The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has approved a resolution commending and expressing gratitude to Mayor Beng Climaco for her significant contributions and invaluable and meritorious service as city mayor of Zamboanga from 2013 to 2022.
The resolution was formally presented to Mayor Climaco Tuesday, June 28 at the Regency Hotel in Pasonanca coinciding with the ceremonial turnover and acceptance of documents as mandated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure smooth transition of power to the new local administration.
Authored by Councilor Gerky Valesco and unanimously approved during the SP session last June 7 with Councilor Jimmy Villaflores as temporary presiding officer, the resolution recognized Climaco’s notable and outstanding contribution to Zamboanga City.
The SP lauded Climaco as a public servant who is guided by the paramount concept of ‘public office is a public trust’ and who has proven her mettle as lawmaker and local chief executive, having served as city councilor for two terms (1998-2004), as City Vice Mayor (2004-2007), as Congresswoman for 2 terms (2007-2013) and as City Mayor for 3 terms (2013-2022).
As city mayor, Climaco prioritized her flagship programs – Security, Health and Education (SHE).
“To assure the city’s security, Climaco appropriated P2.2 billion through the construction of state-of-the-art facilities and procurement of new vehicles, firearms, communication equipment and other security-related devices, which as a result thereof, Zamboanga City Police Office was adjudged as number one Police Force in the country in 2018, not to mention, the zero kidnapping, zero bombing and zero piracy incident in the past 9 years,” the resolution read.
On health programs, Climaco invested in the construction of health centers and lying-in clinics in the barangays as well as the distribution of free medicines and medical services to the people, most especially the senior citizens, the SP said.
In the fight against COVID-19, Climaco initiated programs to provide cure, food, livelihood and vaccination to the people, hence, ensuring their health, safety and security. And in education, the mayor allotted funds for the construction of school buildings and distributed books to the learners.
The SP also took note of Climaco’s recognitions and distinctions, among others: Seal of Child Friendly Local Governance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Interior and Local Government and after 2 years, Zamboanga City became the lone Philippine City to emerge as finalist in the Child-friendly Cities Competition in Colognne, Germany.
Recently, the SP said, Mayor Climaco was awarded by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Offices of the Philippines, Inc. as Most Outstanding Local Chief Executive on social services fr her effective and efficient service delivery of social welfare and development programs and services giving emphasis on local initiatives especially in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Moreover, she was commended for her innovative programs and services in uplifting the general well-being of the marginalized and vulnerable sectors of the locality including the senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other disadvantaged clientele, a feat noteworthy of praise and acclamation,” the SP resolution read.
Climaco, according to the council members, “served the city with utmost dedication, commitment and passion through the strict enforcement and implementation of the laws and ordinances geared towards the upliftment of the lives of Zamboangueños.” According to the SP, Climaco’s relevant and significant inputs on matters of public concern helped in addressing different issues concerning public health, safety and security and that her notable and outstanding contribution are worthy of recognition, appreciation and acknowledgement. (Sheila Covarrubias)