Zamboanga City Government News Bits March 30, 2015

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) in an emergency meeting this afternoon recommended to the City Council the declaration of a state of calamity in Zamboanga City in view of the escalating damage to agriculture and fishery products brought about by the continuing dry spell. Mayor Beng Climaco, CDRRMC chairperson, has requested the City Council to meet in a special session to tackle the recommendation, which she declared urgent. The Council is set to convene Wednesday morning.

As of today, March 30, a total of 8,924 hectares planted with rice, corn, assorted vegetables, banana, rubber, cassava and coconut have been affected by the dry spell and prevalent bush fires with an estimated value of P132.54 million.
Of the total 25 irrigation dams in the city, 9 have dried up, six are in critical condition while 10 are below the normal water level, according to City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat.
Al Alfonso of the ZCWD reported that the water level at the Pasonanca intake has reached the critical level of 73.9 as of today.
City Hall and police authorities remind the public of the prohibition on the bringing of backpacks at the Climaco Freedom Park in Abong-abong, Upper Pasonanca, from April 1-4 in line with the observance of Holy Week. City Police Director Col. Angelito Casimiro said people carrying backpacks will not be allowed entry to the freedom park. He hoped that people will comply with the regulation as this is contained in Executive Order 110 issued by the mayor as part of security measures.

The city’s Sanitary Landfill Facility in Barangay Salaan starts operation Tuesday (March 31). On the first week of its operation, the disposal of wastes at the newly completed SLF will be gradual, according to OCENR chief Engr. Rey Gonzales.
The City Health Office will deploy medial teams to provide medical assistance to people who will troop to the Climaco Freedom Pasonanca for their Lenten tradition from April 1-4. It will set up a medical tent at the helmet area with doctors, nurses and EMTs on duty. An ambulance will be on standby.
The Local Inter-Agency Committee will convene 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31 at the City Hall conference room to discuss among others the draft implementing rules and regulations of the Code of Policies and other updates concerning Z3R and conditions in transitory sites.