Beng to residents, media:

be Z3R rehab’s watchdogs

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS)-  Highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability, City Mayor Beng Climaco urged residents and members of the local media to help monitor the ongoing implementation of the Z3R plan, the overarching blueprint for the rebuilding and recovery of the City.

“In a talk I had with Secretary Singson of the DPWH, I asked UP PLANADES to be the monitoring group for the implementation of the Z3R. We also encourage our residents and the media to also support us as monitors,” said Climaco Monday, August 11, during her regular press briefing.

The chief executive further emphasized the role of the local government as the coordinator between the national government and the ongoing efforts on the ground.

City Mayor Beng Climaco interacts with local press in her regular press briefing held every Monday at City Hall. FILE PHOTO

“It is clear that the national government funds are directly downloaded to national government agencies, and the amount goes directly to them. The City Government only acts as a coordinating unit,” said Climaco.

The Mayor also underscored the ongoing measures of the City Government and its humanitarian partners to push forward the rehabilitation efforts.

Earlier in the morning, Climaco, along with humanitarian partners, NGOs, and other organizations, broke ground at Sitio Buggoc in Kasanyangan where the Buggoc Challenge, a Bayanihan Build project for the Sama de Laut, is set to take place.

Building as one community in the spirit of bayanihan, the Buggoc Challenge intends to gather private groups, NGOs, national agencies, and individuals to construct 200 culturally sensitive and disaster-resilient houses for the Sama de Lauts.

“We continue to appeal for the generosity of private groups, NGOs, national agencies and well-meaning individuals to join us in this endeavor,” she said, adding that the realization of this project at the soonest possible time will decongest the Boulevard and the Grandstand.

Meanwhile, the center islands including the sidewalk in front of the Grandstand and the Zamboanga City National High School West have been cleared. In terms of temporary shelters, the DSWD will be constructing an additional 30 bunkhouses will be constructed in the Masepla transitory site in Mampang, reported Climaco.

The City Mayor also expressed her gratitude for the continued support of the humanitarian partners who work hand-in-hand with the government in the rehabilitation and recovery process of the City.

“We remain grateful to our humanitarian partners who are steadfast and dedicated in their job of helping Zamboanguenos displaced by the September 2013 siege,” said Climaco. (Jasmine Mohammadsali) (091714)