In her message during the executive session with the president at the Edwin Andrews Air Base noontime Sunday, Climaco also presented to the president the collective support to the Z3R plan of the people of zamboanga through the City Council resolution and that of the Darul Ifta representing the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
”As grateful Zamboanguenos, we gather here today to underscore our deep appreciation and for giving the people of Zamboanga hope and confidence to rise again,” the mayor declared.
The executive session was held to brief the president on the Z3R plan which was prepared by the Zamboanga Rehabilitation team led by Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson and the UP PLANADES team in coordination with the local rehabilitation coordination structure.
The president during the briefing approved the plan and ordered the agencies concerned to complete the plan within the timeline and if possible ahead of the time schedule which is between 6-18 months.
Climaco said the president has journeyed with the Zamboanguenos through thick and thin. “From the very start of the crisis you were with us and sent your secretaries to guide us. This was further amplified by your presence and your clear directives: pre-emptive calibrated response that saved the lives of the hostages. Thank you to all of you for being with us”.
The mayor emphasized that the experiences in the Zamboanga siege have shown that despite diversities—Muslims, Christians and Lumads, the people remain united in the cause of upholding one flag, one nation and one Zamboanga.
“We thank you for painstakinglyh overseeing the preparation of the plan and for coming over to personally engage with the different sectors,” the mayor added.
Aside from the mayor, also present during the briefing with the president were Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde and the members of the City Council, representatives from the different sectors, the heads of the Humanitarian, Recovery and REhabiltiation Coordination Structure, the barangay officials from the affected communities, police and military officials and other officials.
From the Cabinet, present were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Energy Secretary Carlos Petilla, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Sec. Panfilo Lacson-designated rehabilitation czar for Luzon and National Housing Authority General Manager Chito Cruz. (Sheila Covarrubias)