Mayor Beng Climaco was one of 16 women leaders featured in the book Compelled by Duty, Conscripted by Destiny: Portraits of 16 Asian Women at the Frontline of Democratic Struggle by John Joseph S. Coronel and produced by the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD).
Mayor Climaco was recognized for her leadership, diligence, and courage under fire during the Zamboanga Siege in 2013, and for overcoming social biases and prejudices as a woman in politics.
“Her multifarious and multifaceted talents in politics, governance, management, psychology, education, military and religion were literally put to test during the crisis. And she proved to be the right mayor at a time when things in the city went wrong.”