City Mayor Beng Climaco singled out the safe resolution of the Zamboanga Crisis last September 2013, and the protection of the sovereignty of the City under One Flag, One Nation, and One Philippines as one of the most important accomplishment of her administration in 2013.
“Si tiene man acomplicimiento que yo como de ustedes alcalde ay reporta, este el salvada del di aton Ciudad por medio del bulada del di aton bandera adelante na City Hall que es el reflejo de coraje y dedicacion de todo,” said Climaco in her first State of the City Address (SOCA) held yesterday at the Sangguniang Panglungsod Session Hall.
Her speech, delivered primarily in Chavacano, not only reported the achievements of the local government under her helm as City Mayor, but validated as well as the performance of individuals, organizations, and partners during the September Crisis.
Among others, Climaco cited the City Council, for passing critical legislations during the crisis which included the ordinances raising the crisis alert level and directing the forced evacuation of affected barangays, the different local government employees serving as focal points for the Humanitarian, Recovery, and Rehabilitation Coordination Structure, and the organizations manning the humanitarian program for IDPs in terms of food and cash for work activities. “Todo este ta sirvi como modelo que manera el Govierno Local ta responde na Crisis,” said Climaco.
The Mayor also acknowledged the assistance which the City continues to receive from organizations and donor agencies, including UN humanitarian workers and partners who have stationed offices here, as well as the assistance of security agencies in facilitating the transfer of the MNLF detainees to Taguig.
“Ya hace el Ciudad todo manera posible para el pronto proceso de transferida y ta agradece kita mucho por el asistencia del police, military, BJMP, BUCOR, Air Force, Phil. Navy y DOJ y otro maga agencia,” she said.
Meanwhile, the rehabilitation of Zamboanga will remain foremost among the priorities of the Climaco administration this 2014, in addition to its current thrusts for Security, Health and Education (SHE).
Paving the way to recovery will be the Zamboanga Roadmap to Recovery and Rehabilitation (Z3R) Plan, which was approved by President Aquino as well as the Darul Ifta. Under the overarching concept of Build Back Better, the Z3R will construct new, safer and better communities within 6-18 months, Climaco said.
In the meantime, the IDPs are gradually being transferred to 4 transitory sites. A 5th temporary shelter site will soon rise in Calarian.
As the City gears up for 2014, Climaco has urged all Zamboanguenos to work together and to continue supporting the programs of the local government.
“Ayuda comigo dale buen futuro con el maga bata. Let us remain optimistic and hopeful that our City will emerge triumphant amidst the trials and challenges,” she said. “Cristiano, Muslim y Lumad junto kita reconstrui un mas mejor Ciudad de Zamboanga. Let us all Build Back Better Zamboanga City.” (jasmine mohammadsali)