor Beng Climaco
Makikita si Mayor Beng Climaco habang nasa isang routine inspection sa Barangay Tetuan Police Station at Barangay Hall. Nasa larawan rin sina Major Mark Anthony Karanain, ang police station commander; at Barangay Chairman Walmart Atilano.
Beng tells LIAC: Ensure projects, programs to help siege victims MAYOR BENG Climaco has directed members of the Local Inter-Agency Committee to ensure continuity of various projects and programs amid the Covid-19 pandemic to help alleviate the plight of families displaced by the 2013 Zamboanga siege. Last week upon the order of Climaco, the City Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Socorro Rojas provided family food packs to hundreds of people Continue on page 2
Residents evacuate during the Zamboanga siege in this file photo by the Mindanao Examiner.
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DOH raises alarm on use of convalescent plasma vs. Covid-19 Continued from page 1 (therapy) can be given to people with severe Covid-19 to boost their ability to fight the deadly respiratory virus. But the DOH issued the warning following reports from families of critically-ill Covid patients buying convalescent plasma from recovered patients, hospital staff, or fixers. It said there are also other reports that some intentionally infect themselves so that their plasma can be donated after recovery for which they are promised remuneration. “The DOH emphasizes that these alleged transactions and practices are ille-
gal, reckless and dangerous. Those individuals do not only place their lives at risk, but they also put their families and communities at risk when they voluntarily get infected,” it said. DOH said only the Philippine Blood Center and the Philippine Red CrossPort Area are the certified non-hospital-based convalescent plasma collection facilities, while Philippine General Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center are the only hospitals certified to collect convalescent plasma for use in its treatment protocol. Though used for Covid-19 treatment proto-
col in some local hospitals, its effectiveness as a therapy is still being evaluated and not yet part of the standard of care. To date, there is no concrete evidence to show that it is effective against SARS-Cov2, according to DOH. Health Secretary Francisco Duque also said that trading blood and other blood products, including those from recovered Covid-19 patients, is not only illegal but highly dangerous. “Convalescent plasma (therapy) should not be for sale and should be voluntarily donated for Covid-19 patients in need,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)
Beng tells LIAC: Ensure projects, programs to help siege victims Continued from page 1 comprising 88 families in Masepla and Mampang – all victims of the siege. Supporters of Nur Misuari, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman, attacked Zamboanga after declaring independence and their failed attempt to raise the Bangsamoro Republik flag at City Hall. Misuari publicly denied involvement in the siege of Zamboanga that displaced over 200,000 people and affected the economies of Basilan and Sulu which are dependent on Zamboanga for their trades and goods. Climaco set September 9 as a “Special Day of Remembrance” in honor of all those who perished in the siege that lasted for 3 weeks. Seven years after the deadly attack, residents here are still crying for justice which remains elusive for the innocent victims of the siege. In 2016, Climaco – who stood firm against the MNLF during the entire period of the crisis – has banned any so-called peace rally or gathering of the MNLF members in Zamboanga City. She said such rallies will not be allowed in the as this might disturb Zambo-
anga 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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August 17-23, 2020
Zambo, lalong naghigpit! ‘Quarantine guidelines violators, hahabulin’
Continued from page 1 sundin ang patakaran sa tuwing lumalabas ng bahay, partikular ang paggamit ng face mask at ang physical o social distancing. Ngunit sa kabila ng mga paalala ni Climaco ay marami pa rin ang patuloy na lumalabag sa kautusan. Ilang libong katao na rin ang nasita ng pulisya dahil sa mga paglabag sa community quarantine guidelines, ngunit tila hindi alintana ng mga ito ang peligrong dala ng coronavirus. Lumubo rin ang bilang ng Covid cases
dito dahil sa mga locally stranded individuals at deportees mula Sabah na pinabalik ng national government sa kanilang mga lugar, kasama na ang Zamboanga City, dahil sa kautusan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Sa huling virtual conference ni Climaco sa mga miyembro ng City Peace and Order Council at sa City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, muli nitong inatasan ang pulisya na mas higpitan ang pagpapatupad sa community quarantine guidelines. Ito ay sa kabila ng daandaang nasisitang mga res-
idente na araw-araw ay lumalabag sa community quarantine guidelines. “As mayor, we are directing the ZCPO (Zamboanga City Police Office) to strengthen enforcement of Covid protocols. The law enforcement arm is really the City Police (force),” ani Climaco na siyang chairperson ng City Peace and Order Council at City Anti-Drug Abuse Council. “Law enforcers should double if not triple efforts to ensure that residents strictly comply with quarantine rules and minimum health standards
and help reduce transmission of the virus,” dagdag pa nito. Sinabi ni Climaco na maraming mga residente ang nadadapuan ng sakit dahil sa kanilang kapabayaan sa sarili. Karamihan sa mga ito ay lumalabas ng bahay kahit walang quarantine pass o kaya ay hindi sumusunod sa social distancing at walang mga suot na face mask. Noong nakaraang buwan lamang ay sinabihan na rin ni Climaco ang pulisya na tumulong sa pagpapatupad ng quarantine guidelines at habulin ang mga lumalabag nito. Kamakailan lang ay ipinag-utos rin ni Pangu-
long Rodrigo Duterte sa pulisya na arestuhin ang lahat ng lumalabag sa quarantine guidelines. At nagbanta pa itong gagamitin ang militar upang maipatupad ang quarantine guidelines kung patuloy ang pagtaas ng bilang ng Covid-19 sa bansa na ngayon ay mahigit na sa 60,000. “So we will have to ask our police to be strict(er). So hulihin talaga. A little shame would put them on notice forever. Sino ba namang gustong mahuli ka, but if you are brought to the police station and detained there, that would give you a lesson for all time. We don’t have any
qualms in arresting people under ordinary times,” ani Duterte. “That’s what I’m saying is, that a simple violation of not wearing a mask and (practicing) social distancing, all of these things. But during times of health issues, you can (arrest quarantine guidelines violators) because it can be a serious crime transmitting the (Covid-19). The theory is that you are the carrier that is why you should wear a mask so as not to pass on the infection to the other guy. Baliktad ang psychology diyan para talagang maniwala kayo,” dagdag pa nito. (Zamboanga Post)
SUNDAY REFLECTION by Mayor Beng Climaco “Courage! Don’t be afraid, it’s me! Come!” Matthew 14:22-33
S
UNDAY’S READING narrates a wonderful account of the miracle of Jesus walking on water and how the frightened disciples thought they were seeing a ghost. What struck me was…it was Peter’s curiosity, courage and little faith that made him respond in seeing Jesus! He followed him and did the impossible - he walked on water, only to sink when he was distracted by the strong wind and waves. In my life, how many times did I muster enough courage with little faith to follow Jesus? I remember the difficult campaign in 2019. A lot of times I struggled with my fear, my littleness, and my limitations in the face of perilous and powerful adversaries. How I prayed, if only I could, let the challenge pass without me taking in the cup of suffering. But I plunged “Duc In Altum” (“Go out into the deep”) to cast the net in the deepest end! God yielded a rich abundant harvest in this journey of managing the pandemic and of loving service for Zamboanga. The Jesuits taught me discernment and Fr. Tony de Castro, SJ very recently pointed out that discernment of St. Ignatius can be tested when we experience events and situations in life that can lead us closer to God. This Sunday may we be led closer to God! Whether we experience jubilant joy or deep despair from the homily of Fr. Manoling Francisco SJ, no mas perde esperanza! Keep our focus on Jesus! Set our aim in service, in the task at hand. If I were to recount the strong winds of antagonists “que quiere hace lumus” for me to sink deep and the powerful waves of problems that I face, verdad bien peligroso. But I am thankful to the wonderful glimpse of God’s loving presence in people, pets and events that show case opportunity in adversity! Resilience is the capacity to swim in the current of adversity as we sink deep, but we rise against above the waves and swim again to survive. May we keep our
eyes focus on Jesus. Do not let our fears conquer us and all who threaten, to destroy us. Keep our sight on the mission and the work we need to do. In this pandemic, there is too much suffering and adding injury by our palabras agudas (sharp words) of criticism, complaint and negativity which can lead us to despair and destruction. As what Fr. Butch Candido, our La Virgen de Purification Parish Priest, advocates a change in behavior (cambia di aton custombre) and attitude. There are too many problems in the world, let us not add to it. Try counting our blessings, see the good in others and in that way see the good in us. Learn to say thank you. Appreciate the free air we breathe without artificial ventilation or oxygen tank. All things will work out for the best, keep our focus on Jesus!
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August 17-23, 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)
August 17-23, 2020
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News
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Across : 1. Bullets, for short 5. Warty amphibian 9. Carpenter’s tool 12. Shore bird 13. Green Gables girl 14. Diner dessert 15. Holiday hunter’s prize (2 wds.) 17. Discontinue 18. Lennon’s spouse 19. Puts up 21. Acress ___ Ryan 24. Least fresh 26. Certain poems 28. Teeter-totters 31. Short skirt 32. Snaky curve 33. Above 34. Free from germs 36. Olden times 37. Sailboat race 40. Scarlet 41. Seventh planet 43. Altar response (2 wds.) 45. King ___ 46. Penance 51. Busy activity 52. Cleopatra’s river 53. Flat 54. Feminine pronoun 55. High cards 56. Politician ___ Gingrich Down : 1. Consumed 2. Give ___ break! (2 wds.) 3. Married woman (abbr.) 4. Aware of 5. Fortuneteller’s card 6. First number 7. Los ___, California 8. Temperature unit 9. Observer 10. Isn’t, incorrectly 11. Unites 16. Naval officer (abbr.) 20. Student’s assignment 21. Dads’ partners 22. Rewrite text 23. Electricity source
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Zambo now working to stimulate economy
Continued from page 1 Mayor Beng Climaco, who heads the local task force Covid-19, said the economic stimulus package will include among others tax incentives, discounts and reprieve and all these were also presented in various webinars and online conferences. “The (Recovery and Rehabilitation) plan is based on various online consultations and includes stimulus programs to help the local economy, especially the small business, recover and adapt to the new normal,” she said, adding, the Zamboanga City Planning and Development Office is currently working with USAID. She added that the proposal includes discounts on amusement, business and real property taxes, waiver on penalties,
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fines and late payment fees, waiver on tricycle operator’s fee. Climaco, however, said these instruments require legislative actions and issuances which will entail time due to the required conduct of public hearings by the City Council. So, she said, to start the process, the City Legal Office was ordered to draft ordinances on the economic packages and endorse them to the City Council. But while the proposed measures will likely hinder the ability of the city government to meet its revenue targets, Climaco said that National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, in a virtual conference, said the national government would step in to “pump prime” the economy for employment op-
portunities, livelihood generation and adaptation of small business to the new normal. Pump priming is the action taken to stimulate an economy, usually during a recessionary period, through government spending and interest rate and tax reductions. The measures are desired to be a balance of showing support to the local businesses and making sure that the local government still has enough war chest to fund its programs and projects. Climaco also echoed what Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said and she urged the cooperation of the various sectors. Chua said navigating the coronavirus pandemic and thriving in the new normal require a whole-of-society approach, which is vital in the country’s recovery plan. “The government needs the utmost cooperation of the public, the business sector, and civil society in restarting socioeconomic activities while preventing the spread of the virus, and mitigating the ill-effects of this pandemic,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)
Top 5 Sakit ng Pilipino
HEALTH
Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong 1. High Blood Pressure o Altapresyon. Kapag ang blood pressure niyo ay palaging lampas sa 140 over 90, ang ibig sabihin ay may high blood pressure o altapresyon ka na. Isa sa 4 na Pilipino ay may high blood pressure. Ang normal na blood pressure ay mas mababa sa 140 over 90. Heto ang mga tips: (1) Magbawas ng timbang; (2) Magbawas sa pagkain ng maaalat. Umiwas o magbawas sa paggamit ng asin, toyo, patis at bagoong; at (3) Mag-ehersisyo ng 3 hanggang 5 beses bawat linggo. Kapag palaging mataas sa 140/90 ang iyong blood pressure, kailangan mo nang uminom ng gamot. 2. Diabetes. Kung ika’y may nararamdamang pamamanhid, laging nauuhaw, madalas umihi, o namamayat, magpa-check sa diabetes. Kapag ang iyong blood sugar ay higit sa 126 mg/dl pagkatapos ng 10 oras na hindi pagkain (fasting blood sugar), nangangahulugang may
diabetes ka na. Umiwas sa dalawang bagay: Matataba at matatamis na pagkain. Mag-ehersisyo din ng regular at huwag magpataba. Depende sa taas ng iyong blood sugar, may mga mura at mabisang gamot sa diabetes, tulad ng Metformin at Gliclazide. Kung hindi mo mako-kontrol ang iyong blood sugar, ay mapapabilis ang pagdating ng komplikasyon nito. 3. Mataas na Cholesterol. Mataas ang iyong cholesterol kapag lampas ito sa 200 mg/dl. Mag-diyeta na. Posibleng kailangan uminom ng gamot kapag lampas sa 240 ang cholesterol. Subukang mag-diyeta ng 2 buwan. Iwas taba, karne, cakes at icing muna. Pagkaraan ng 2 buwan, ipa-test uli ang cholesterol at kapag lampas ulit sa 240 mg/dl, doon tayo magsisimula ng gamot na Statins. 4. Sakit Sa Kidneys (bato). Kung mayroon kang diabetes o high blood pressure, kailangan mong bantayan ang iyong kidneys. Ang diabetes at high blood ay nakasisira sa kidneys. Kadalasan ay walang nar-
aramdaman ang mga taong may sakit sa kidneys. Kapag may kidney failure na, humihina na ang daloy ng ihi. Heto ang tips: (1) Bawasan ang alat ng pagkain; (2) Limitahan ang protina sa pagkain. Mas kumain ng isda, gulay at prutas; (3) Iwasan ang pag-inom ng pain relievers (gamot sa kirot); (4) Uminom ng 8-10 basong tubig bawat araw. 5. Cancer. Kapag ang isang tao ay wala pang kanser, ang pinakamagandang kainin ay ang tatlong K: kamatis, karrots at kalabasa. Puwede din ang mga pagkaing ito para makaiwas sa kanser: green tea, curry powder, bawang, sibuyas, sibuyas dahon (leeks), repolyo, cauliflower, tofu o tokwa, at talong. Damihan ang pagkain nitong anti-cancer foods. Bawasan ang pagkain ng hindi masustansyang pagkain tulad ng baboy, baka, hotdog, bacon, ham at longganisa.
BHERTs undergo training, lauded for its hard work
BHERTs members and Barangay Tetuan Chairman Walmart Atilano during the 5-day training and workshop organized by the City Government and USAID. (Christine Lim/CHO) MEMBERS OF the Zamboanga City Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) have completed 5-day training and workshop in an effort to strengthen their capacity as the local government continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Beng Climaco urged the different BHERTs to heighten its efforts in helping to contain, control and prevent the spread of Covid-19 in their respective areas. She spoke to BHERT members during the training organized by the local government and the United States Agency for International Development
ReachHealth Project and RTI International. Climaco thanked U.S. Government for its continued support to the local government. She cited anew the crucial role played by BHERTs in Covid-19 response, praising the frontliners for their dedication in serving the public despite the dangers posed by the coronavirus to their own health. The training which was also participated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and City Health Office tackled the following modules: Covid-19 and Epidemiology; Policy,
guidelines and Ethico-Legal Issues and EOs and ordinances; Classification of Covid-19 cases and actions to be taken; Assessment of BHERT functionality, composition and roles and functions of BHERT. And understanding contact tracing, BHERT’s monitoring and recording roles; Monitoring of close contacts; Data management; Guidelines for conducting routine household visits during COVID-19 pandemic and Infection prevention and control among others. Just recently, Climaco recognized the sacrifices of the BHERT members
and other health workers who are in the frontline of the local government’s Covid-19 response and other campaigns, including the concluded anti-polio drive. She said the hard work of health workers ensure the protection of everybody against diseases, especially in the anti-polio campaign. “We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all our health workers and medical frontliners for their sacrifices and hard work amidst unprecedented public pandemic to immunize our children,” Climaco said. Health workers underwent a series of orientation on the minimum health standards, as well as infection control protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic prior to the start of the anti-polio program, according to the mayor. The local government, in collaboration with the Department of Health and World Health Organization, recently concluded the “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio Round 3” after extending the program for a few days to allow health workers ample time to conduct intensive vaccination in different baran-
gays that were placed under lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. The anti-polio drive began July 20, with health workers trekking through dirt roads and far-flung areas - rain or shine - in order to vaccinate children aged 0 to 119 months old in all 98 barangays here. Despite challenges in the implementation due to Covid-19, the vaccination drive, which ended August 9, was a success. In the last anti-polio
drive in February, the local government vaccinated 221,917 children – more than 8% from the target. In September 2019, the DOH announced a polio outbreak in the Philippines and launched a synchronized polio vaccination campaign which aims to boost immunization coverage against polio by giving three doses of the oral polio vaccine to all children regardless of their immunization status. (Zamboanga Post)
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Russian Covid vaccine coming P
RESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte lauded Russia’s efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and is willing to participate in trials, as he welcomed a supply offer from Moscow that he expects will be free of charge. Russia said it expects natin. Kung ilan ang supply vaccine. “Galing sa puso regulatory approval for a at kelangan natin, pag usa- ko, nagpapasalamat ako potential Covid-19 vaccine pan. May clinical studies,” sa loob ninyo sa Pilipithis month and is ready to Duterte said. no. Someday, makabayad provide it to the Philippines, Duterte said he will kami sa utang na loob sa or team up with a local firm even volunteer to receive the inyo. I promise, the Philto mass produce it. first shot of vaccine during ippines and Russia will reThe Philippines has the trials in the Philippines. main friends forever. among Asia’s highest num- “Ako, pagdating ng bakuRussia, salamat po,” bers of coronavirus infec- na, in public, para walang Duterte said. tions with over 60,000 active tsatstat diyan, ako mauna,” In July, Duterte made cases since the start of the he said, adding, “We are ex- a plea to his Chinese pandemic in March. tremely grateful to Russia. counterpart to make the “Maligaya ako. Ang Rus- In the fullness of God’s time, Philippines a priority if it sia kaibigan natin. Magbigay hopefully, we will have a develops a vaccine, amid sila ng bakuna. Wala silang Covid-free December.” concern in developing sinasabi na bayaran. Tulong He also thanked Pu- countries about availabilni President (Vladimir) Pu- tin for his promise to pro- ity. (Zamboanga Post and tin ito. Libre. Tinatanggap vide Manila with the trial Reuters.)
President Rodrigo Duterte and Vladimir Putin (PCOO)
Zamboanga eyes more Covid isolation facilities WITH THE rising number of medical and security frontliners afflicted with the deadly coronavirus disease in Zamboanga, the City Peace and Order Council and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council said it ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to identify and secure isolation facilities for them. Mayor Beng Climaco, who chairs the two coun-
cils, said there will also be isolation facilities for detainees to avoid infecting other inmates or police and jail personnel. She said the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office under Elmeir Apolinario have been tasked to find suitable isolation facilities. Just recently, the police station in Barangay Tetuan and the Office of the Barangay Captain and the
Bureau of Fire which are in the same compound were locked down for several days after a prisoner contracted Covid-19. Isolation facilities here are full due to the influx of thousands of locally stranded individuals and Filipinos deported from Sabah – many of them tested positive for Covid-19, and the surge of the disease due to community transmission. (Zamboanga Post)
‘BIDA’ Zamboangueños MAYOR BENG Climaco said the local government has joined the Department of Health, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Presidential Communications Group in advocating for the implementation of the “BIDA Solusyon sa Covid-19.” BIDA Solusyon is the national government’s social and behavioral change campaign to encourage Filipinos to practice the four key preventive behaviors that will help keep themselves and their family’s safe against the coronavirus pandemic. Each letter in BIDA represents one of these behaviors: Bawal ang walang mask, I-sanitize ang kamay at iwas-hawak sa mga bagay, Dumistansya ng isang metro, at Alamin ang totoong impormasyon. Climaco urged residents to support the government’s campaign as part of the country’s larger strategy to prevent, trace, test, and treat Covid-19. “Ese BIDA Solusyon sa Covid-19, como un programa del govierno nacional, ta habla el maga necesi-
dad para gana con el pelea contra Covid. Por otravez, firmi con el face mask, observe el distanciamiento social y sige estrictamente con el regulacciones del cuarentena,” Climaco said. The campaign is a partnership between gov-
ernment, private, and development partners, with the United States Agency for International Development providing financial and technical assistance for the first phase of its rollout. (Zamboanga Post)