Mayor Beng Climaco has directed City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and City Legal Office (CLO), to finalize the executive order establishing protocols for the observance of the holiday season in the city.
Initially, the local government has prohibited government offices from holding Christmas parties and caroling around Zamboanga in adherence to an earlier directive from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
During the virtual press conference, she also instructed CDRRM Officer Dr. Elmeir Apolinario to meet with representatives from the archdiocese to plan the various activities for a safer Christmas celebration.
The group will also discuss how to go about with Misa de Gallo under the new normal and how the tradition could possibly affect curfew hours in the city.
The local chief executive also renewed her appeal for residents to be responsible and opt for safe holiday celebrations to help put a stop to the COVID-19 spread.
“The moment we step out into the streets without a mask and without shield, we are committing our suicide. That is why we are appealing to everyone to extend their sacrifice in this very difficult time so that we will be able to heal the sick and feed the hungry.”
(R.G. Antonet A. Go)
(Source: Virtual press briefing of Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar)