OPINION: Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco (Zamboanga City)

FATHER KAREL San Juan, S.J., said that today can be called the Feast-day of God! We also celebrate the Basic Ecclesial Communities whose life and vibrancy come from the people in remote areas and crowded communities both near and far who live the life of faith in prayer and celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

We celebrate 124 years of Philippine Independence. We pray for all heroes who gave their lives for our country. We also pray for our Covid-19 frontliners who responded to the call of healing. We also offer prayers in conflict areas in Ukraine, Myanmar and parts of Africa as we pray for all families. 

Rom. 5:1-5

“Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions,

knowing that affliction produces endurance,

and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope,

and hope does not disappoint,

because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts

through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” 

I reflect on these excerpts from the Second Reading. As we distributed the new Travis vehicles purchased at a lower cost to respond to our Barangays. A barangay chair responded: “Mayor, Gracias gayot na 9 años!” 

Todo este possible solamente na gracia y amor de Dios y La Virgen Maria y San Jose. As I have 18 more days to go, I am thankful for every opportunity to carry my cross following Jesus. I have offered my pains to Jesus, my afflictions to purify me. 

“Cannonball Experience” - St. Ignatius was hit by a cannonball which led to his conversion discovering and following Jesus. Last May 9, I was hit by a Cannonball, thus I must embrace and endure the pain. It takes a step at a time, to realize the pain inflicted by others yet the willingness to reach-out. I often check myself if I am in denial and having a pretense that all is well. 

Sr. Agnes of Carmel taught me to catch the gaze of Jesus. It is in this solemn moment, I allow God to speak in tears, in pain and total surrender to accept the reality of the loss. May the Holy Trinity open-up New Missions as I bid goodbye to 24 Years of Public Service. 

“HOPE does Not Disappoint because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.!” Indeed as I visit the barangays, I realize it is the people who are present that matters. I entrust June 30 in Faith, in Hope and Love in a Triune God with Mary our Mother and St. Joseph offered yesterday, today and tomorrow in God’s hands. I end with the song playing...“ALL WILL BE WELL!”

Our commitment to the security sector is unending, as our security forces continue to do their best to protect our city and its people from all forms of lawlessness. 

During Independence Day celebration, in recognition of the efforts of the security sector, especially the K9 units, we turned over 4x2 pickup trucks to the Zamboanga City Police Office, the military’s Joint Task Force Zamboanga, and the Philippine Coast Guard - Zamboanga Station. This forms part of our P2.3 billion investment in security during our 9-year administration. 

Our K9 “Happy” and his handler were awarded as the country's Best K9 and Best handler respectively during the anniversary of the K9 Group. Happy foiled a bomb attack in the City last December preventing what could have been a huge destruction of lives and properties during the Christmas season. (MBC)