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August 12-18, 2019
Flyover project shelved?
Wide streets, new roads needed in Zambo for now Read Story on page 3
Traffic jam along Veterans Avenue in Zamboanga City. (Zamboanga Post)
All Praises!
‘Barangay officials, allies of Lobregat praise Beng for strong support’
Garbage men are busy sifting in trash bags for plastic bottles they can sell instead of collecting waste materials. (Zamboanga Post)
Zambo eyes bigger sanitary landfills, discipline from residents ONE OF ZAMBOANGA’S sanitary landfills will have to be reconfigured to accommodate the city’s huge garbage collection for the next three months while the abother pit is being
completed, according to the Office of the City Engineer. City Engineer Christopher Navarro said the second sanitary landfill is almost 50% completed. He said the completion of the
landfill was delayed due to rough surfaces of the excavated areas and the presence of loose rocks which can potentially damage the protective liners of the pit. Continue on page 3
Mitsubishi L200 vehicles worth over P45 millions are turned over to different barangays by Mayor Beng Climaco. (Kathy Wee Sit) BARANGAY OFFICIALS, even those who are allies and supporters of defeated mayoralty bet Celso Lobregat, have praised Mayor Beng Climaco for
the brand new Mitsubishi L200 vehicles they received recently. Climaco turned over 38 vehicles to different barangays as part of her
security and disaster preparedness program under the Barangay Emergency Network Group. Continue on page 5
First Standard Finance Corporation Zamboanga City 0995-5202358 RUSH SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE
Fortune G P680, 000
Montero GLS SE P680, 000
Mitsubishi Strada P700, 000
Hyundai Accent P550,000
2
The Zamboanga Post
Zambo advocates gender and development, equal rights Mayor Beng Climaco
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT has strengthened its advocacy on gender and development which is one of the priority programs of the Climaco administration to ensure that explicit, implicit, actual and potential gender biases are removed in the society. Mayor Beng Climaco, GAD chairperson and a long-time champion of gender equality, recently spoke in the opening of the two-day “Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting” held at the Garden Orchid Hotel here. At the workshop, Cli-
maco stressed the strong need to equalize the status and condition of and relations between women and men. The Gender and Development (GAD) Unit under the Office of the City Mayor scheduled the training workshop as part of the local government’s goal to strengthen the implementation of the GAD code. Rosalyn chem, Director of the Gender Research and Resource Center of the Western Mindanao State University, facilitated the workshop whose three-pronged objective were about the concept
of gender and development, revisit the implementation of Ordinance 450 or the GAD Code and to come up with next steps action plan to develop and promote it. The concept of gender responsive and budgeting is not new to organizations working in the government sector. It holds responsible the decision makers, organizations and authorities for their commitment to gender equality and women empowerment. The activity also gave participants - who are members of the GAD Focal Point System Committee, GAD Technical Working Group and the Local Council of Women - a deep insight of the concept and tools used for gender responsive planning and budgeting but will focus more on the status of the implementation of the GAD Code. The GAD envisions to make Zamboanga, by the year 2025, a gender-sensitive city where women are respected and empowered like men, enjoying equal rights with men in government and society while being proactive, responsive and self-reliant. (Zamboanga Post)
Students now exempted from paying airport terminal fee STUDENTS IN ZAMBOANGA are now exempted from terminal fees or domestic passenger service charge at all airports owned and operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines or CAAP, according to Zamboanga Airport Manager Socorro Reyes. Reyes said the exemption is based on a recent memorandum issued by CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco. She said the exemption, which began on August 1, covers students who are enrolled in preschool to college, including in trade, arts and technical vocational schools and training centers. “Qualified students who will avail of the exemption shall apply for a student exemption certificate at Malasakit Help Desks located in airports. Student passengers with flights starting August 1 and purchased previously within a period of one year may seek for refund of the terminal fee that was integrated into their airline tickets pur-
Zamboanga Airport Manager Socorro Reyes. (Kathy Wee Sit) chased at point of sale or online,” she said. Reyes said all Malasakit Help Desks shall serve as refund counters until such time the airlines are able to facilitate the exemption in their booking system. Airports across the country charge a terminal
fee of P150 per person, But Reyes said not included in the exemption are students of dancing and driving schools, schools of culinary arts and short-term courses and students taking up medicine, law, masteral and doctoral degrees. (Zamboanga Post)
SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO
August 12-18, 2019
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The Zamboanga Post
August 12-18, 2019
Flyover project shelved?
Wide streets, new roads needed in Zambo for now
T
HE CONTROVERSIAL FLYOVER project may not push through at all after local government officials and lawmakers said road widening and opening of new streets are far more important to decongest vehicular traffic in Zamboanga. Rep. Cesar Jimenez, of and said opening new the roads first because it is District 1, where the fly- roads and widening the very urgent for us for the over project is being eyed streets, especially in down- passage of people in order by the Department of Pub- town areas and adjacent to decongest traffic. We lic Works and Highways barangays, are needed to leave it (flyover project) to (DPWH), said the overpass decongest the worsening the City Engineer’s Office, bridge may not be pursued traffic problems due to the Dr. (Elmeir) Apolinario (of anymore. growing numbers of mo- the Zamboanga City DiMayor Beng Climaco torists here. saster Risk Reduction and also agreed with Jimenez “We need to widen Management Office) and
Zambo eyes bigger sanitary landfills, discipline from residents Continued from page 1 The surface of the landfill must first be cleared from all these hazards before applying the liners. It will take at least 3 months before the landfill would be ready for use and this is also the reason why the other pit needs to be reconfigured to be able to accommodate tons of additional trash. Mayor Beng Climaco previously announced that the completion of the sanitary landfill Cell 2 and 3 is already underway and “we will establish more transfer stations and additional materials recovery facilities.” She has asked the City Council to approve Zamboanga’s environment code for a holistic approach in tackling environmental problems and the passage of the Zero Plastic Policy Ordinance. Climaco urged residents again to separate their
garbage into biodegradable materials and non-biodegradable waste and throw them to trash bins or put outside their house so it can be collected at a designated time. She also asked residents not to litter or throw their garbage anywhere on the streets, rivers or sea and help the local government in maintaining cleanliness. In her July 9 speech at the maiden session of the City Council, Climaco said she will push for a more sustainable and efficient cleanliness campaign and enforce strict solid waste segregation program. “El proteccion del diatun media ambiente ta esta importante y ay hace todo lo que debe el govierno local para realiza con este. El limpiesa del Ciudad responsibilidad de todo, poreso necesita kita tiene el personal responsibilidad volun-
tariamente buta y recuhi el maga basura na propio lugar. Si verdad kita ta ama con el Ciudad, desea limpiesa na pensamiento, na diatun palabra, y acciones positivo para el Ciudad,” she said. Rodrigo Pagotaisidro, public service officer of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, said they will add 8 new garbage compactor trucks to their fleet to effectively collect trash in the different barangays. He said they are also pushing for the release - by batches of 16 - of new garbage compactors trucks for big barangays so as not to delay the collection of waste materials. “The release of garbage trucks will be done by batch, which will be timed with the completion of (sanitary landfill) cell number 2,” he said. (Zamboanga Post. With additional report from Jasmine Mohammadsali.)
An aerial view of Zamboanga City. (Zamboanga Post) DPWH to look at finishing the bypass road so this will also ease traffic and provide alternative route,” she said. Climaco said there is a need for a feasibility study for future overpass bridge. “We are pro-development and nowadays, even our traffic management needs to come up with a plan or study to assess the impact before and after the project is implemented, and so we also need feasibility studies of flyover project in the future,” she said. Jimenez said he will work closely with the DPWH and other concerned government agencies with regards to the road projects and other
alternative routes here to solve the pestering traffic problems. The flyover project became so controversial after then Rep. Celso Lobregat – who ran for mayor and defeated in the midterm polls - insisted that the overpass bridge must be constructed immediately despite the failure of DPWH to comply with the requirements set by the local government. DPWH also had insisted in the past for the construction of the project even without the necessary road widening. Climaco has repeatedly said in public that the local government is supporting the implementation of national infrastructure here,
including the proposed flyover project, but reiterated that there is a dire need to first widen the roads affected by the construction of the overpass. The overpass project would cost about P600 million and is expected to be completed in at least 500 days or more considering how slow the DPWH in their public works. Last December, the DPWH conducted a traffic dry run in areas affected by the flyover project to mimic construction works, but it only drew angry reactions from motorists and commuters as well because of the chaotic situation it created even for just a week. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
August 12-18, 2019
NAPOLCOM cites Beng for outstanding service, support to police force THE NATIONAL POLICE Commission or NAPOLCOM has applauded Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco and publicly recognized her strong support to the local police force and outstanding service to the community. NAPOLCOM Western Mindanao Regional Director Atty. Pablito Abad Jr. said Climaco’s generous support to the police and her strong and effective initiatives have significantly contributed to the prevention of crimes and improvement of peace and order in Zamboanga. With all praises, Abad and Atty. Alexis de Lima, the officer-in-charge of NAPOLCOM in Zamboan-
ga City, handed Climaco a certificate of recognition which is a result of a 3-year evaluation of the local chief executive in the delivery of the basic services through the coordination of the community with the coordination of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The certificate cited Climaco’s “outstanding service to the community and invaluable leadership, diligence and dedication as local chief executive that paved the way for the promotion of the community and service oriented policy system and sustained good partnership among the local community and law enforcement
Mayor Beng Climaco congratulates Colonel Joseph Martir, the Zamboanga City police chief; and Major Rolly Joaquino, his operations’ chief, after the Philippine National Police named the Zamboanga City Police Office as the “Best City Police” in the country. (Kathy Wee Sit)
agencies.” Abad said: “At the end of the day, the activities of the police are anchored on the leadership of the Mayor for the delivery of the basic services involving law enforcement, prevention and solution of crimes.” The Zamboanga City Police Office headed by Colonel Joseph Martir has also been chosen by the PNP as “Best City Police Office” in the country. Climaco has commended Martir and the whole local police force for their hard work and dedication to safeguard Zamboanga and its people. Martir and his operations chief, Major Rolly Joaquino also thanked Climaco for the strong support of the local government to the police. Army Colonel Leonel Nicolas, commander of the Task Force Zamboanga, also congratulated Martir and the local police force. Aside from the local police office, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 has also been as the “Best Regional Mobile Force Battalion” nationwide while Captain Allan Benedict Rosete who is assigned at the Police Regional Office 9 is named “Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer for Operation.” (Zamboanga Post)
Mayor Beng Climaco with NAPOLCOM Regional Director Atty. Pablito Abad Jr and NAPOLCOM Zamboanga OIC Atty. Alexis de Lima and Councilors Kim Elago, Josephine Pareja, John Dalipe, Jihan Edding and Jimmy Villaflores and members of the local police force. (Kathy Wee Sit)
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The Zamboanga Post
August 12-18, 2019
All Praises!
‘Barangay officials, allies of Lobregat praise Beng for strong support’
Mayor Beng Climaco speaks during the handover of brand new vehicles to barangay officials as Vice Mayor Rommel Agan and Councilman John Dalipe look on. (Kathy Wee Sit) Continued from page 1 She said the vehicles will be exclusively used for official or governmental purpose such as but not limited to emergencies, government transactions, and public necessities and strictly for the barangay constituents, especially children and disabled persons, including indigenous peoples and the elderly. “The City Government fully supports the needs of the barangays, particularly in providing transportation facilities, but the same should be solely used for its original purpose and that is government-use only and not for the personal use of barangay officials,” Climaco said. She said barangay officials should undertake at its expense the vehicle’s succeeding registration with the Land Transportation Office and to ensure it is properly used and maintained. She said official or designated drivers of the vehicles should at all times follow traffic rules and regulations. “(The) Barangay government will also be responsible for the proper maintenance and repair and procurement of spare parts, as well as bear other expenses pertaining to the use of the vehicle,” Climaco said. The latest recipients of the vehicles were Barangays Ayala, Baliwasan, Baluno, Cabatangan, Calarian, Camino Nuevo, Campo Islam, Canelar, Capisan, Cawit, Dulian-Upper Pasonanca, Labuan, La Paz, Limpapa,
Malagutay, Maasin, Mariki, Pamucutan, Pasonanca, Patalon, Recodo, Rio Hondo, San Jose Cawa-cawa, San Jose Gusu, San Roque, Sinubong, Sinunuc, Sta. Barbara, Sta. Maria, Sto. Niño, Talisayan, Tulungatung, Tumaga, Zone 1, Zone II, Zone III, Zone IV and Vitali. Climaco has distributed a total of 98 vehicles, including Mitsubishi L300, to all Zamboanga’s 98 barangays since 2017. Island-barangays will also be provided with additional motorized boats. The L200 diesel-powered vehicles with FB body, worth over P45 million, are all Euro-4 compliant and equipped with blinkers, strobe light, siren and loud speaker. It also has spine board, first aid kit, and sticker markings, among others. They are all customized and properly insured. Liga ng mga Barangay Vice President and Barangay Pasonanca chairman Efigenio Julian also thanked Climaco and the local government for the vehicles and assured that they will be properly use. He echoed Climaco’s call to use the vehicles for official and emergency purposes only and not for family or personal use. Just last month, Climaco also handed over a dozen brand new Isuzu fire trucks to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to help its capability to response quickly to various emergencies and to effectively fight fire in Zamboanga.
Climaco’s fire truck donation was supported by members of the City Council and in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s modernization program for fire fighters. It is also Climaco’s vision to make Zamboanga City even more resilient and progressive. She said the six-wheeler, diesel-engine fire trucks can each carry some 3,000 liters of water and are all Euro 4 compliant. Euro 4 is a globally accepted European emission standards for vehicles that require the use of fuel with significantly low sulfur and benzene contents which means cleaner emissions and less pollution in the environment. Aside from the trucks, the local government also provides allowances, among others to the fire department as part of Climaco’s firm commitment to security. BFP Regional Director Senior Superintendent Sydney Besana and Zamboanga District Fire Marshal Superintendent Jhufel Brananola expressed their gratitude to Climaco and members of the City Council for the new fire trucks. Branola said the new trucks will boost their fire fighting capabilities. He said the trucks will be deployed to different fire stations in various barangays. For his part, Fire Director Leonard Banago praised Climaco for her support to the local BFP. Climaco vows to continue supporting the fire department. (Zamboanga Post)
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Zambo eyes night market
A scene outside the Zamboanga City public market. (Zamboanga Post) MAYOR BENG CLIMACO has expressed full support to a proposal allowing market vendors to sell at night, especially those who are affected by the anti-road obstruction campaign launched by the local government in response to President Duterte’s order. She said Councilman Cesar Jimenez Sr. has authored the proposed ordinance that seeks to establish a night market at the old market area. “It is really my desire to have a night market for those who will be affected by the clearing operations so that they can make out a living by night. We do not want to displace our vendors,” Climaco said at a television program. Climaco said the local government and the police are strictly enforcing city ordinances and to instil order and discipline to all. “We want to give a space like night market. And in the absence of an ordinance yet, we are asking for the vendors and the public’s cooperation to instil order in
the market,” she said. Davao City, Duterte’s hometown, also has a night market and is popular among the locals and tourists alike because of its variety of food stalls and fruits and vegetables being sold at cheap prices. It also has masseurs and stalls for various home products. Climaco said the local government of Zamboanga has been very supportive with Duterte’s orders from the campaign against illegal drugs to anti-smuggling drive and now the operation on anti-road obstruction in an effort to clear the roads from illegal structures, among others. Her campaign against road obstruction came out long before Duterte’s order, but nonetheless, she expressed full support to the President’s plans and programs and reiterated her strong backing to national policies and programs. She has ordered authorities and the local traffic enforcers to strictly enforce discipline on the roads and to clear the streets of
any obstruction that hinders the flow of traffic. City Administrator Apple Go also met with police and barangay officials and discussed how to effectively implement the campaign. Go also sought the assistance of Colonel Joseph Martir, the city police chief, in clearing public areas, especially in downtown Zamboanga, of illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions such as illegally-constructed stalls on roadsides and path walks. She said police station commanders will lead the daily operations in their area and to come up with measures to prevent and control the proliferation of illegal vendors on sidewalks, private use of public spaces and other public regulations or ordinances to maintain peace and order here. Climaco urged motorists and residents to help in the campaign and make Zamboanga even more beautiful and peaceful place to live in. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
August 12-18, 2019
Across : 1. Before, to Keats 4. Beaver construction 7. Road guide 12. Gun an engine 13. WSW’s opposite 14. Stock unit 15. Uncompromising 17. Desert animal 18. Consolation 19. Mail friend (2 wds.) 20. One (Sp.) 21. Long period 22. Once more 24. Person on a pension 29. Greek consonant 30. Actor ___ Hanks 31. Close tightly 32. Voted in 34. Warning signal 35. Hatchet’s kin 36. Lass 37. Chicken serving 41. Of the mind 44. Send money 45. Venetian taxi 46. Dwell 47. Find a total 48. Disintegrate 49. Palm fruits 50. Nay’s opposite 51. Visualize
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The Zamboanga Post
August 12-18, 2019
RECIPE
Sarciadong Manok
HEALTH
Bigo sa Pag-ibig: 6 Tips Mag-move on Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong SOBRA SAKIT ANG mabigo sa pag-ibig at pagmamahal. Subukan itong 6 tips para maibsan ng konti ang sakit:
INGREDIENTS : • • • • • •
2 lbs chicken cut into serving pieces 4 pieces tomatoe ripe sliced 2 ounces tomato paste optional 3/4 cup green peas 1 tablespoon parsley chopped 5 pieces dried bay leaves
• • • • •
1 piece onion chopped 4 cloves garlic minced 2 cups chicken broth 3 tablespoons cooking oil Fish sauce and ground black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS : 1. 2.
3. 4.
Heat oil in a pan. Saute onion, garlic, and tomato. Once the onion and tomato soften, add chicken pieces. Continue to cook until the color turns light brown. Add tomato paste and chicken broth. Let boil. Put-in dried bay leaves and parsley.
5. 6. 7.
Cover and cook between low to medium heat for 35 to 40 minutes. Add more water or chicken broth if needed. Add green peas and season with fish sauce and ground black pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve! Share and enjoy!
1. Mahalin ang sarili Tanggapin ang iyong sarili bilang ikaw. Huwag isipin na may kakulangan sa iyo. Iwaksi ang mga maling binubuo sa iyong isip. Hanapin ang mga bagay na maganda sa iyo at mahalin ang totoong ikaw. Huwag ikumpara ang sarili sa iba. 2. Humanap ng suporta sa pamilya at kaibigan. Huwag isipin na ikaw ay isang pasanin, o na ikaw ay mahina dahil lang sa paghingi ng tulong sa panahon na ikaw ay malungkot. Ang mga taong nagmamahal sa iyo ay nais na ikaw ay tulungan. Iwasan ang mga gossipers, negatibong tao. Ituon ang oras sa mga taong makakasama mo hanggang sa maka-move on. 3. Huwag paramihin ang
problema. Huwag mag-rebound. Minsan ay natutukso ang tao na huwag palayain at huwag ipaubaya ang lahat. Iwasan ang ganitong tukso. Kailangan tanggapin, at patatagin ang sarili para makalaya sa sakit. Pagtapos ay mas mapapadali nito ang pagmove-on. 4. Magkaroon ng plano. Kung nais lamang na magmukmok sa kwarto maghapon, mag-schedule ng ehersisyo. Kilalanin ang sarili at ang iyong mga kahinaan, at planuhin na punuan ang mga puwang. Kapag nagplano ka, ifocus sa hinaharap: isang masaya, at positibong hina-
harap, at magtakda na ito ay magawa. 5. Alagaan ang kalusugan. Kumain ng masustansya. Huwag pabayaan ang sarili. Huwag malulong sa bisyo at alak. Malaking tulong ang ehersisyo para sa stress. Pumunta sa gym, gumalaw ng hindi bababa sa 30 minutes. Ang kalungkutan ay isang pinagmumulan ng stress. Alagaan ang iyong sarili at mga pangangailangan, at ikaw ay mas madaling makaka-recover. 6. Let go at mag-move on. Mayroong oras para harapin ang pagka-bigo. Ngunit kung ito ay nagsisimula ng maka-apekto sa iyong buhay, oras na para ito ay itigil. Gawing abala ang sarili, Alisin ang mga bagay na magpapa-alala. Pag lipas ng araw, hayaan ang sarili na magmove-on at kalimutan ang nakaraan. Isang araw, magugulat ka na sasaya ka muli.
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Zamboanga supports reopening of barter trade, but Beng warns smugglers Z
A student walks past a barter store in Zamboanga City. (Zamboanga Post)
UNICEF picks Zambo schools for pet project THE UNITED NATIONS Children’s Fund or UNICEF has chosen over two dozen public schools here as pilot areas for the implementation of the “Child Road Traffic Injury and Prevention.” City Administrator Apple Go said the UNICEF, originally known as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, aims to look into the vulnerability of each school’s location, the presence of standard road signage, which will ensure the safety of children, and will provide programs or activities to increase awareness on the matter. She said a two-day strategic planning and workshop on the program was conducted recently by the Human Development and Empowerment Services, an international aid organization; in partnership with the UNICEF, the local government of Zamboanga and the Land Transportation Office
(LTO). “The program aims to prevent the increasing number of road crash incidents involving children, especially when they are going to and from their respective schools,” Go said. Last February 28, the LTO which is under the Department of Transportation, held the first Road Safety Congress here with various stakeholders and promoted a unified, holistic and proactive approach to address the road safety issue in Western Mindanao. “It’s about time that we put road safety in the frontline. It should be the prime fight to ensure that the children will be safe at bahagi po iyan ng kampanya ng ating convergence. At nangyari na po iyan dahil sa pagsasama-sama, sa paniniwala po na kung anong krusada natin pagdating sa road safety dapat po nating maituloy,” LTO Regional Director Aminola Abaton said.
Abaton said the UNICEF is also eager to mass produce LTO’s “Partnership for Enhanced Road Safety Program” and the “Road Safety Module” which were launched here during the congress. He said the Department of Education expressed strong support to integrate the “Student’s Today, Road Users Tomorrow” road safety module in the K-12 curriculum in Western Mindanao. The module was developed by LTO in the Bicol Region. “The LTO is enthusiastic that the road safety agenda will finally be put in the government’s platform. Ito ang simula ng mas pinaigting na kampanya para isulong ang kaligtasan sa ating mga lansangan,” Abaton said. Last week, Abaton also launched the “Search for Tsuper ng Buhay Ko” in recognition to outstanding and disciplined drivers in Zamboanga City and increase awareness on road safety. (Zamboanga Post)
AMBOANGA CITY has expressed support to President Duterte’s pronouncement to reopen barter trading in Mindanao to hasten progress and development in the region. City Administrator Apple of Duterte’s unwavering cam- long lost tradition and help hasten the economy in the Go, in a recent business con- paign. ference by the Confederation Kuala Lumpur imposed area. of Barter Traders Associations, the ban on April 2016 followDuterte even sent then Inc., said the administration of ing the spate of cross-border Customs Commissioner NiMayor Beng Climaco is all-out kidnappings in Sabah, which is canor Faeldon to Sulu provin supporting Duterte’s revival near the Tawi-Tawi chain of is- ince where he met with proof the barter trade. lands in southern Philippines. vincial leaders headed by Go represented Climaco But late last year, Malaysian me- then Governor Toto Tan and in the “Business Conference for dia reported that Sabah will lift representatives of various Effective Barter Trading,” which its ban with the Philippines in sectors to discuss the revival was attended by local investors January this year to encourage of the barter trade – which and Malaysian businessmen. had flourished for many ceneconomic activities. Zamboanga City currently The decision to lift the ban turies in the past – with muhosts the biggest barter centers came from the State Security nicipal mayors, local tradin the South and is a magnet for Council and this was confirmed ers and entrepreneurs and tourists who wanted to bring by Chief Minister Datuk Seri members of the Sulu Chinese home barter goods – from beau- Mohd Shafie Apdal. Chambers of Commerce. tiful and hand-crafted cloth to Shafie said that strict stanIn that meeting, Tan also brass jars and assorted goodies dard operating procedures and shared his memories with and other items from Malaysia guidelines would be put in place Faeldon and said “during the and Indonesia. to ensure that the barter trade glory days of trading with Duterte wanted Sulu to be is not abused and is geared to- Malaysia, there was no outthe trading hub in the region, wards business, adding among break of violence as it is now but he warned merchants not the guidelines was to stop the because everybody was busy to engage in smuggling. “Maybe trading of subsidised goods like with making a living and I will permanently open Sulu as gas cylinders from Sabah. simply plying their trade. The a barter trade area, tanggalin ko He said the key trading only thing you need during ‘yung controls, but no outright points for barter trade would those times was simply your smuggling,” he said at a reli- be at northern Kudat, east coast credibility as a trader and gious television show hosted by Sandakan, Tawau and Lahad trust,” he said. Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. Duterte said the governDatu. “Barter traders were not Climaco is also very active the cause of kidnappings. It was ment is sincere in helping in the government’s anti-smug- a claim that led to the ban on not only the local economy gling campaign and vowed to barter trade,” Shafie said. Barter and reviving the old barter put a stop to the nefarious ac- trade has become an integral tradition, but also to ensure tivities by unscrupulous trad- part of trading activity in the that people, especially the ers who used Zamboanga’s Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia– poor, will benefit from this. long coastline to smuggle rice, Philippines’s East Asean Growth Tan, now vice governor of petrol and sugar among other Area. Sulu, praised Duterte for commodities from neighboring A Universiti Malaysia Sa- his sincerity and pledges he countries of Malaysia and Indo- bah survey in 2017 found that made to the Tausug people, nesia. the trade benefited commu- and thanked him for his freShe has repeatedly warned nities living along the borders quent visit to the province. Locals also welcomed smugglers to stay out of Zam- between Sabah, southern Philboanga as she ordered police ippines and Indonesia’s Kali- the revival of barter trading and thanked the government and military forces to help mantan. Shafie also said that secu- for its effort in bringing back curb smuggling activities, not only in the city, but in Zambo- rity in the east coast of Sabah the tradition which their ananga Peninsula where she sits remains at a high level for any cestors began. Sulu was the as chairperson of the Regional cross-border threats. In 2017, center of trade in the past Peace and Order Council. And Duterte promised to revive and had been exchanging she commended authorities for barter trading with Malaysia, goods with Chinese mertheir continuous efforts against particularly in the Sulu Archi- chants. (Mindanao Examiner smuggling activities in support pelago, in an effort to relive the and Zamboanga Post.)
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