STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

February 10, 2021

ROSE U. FURIGAY
City Mayor, Lamitan City

To our honored guests, Gov. Jim, Vice Gov Yusop Alano,

Board Members_________________________________,
our City Vice Mayor Hon. Roderick H. Furigay and all
honorable members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod:

Hon. Hegem Furigay, Hon. Arleigh Eisma,

Hon. Rima Hassan, Hon. Mayra Kallahal,
Hon. Nur-in Akbar, Hon. Sali Polo,
Hon. Noel Baul, Hon. Malik Uyag,
Hon. Ajid Dalawis, Hon. Joaquin Puri, Jr.

Punong Barangays of the 45 barangays of the city, SK

Officials, Most Reverend Bishop Leo Dalmao together
with Basilan Clergy, newly promoted General Domingo
Gobway- Commander of 101st Brigade, Commanders and
Officers from the different battalions, heads and
employees of the national government agencies,
department heads of the city and employees,
representatives of the civil society organizations and the
business sector, Mason brothers, the CPAF Clan, Madaris
teachers, BHW, Women, friends from the media, my
family and friends, ladies and gentlemen, Good Morning!

Allow me first to say thank you to each one of you for

gracing my 8th State of the City Report in your best
tennun inspired outfits. We chose the motiff with a touch
of tennun to honor our yakan weavers, to acknowledge
our heritage, and celebrate our rich culture. Lamitan City
being a home to 2 National Living Treasures for Arts/

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Tennun Weaving and Traditional Music, it is but proper
to proudly wear the world-class tennun and be among the
beauty queens, celebrities and international personalities
who endorse our very own woven cloth.

Thank you for your presence today and for taking the time
to know what we have accomplished in the past year and
what we hope to still achieve by the end of my term in
2022. Transparency, accountability and good governance
has always been the hallmark of my leadership. Thus, I
am here today to report to you, LGU Lamitan’s
accomplishments.

As Chief Executive, I have been through a number of

challenges and difficulties along the way but what
completely humbles and tests our knowledge of the world
is this COVID Pandemic. Eleven months since the
declaration of the coronavirus pandemic, Lamitan City
continue to wage its war against this harsh reality just like
the rest of the world. And we should all manage our
expectations because this pandemic is seen to define how
we will live our lives for another two years or more. Yes,
the vaccine may come but as you can see and hear from
experts, the virus is evolving. A new variant has been
discovered and it worries authorities because what little
we know about the virus may change without any
warning. Fortunately for us, we have been consistent and
a little strict in the implementation of health protocols,
that we now have zero COVID Cases. But as we wait for
a vaccine to control the spread, we need to be thinking
about ways to reduce risk of transmission. The basics
there is- stay at home, wear a mask, frequently wash your
hands, and observe social/physical distancing. This is not
only a public health emergency, but also an economic and

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social crisis. The following are the highlights of the city’s
COVID-19 response.

Immediately upon the declaration of National Health

Emergency in March, the Lamitan City COVID19 Task
Force was created together with the Anti-COVID19
Hotline and the Barangay Health Emergency Response
Team (BHERT). Intensive IEC was launched to inform
the general public of pertinent, relevant and up-to-date
information. A daily “Recorida” on COVID19 Protocols
has been found out to be very effective in reaching out to
the grassroots, reaching even the puroks to spark
COVID19 awareness and increase their knowledge.
Coupled with Oplan Sita - for COVID19 Protocol
enforcement, public cooperation and support is achieved.

Complementing these Plan of Action are the different

pronouncements through Executive Order. The City
Government through the Office of the City Mayor issued
10 Executive Orders relative to the prevention of the
spread and mitigation of impacts of COVID19. The
following are:

➢EO No. 07 series of 2020 – an order creating the city

and barangay task force on covid-19, in the city of
lamitan, province of basilan
➢EO No. 08 series of 2020 – an order providing
guidelines for the prevention and control of corona
virus disease (covid-19) in the city of lamitan, basilan
➢EO No. 09 series of 2020 – an order providing for
citywide curfew and temporary closure of city run
facilities
➢EO No. 10 series of 2020 – an order establishing

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 guidelines for the effective implementation of bawal
covid guidelines issued by the provincial governor in
lamitan city
➢EO No. 11 series of 2020 – an order expanding the
membership of task force on covid-19, in the city of
lamitan, province of basilan
➢EO No. 12 series of 2020 – creation of local price
coordinating council of the city of lamitan
➢EO No. 13 series of 2020 – an order requiring the
wearing of masks by all persons in public places
within the territorial jurisdiction of the city of lamitan
➢EO No. 14 series of 2020 – an order requiring
persons deprived of liberty (PDL) to undergo covid-
19 testing before commitment or release from jail/s in
the city of lamitan, province of basilan
➢EO No. 15 series of 2020 – an order rationalizing the
establishment of lamitan city task force against
covid-19, its functions and guidelines and adopting
the general protocols as provided in DILG MC No.
2020-077
➢EO No. 22 series of 2020 – an order temporarily
prohibiting the sale, chewing and spitting of betel nut
or “Momma” in public places in lamitan city

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Lamitan also

complementing the efforts of the Executive Arm has
passed the following:

➢Appropriation ordinance No. 2020-02 – an ordinance

appropriating the amount of fifty two million seven
hundred eighty thousand one hundred nine pesos
(Php 52,780,109.00) as a supplemental budget
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 number two (2) of the city government of lamitan for
fiscal year 2020 (note: bayanihan grant to cities and
municipalities (BGCM) to boost the city capacity to
respond to the Covid-19 situation)
➢Appropriation ordinance No. 2020-03 – an ordinance
appropriation the amount of seven million five
hundred thousand pesos (Php 7,500,000.00) a budget
realignment from the 20% development fund for the
provision of temporary isolation and quarantine units/
facilities, amenities and support utilities of the city
government of lamitan for fiscal year 2020.
➢Appropriation ordinance No. 2020-04 – an ordinance
appropriating the amount of eighty four million two
hundred fifty thousand pesos (84,250,00.00) as a
supplemental budget number three (3) of the city
government of Lamitan for fiscal year 2020 (note:
budget realignment for covid-19 situation respond)
➢Appropriation ordinance No. 2020-05 – an ordinance
appropriating the amount of fifty two million seven
hundred eighty thousand one hundred nine pesos
(Php 52,780,109.00) as supplemental investment
program for bayanihan grant to cities and
municipalities (BGCM) of the city of lamitan (note:
supplemental investment program (IP) for bayanihan
grant to cities and municipalities (BGCM) of the city
of Lamitan.
➢City ordinance No. 2020-06 – an ordinance granting
tax holiday on surcharges and penalties on real
property tax due for the period covering the first
quarter of CY 2020 that shall be availed of up to May
15, 2020 and the extension of deadline for the
payment of business tax until May 15, 2020 (note:
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 suspension of the payment of taxes in compliance to
the bayanihan act)
➢City ordinance No. 2020-07 – an ordinance
mandating the use or wearing of face masks or other
protective equipment and to strictly observe the
practice of physical distancing including the
backrider for motorcycles except for front liners
during the declaration of a national and or local state
of public health emergency, epidemic or outbreak or
a transmissible disease and providing penalties for
violation thereof
➢ City ordinance No. 2020-08 – an ordinance
amending section 7 of the city ordinance no. 2020-
07, “an ordinance mandating the use or wearing of
face masks or other protective equipment and to
strictly observe the practice of physical distancing
including the no backrider for motorcycles except for
front liners during the declaration of a national and or
local state of public health emergency, epidemic or
outbreak or a transmissible disease and providing
penalties for violation thereof
➢City ordinance No. 2020-12 – an ordinance granting
tax relief on surcharges and penalties to real property
taxpayers who have incurred delinquent real
property taxes due for CY 2020 and prior years that
shall be availed of from September 01, 2020 to
December 29, 2020. (note: recovery measure to assist
tax payers due to the negative impact of covid-19)

Allow me to recount to you our COVID19 story. With the

detection of the first covid case in Lamitan, LCP 001, the

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initial public reaction was worry and panic, first because
of the fact that no one is safe from infection and mostly
because it is something new to us. Upon news of the first
COVID case broke out, shared in the social media and
publicly announced throughout Lamitan City, panic
buying was observed in our local grocery stores - when
asked for the reason for this behavior - they answered
“Baka may Lockdown, Wala kameng kakainin”. Most
stores closed down and only food establishments,
pharmacies, pawnshops and kwarta padala outlets were
left open. The LGU had difficulties purchasing essential
protective supplies for COVID like masks, thermal guns,
PPEs and alcohol. Kahit Lysol nagkaubusan sa market.
Vitamin C supplements were always sold out in a flash.
Mabilis pa sa kisapmata. Nagkaroon ng sudden surge sa
online selling. Because of the lockdowns implemented
here and there, especially Zamboanga City, nagsulputan
ang mga online sellers to provide market demand for
COVID essentials and food. While on lockdown, nabuhay
ang Barter Trading. People bartered goods - nabuhay ang
mga barter groups sa Facebook. Nagkaroon din ng
Bagong libangan ang mga tao. Maraming naging
Plantitas/Plantitos/PlantMoms at PlantDads - biro nga nila
may Plantdemic. Everything was new.

The City Government on the other hand, responded by

placing the vicinity of the LCP-001’s residence on
Lockdown. Patient was given immediate medical
attention to manage symptoms and close contacts were
isolated and tested. Buti na lang that time our Ligtas
Covid Facility in Ubit was ready for accommodation. Iba
na talaga pag nakahanda tayo. While waiting for the
purchases of masks, PPEs, thermal guns and alcohol,
donations in cash and kinds poured from private

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individuals and concerned citizens, NGOs, and GOs. We
distributed these on the other hand to the essential health
workers, hospitals, DepEd, frontliners in the PNP, AFP
and many others. Packed meals, snacks, vitamins and rice
were also distributed to frontliners assigned on the field
just to ensure that they will not leave their posts. These
were separate from the relief goods we have distributed in
waves. Tulad ng ibang mga LGUs na nagbibigay ng
ayuda, ang ating LGU ay maraming beses nag abot ng
suporta sa mga Lamitenyos. Lamitan IATF meet regularly
to be abreast with the latest developments and
synchronize action with the National IATF plan.
Government facilities like covered courts, multi-purpose
buildings and schools were converted into isolation
facilities. Napakabilis at napaka-calculated ng lahat ng
ating mga aksyon. This describes our plan of action
against COVID and as you can see, it worked.

The City has purchased 3,600 pcs. Rapid Antigen Test

Kits and Rapid Antibody Test Kits. 1762 individuals have
been swab tested with a total of 1639 negative results and
123 positive results. We no longer have pending results
and as of reporting period, we already have zero positive
individuals. Kudos and thank you to our very brave and
hard working medical frontliners headed by Dra. Afreen
Amerin and Dra. Mika Puri and the rest of our health
warriors as well as to the CDRRMO headed by Jay
Dompol and his staff. Thank you too, to the backliners
who have been working with us day and night beyond
their job description just to help curb the spread of
COVID 19 in our city.

Contact Tracing has been particularly challenging. Just

recently, the Ministry of the Interior and Local

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Government augmented 33 personnel to the already
existing Job Order Basis personnel hired by the LGU to
assist in the city’s contact-tracing efforts. We leave no
contacts untraced. We may have been enforcing our
COVID19 protocols a bit more uncompromising but see
where it got us.

As of date, we have eight (8)Temporary Treatment and

Monitoring Facilities to include the Ligtas COVID Center
and Ligtas Mega Facility both located at Barangay Ubit,
Balay Silangan, Rehabilitation Center, Youth Center,
Covered Court at Little Cebu, Barangay Malinis Covered
Court and our privately owned temporary facility in
Barangay Luksumbang which seems to be the favorite of
most of our LSIs and ROFs because of its beach resort
environment that’s soothing to one’s body and soul. In
total, Lamitan City boasts a capacity of 444 bed spaces
across these facilities for various types of individuals
from confirmed positive, suspects, contacts and post-swab
individuals.

For Treatment, we had the Basilan General Hospital and

Lamitan District Hospital as hospitals for COVID-19
patients, while a 130-bed capacity Isolation Facility
beside LDH is underway. This is a joint venture of
BARMM Government and Provincial Government of
Basilan. Thank you MOH-BARMM and Provincial
Government of Basilan for always having our back in this
big fight against COVID.

Construction of 2-storey building of Lamitan District

Hospital is nearly completed. This project shows how the
good governor prioritize the health of Basileños
especially this time where everyone put their health first.

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Again, we are very grateful to Gov Jim for upgrading
LDH.

Medical emergencies due to other cases separate from

COVID Cases were also catered by our ambulances
including our sea ambulances free of charge. Contrary to
rumors circulating, our Ambulance and Sea Ambulance
Transport Service for medical evacuation and transfers
are for free and it is open to anyone needing emergency
transport to nearest hospitals in the city or in nearby
Zamboanga City. This is under our Reaching Out Serving
Everyone Program - and is an integral part of our
CDRRM Medical Emergency Response. In fact, not only
are we servicing Lamitenos but also those from other
municipalities. No one is left behind. Our data shows that
there were 247 evacuations to including the 20 COVID19
related medical evacuations by sea ambulance, 66 of
whom are from other municipalities. As backed by the
passenger manifesto, we have serviced even Tipo-Tipo,
Tuburan, Sumisip, Akbar, Albarka, Muhammad Adjul,
Ungkaya Pukan, and Maluso Municipalities as well as the
neighboring Isabela City. To the crew of sea ambulance
headed by Mr. Jojo Andal and Mr. Peter Go, Thank you
for your bravery and dedication, sometimes they have to
ply lamitan to Zamboanga and vice versa several times in
a day at any time when duty calls.

We have hurdled several obstacles, predicaments and

difficulties in the procurement of essential medical
supplies but has come through despite of all these.
Medical supplies and equipment have been procured
including PPEs, which were distributed among frontliners
and essential workers. Handwashing Stations also have
been installed in strategic locations in the 45 barangays of

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Lamitan including all places like the public market. To
make sure that enough water is available for consumption,
water tanks have been provided to each Barangay for use
in the public handwashing stations.

Regular disinfection/decontamination is done in public

places like the City Hall, City Gymnasium, CHO,
CDRRMO, Port Area, Public Market, Isolation Areas and
in some schools.

In our effort to safeguard the City, our Bantay Dagat and

CENRO have been on 24/7 unrelentingly guarding our
waters, as per records they have apprehended illegal entry
of 70 undocumented individuals and without the
necessary travel permits. For this, I want to say thank you
to our Task Force Bantay Dagat under the supervision of
City ENRO Allan Tura for their tireless watch.

Food Relief Response remains to be our top priority since

March. We have distributed around 85,032 sacks of rice
and grocery packs to households, disadvantaged sectors
and groups in all 45 barangays of the city during the
period of the different types of Community Quarantines
enforced. We have supported food packs and hygiene kits
to front liners from security sector, barangay health
stations, persons under monitoring, locally stranded
individuals and returning overseas Filipinos and even
Lamitenyos stranded in Zamboanga City received their
rice and food packs.

At this point, I would like to congratulate Ms. Honelyn

Uy and her team for her very important contribution in
making sure that our food and meal assistance reached
you in its freshest and best form. They have painstakingly

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packed, repacked, cooked and delivered your food packs
the way your own mothers would do it for you, fairly and
heartily.

Social Amelioration Program (SAP) Implementation

under the Bayanihan Program released 5,125,000 pesos
for 1,025 beneficiaries across the 45 barangays in
Lamitan City and was successfully liquidated by the City.
All of these initiatives have been successful because of
the strong support of our Governor Jim Salliman-
Hataman, the PSWDO and MSSD-BARMM.

The Bangsamoro Government thru Ministry of Social

Services and Development have extended 9,023 sacks of
rice which where distributed to 45 barangays of Lamitan.
Seed capital amounting to 15,000 pesos under the
Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) were awarded to
some deserving 4Ps beneficiaries. I would like to
commend the CSWD headed by Pearly Tacorda for the
very good work in the implementation of the Ministry’s,
the provincial and local projects and programs on Social
Services.

(Agriculture) Survival Gardens sprouted in backyards

during the Lockdown and still thriving up to this times.
To continuously sustain our need for fresh vegetables and
crops for food and daily sustenance, the City Government
has encouraged and supported local food production and
vegetable growing in the barangays through the provision
of trainings and seminars, vegetable seed distribution,
issuance of farm tools and implements used in gardening
and assistance in the land preparation. Agricultural
produce was also distributed to 1,721 constituents as

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relief goods, which were also sourced out from local
farmers.

A total of 3,336 farmers were subsidized, 462 fisher folks

were assisted, 16 animal raisers availed the livestock
program, 1,468 animals were provided healthcare
services, 740 pets were vaccinated, 431 stray dogs
impounded, and 63 individuals benefitted from farm and
fishery inputs.

Job well done, City Agriculture Office headed by Mrs.

Ester Domingo also we wanna thank the Provincial
Government thru the Provincial Veterinary Office for the
support and assistance.
Our partnership with the Nagdilaab Foundation headed by
Maam Dedeth Suacito provided us Hand washing
facilities, masks, hygiene kits and series of trainings for
BHERTs—very timely and responsive assistance during
the onset of pandemic.

We are also very grateful for their collaboration in

empowering our youth sector, opportunities for
socialization like peace camps were held, organized youth
and facilitated registration as legitimate and recognized
entity under the City Youth Development Office. These
were made possible with the efforts of Nagdilaab
Foundation.

To address mental health issues like anxiety, depression

and suicide brought about by pandemic, the Nagdilaab
Foundation and Isabela Foundation have been our reliable
collaborators offering countless trainings on

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Psychological First Aid to mental health advocates,
medical health workers, and teachers.

Lamitan City Pagtabangan Helpline was initiated, a

mobile hotline number and facebook page offering
psychological first aid to people in distress.

On the other hand, Isabela Foundation distributed rice and

grocery packs to 210 families and cash vouchers to 665
sponsored families in Lamitan amounting to PhP 365,
750.

To Maám Dedeth Suacito and to Maam Margie Auxtero,

these two women I should say are the faces of
empowerment in Basilan, a million thanks to both of you
and to your respective NGO for your never ending
support to Lamitan.

*On Education

The education sector is not exempted to the adjustments

in the New Normal. The Department of Education
encouraged teachers to utilize different modes of learning
that is befitting to the local context. As for Lamitan City,
the Local School Board approved the use of modular
approach though it entails costly production of materials
since most areas suffers from poor connectivity and
tagged as off-grid. Also, tutorial sessions in schools were
allowed to aid slow learners and non-readers to cope with
the new learning delivery. Both teachers and students
have a hard time preparing and accomplishing the
modules, while this new system challenges every home,
parents in particular to facilitate learning for their children

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The Local School Board turned over laptop and printer to
14 identified non-MOOE schools, heavy duty Riso
machine and bond papers were also handed to the
Division Office.

Christmas bonus for our 818 teachers that we traditionally

release every December have been given as early as May
to help them during the onset of crises.

Lamitan City is a recipient of Basic Education Facilities

Fund for CY 2018 we have11 classrooms at nearly 50%
completion and for CY 2019 we have 30 classrooms at
100% completion which were turned over by the
Provincial Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman...

In 2016, we open the Damaso Furigay National High

School starting with 5-classroom made of light materials.
4 years later, enrolment surge to more than 300 students
covering 6 barangays. The increase of learners calls for
additional classroom, we are grateful to our kind hearted
and generous Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman for the 2
storey 6 classroom building under the Provincial Country
Side Development Fund. Thank you, Governor Jim for
your huge support to the education sector.

Another 1 unit- 5 classroom building was also turned over

by the City Government which was materialized thru the
2018 Performance Challenge Fund amounting to 5.1
million—PCF is a cash incentive for being an SGLG
Awardee.

Another laudable project initiated by Lamitan City

Division through the leadership of Maám Myra

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Mangkabung is the LAPIS in collaboration with the City
Government and other partners - an academic intervention
program specially designed for the MILF Community
launched last September 2019. LAPIS stands for Learning
Acceleration for Peace and Inclusive Services.

For many years, our MILF brothers and sisters lived on

the other side of invisible borders which separate them
from us, that separate them from the mainstream of
government services. With the birth of BARMM, the
MILF takes the steering wheel of the regional
government. And it is our intent to work with them for
peace and sustainable development. Congratulations,
MILF Learners.

The LAPIS program paved the way for the government

and NGOs to bring our services closer to the community.
Education was made available in the neighborhood
through ALS (play video)

Thanks to the bright initiatives and strong leadership of

our Lamitan City Schools Division Superintendent Maam
Myra Borja- Mangkabung, continuing quality education
in the new normal is made possible. Since she assumed
her post in the Division Office, the education sector went
through remarkable reforms which consequently
contribute to more vibrant programs for our learners,
teachers and stakeholders.

In support, the City Government under the Educational

Assistance Program has sponsored 25 MILF Scholars to
send them to formal education in the secondary, senior
high school and universities.

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Under the City Government’s Educational Assistance
Grant Program, we have an existing 594 scholars in high
school, senior high school and tertiary levels.

Health services now accessed by most women and

children, and other support services extended as the MILF
community headed by Commander Rajan Abdurahman
open its doors to welcome opportunities and development
for their people.

The ROSE Caravan held in Baas for the MILF

community was a life changing experience for both
service providers and service users. That moment I can
say is a dream come true for peace advocates and leaders
seeing the MILF and the AFP, PNP in one gathering.
Their testimonies moved me…

I have even visited the MILF camp detachment in Brgy

Baas which I never thought I can, their warm welcome
overwhelms me. Megsukul si kaam Commander Rajan
Abdurahman, Commander Nasir Antah and Commander
Hji. Sam Ahaddin.

*Peace, Security and Public Safety

Peace and Order and Public Safety have always been our
top priority in Lamitan City and the province as a whole.
Gone were the days of fear and anxiety over lawlessness
and terrorism. I have always emphasized to our security
forces that as long as possible, the City Government will
continue to provide all the support to BPOC and BADAC
Functionality.

We also intensified campaigns against illegal gambling,

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loose fire arms, motornapping and carnapping, and many
other laws and ordinances for peace, security and public
safety in general.

Cooperation of community volunteers and constant

coordination with other law enforcement agencies and
counterparts in the AFP has been instrumental in the
maintenance of the peace and order in the city.

Deployment of our BPATs, CVOs, SCAAs created an

effective neighborhood watch groups. Implementing this
not only when threats are imminent, I appeal to each and
every resident of the City to make this part of our way of
life as a community and show us your love for Lamitan
through concrete action. Help us make this City a safer
place for you and for our children who will inherit this
City in the years to come.

The crime solution efficiency as per PNP Lamitan City

data is at 78.15% and crime clearance efficiency is at
93.27%. The city police station has arrested 11 wanted
persons.

With the leadership of our snappy chief of police, Major

Dennis Sirilan, Lamitan City Police Station was adjudged
as 2020 Best Police Station in Basilan, LCPS was also
recognized as Special Unit Award for exemplary
accomplishment on Anti-illegal drugs operation and our
chief of police was named as 2020 Best Police
Commissioned Officer in the province.

Congratulations to PNP LCPS Chief Dennis Sirilan and to

your hardworking team…

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Our Jail Warden has also made significant
accomplishments for Lamitan City Jail being awarded by
the BJMP Regional Office as 2020 Best City Jail in
BARMM. Congratulations Senior Jail Officer 4 Timhar
Jumaani and men of BJMP Lamitan.

Lamitan City Fire Station personnel were awarded the

Medalya ng Papuri and Medalya ng Pagtulong sa
Nasalanta for their act of heroism during the October 15
flooding which resulted to rescue of stranded families.
Congratulations and thank you Lamitan Fire Station
headed by SFO4 Victor Ramiso as well as Tuburan Fire
Station headed by FO3 Jowie Jacinto for giving a helping
hand during the flood.

I wish to congratulate Gen. Domingo Gobway for his well

deserved promotion and for earning HIS FIRST STAR.
Indeed, Basilan is the home of future 4 star generals. I am
sure, another star will not be far behind you General.
Thank you also to all our Battalion and Company
Commanders stationed here in Lamitan City for your
service and hardwork.

To our partners from PNP and AFP, who have, despite of

the pandemic, have stood by us to keep our night sleep
serene and our days free from any acts of terrorism and
criminality, we are always thankful.

Salamat sa inyong lahat for your effort and dedication in

maintaining peace and order in the City. Rest assured that
your local government and I, as the Chairperson of the
City Peace and Order Council will never get tired of
supporting all of your endeavors.

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We are one with the President in the anti-illegal drugs
campaign.. Our office together with PDEA, PNP and
MILG coordinated and collaborated with local officials in
capacitating Anti-Drug Abuse Councils in the different
barangays citywide.

In 2020, 31 Anti-Illegal Drugs Operations were conducted

which led to the arrest of 44 individuals. And as of
reporting period, all the barangays in this city already
have active BADACs. We recognize the vital role of
barangay officials in the fight against illegal drugs.

Early this year, the City Government of Lamitan launched

its Drug-Free Workplace to formally institutionalize our
program and policies to create enabling environment in
the LGU that is free of drugs. City officials and
employees shall undergo drug testing annually. Anyone
found positive will be dealt accordingly.

We requested The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency

(PDEA) BARMM to capacitate the 45 BADACs and
lucky for us, Regional Director Juvenal Blanquera Azurin
personally came to Lamitan for the conduct of training.

Just recently, I, together with MILG-Basilan and key local

officials has received our Performance Challenge Fund
worth 3.5M for the 4th time SGLG Award that we have
won for the city last 2019. This will be used for the
Business-One-Stop-Shop Building- to be constructed
beside City Hall building.

With the launching of MILG’s Local Government

Functionality Appraisal or LoGFA Awards for the year
2020, Lamitan City garnered a 90% rating, placing us
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among the premier local governments in the Bangsamoro
Region in terms of good governance, functionality and
delivery of basic social services. The cash prize will be
used to purchase IT equipment for the Business-One-
Stop-Shop.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank MILG-

Basilan Provincial Director, Mam Ra-diya Akmad and
our very active CLGOO - Ms. Indira Patra Juaini for
always pushing us to be better every time and for
tirelessly reminding us to always live and breathe
excellence.

As of this reporting, yours truly is one of the aspirants for

the BARMM’s Salamat Excellence for Leadership Award
and if chosen we hope to be awarded with a 2.5M project
grant and 250,000 worth Medallion – wish me luck.

Aside from these, we were awarded also as an

Outstanding Tech4Ed Center for Mindanao Cluster 1.
With the very able leadership of Ms. Era Mae Caltino in
the IT Division, she has developed a very dynamic,
strongly adept young group of individuals whose
commitment to bridge the “Digital Divide” is unwavering.
To your bunch, I hope you continue to pursue this
endeavor. You are doing a good job there.

On Growth and Development.

In 2020, we have issued 1,328 Business Permits with 200

new registrants. On the other hand, 33 business
establishments were closed due to pandemic however our
resilient businessmen managed to thrive.

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Dozens of business and new retail stores that we have
never imagined have opened up their branches here
including Land Bank, milk tea shops, airconditioned
convenience stores, hardwares, gas stations, resorts and
other food ventures because of their trust and confidence
in our administration. This is Lamitan City, today! Buhay
na Buhay, may mga magagandang pagbabago at
maraming opportunities for business and investments
kahit na mga maliliit na negosyo ay maayos na kumikita.
Naapektuhan man tayo ng pandemya, sigurado akong
makakabangon tayo at patuloy na babangon dahil tayo ay
mga Palaban.

In fact, as of last year, total revenues from business taxes

amounted to Php 7,457,344.46 from Php 6,838,015.00 in
2019. Still an increase from previous year’s value. The
highest increase pertains to Economic Enterprises at
115.76 percent of target collection for 2020. Overall, the
total revenue of the city in 2020 amounts to
33,162,017.32 which is 2 Million higher than 2019.

Thumbs up to CEEDMO headed by Engr Kaye Hibionada

and Licensing Division headed by Ms. Christine
Argonista and City Treasury headed by Mr. Leo Baky for
a job well done!

The ease of making business here — compared to the

previous decades — is far better. For a number of years,
the business sector felt the speedy processing of business
permits with our Business One Stop Shop or BOSS that
has streamlined processing of business permits from its
multiple steps years ago to just two-steps – Application
and Payment and you will have your permits issued right
away in just a few minutes.

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Thanks to the DICT MC1 headed by Director Tess
Camba for giving us the technology for free.

On Tourism

If it hadn’t been for the Pandemic and the strict

implementation of the quarantine and health protocols,
our Tulip Garden which trended in 2019 because of the
noteworthy positive reviews of famous and honorable
personalities including VP Leni, thousands would have
flocked and visited our unique showcase of recycled
plastic bottles making up our Tulip Garden. However, due
to the Pandemic and the temporary closure of our tourist
spots, we won’t have much developments to share to you.
But soon, when this pandemic is all over, new scenic
spots and tourist adventures await everyone with the
further development of our Ecological Park as well as our
Nature Park.
· De
vt plan with perspective from cpdc

To complete your visit here in city hall complex, I hope

you drop by to take selfies at the newly installed
#IloveLamitan landmark and don’t forget to tag us on
facebook using Hashtag I love Lamitan.

On Environmental Protection

On the other hand, our environment and natural resources

management program has helped maintain our tree
nursery and forest co-management areas by propagating
more than 3,000 forest seedlings and wildlings, including
upland and mangrove reforestation participated by 600
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planters from various sectors of the City.

The City ENRO was able to conduct environmental

education before the start of lockdown, give seminar to
318 students, fishermen and key officials in coastal
communities. Mobilize 9 barangays for clean-up drives.
Together with Bantay Dagat we released 146 pawikan
hatchlings and 1 adult green sea turtle.To our
environment warriors of City ENRO headed by Mr Allan
Tura, job well done.

On Health and Social Services.

Our total support to the health programs of the City

amounts to 28M under CHO allocation and 1.98M under
the City Mayor’s MOOE for the year 2020. We also
invested on health related infrastructures which include
the construction, rehabilitation and improvement of the
RHU Main Building to provide a more comfortable place
for our clients and patients alike.

We have continued with our legacy of always surpassing

the 100% target under the National Immunization
Program.

Under our Reproductive Health and Family Planning

Program, we currently have a Contraceptive Prevalence
Rate of 17.9% which is quite acceptable when we
compare it to the national target rate. We also have a
promising number of health facility-based deliveries with
a total of 738. Our program on hypertension, diabetes and
other lifestyle-related diseases continued amidst the
pandemic. Barangay health workers headed by their
respective nurses and midwives, continued delivering

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services either assessment and dispensing maintenance
medications among the target population.

Under the National TB Program, we have consistently

maintained 100% cure rate even for drug resistant TB.
Just recently, the World Health Organization awarded
Lamitan City 1st Place- Top Performing LGU in the
Philippines for Rifampicin Resistant TB for the 3 rd quarter
of 2020. Good job to our doctors and DTTB personnel.

Mental Health Program though usually neglected in some

localities, Lamitan City have also performed beyond
expectations. As of 2020 we were able to cater 40-50
mentally challenged patients and have provided free
medication and appropriate counseling even to individuals
from other municipalities who were referred to us by
private physicians. As of now, we continue to purchase
and request necessary medications adjusted to the demand
and needs of the majority of identified patients. These are
given for free.

Kudos to our City Health Office brave warriors under the

active leadership of Doc Afreen and Doc Mika for doing
excellent job in handling the pandemic. Zero Active Case
na tayo sa Lamitan. They have worked hard in containing
the COVID Spread and at the same time, continuously
implementing our CHO Health Programs despite of the
pandemic and at an excellent rate too.

Now the challenge left is the implementation of the

COVID19 National Vaccination Program. We have
initially allocated 5 Million for the purchase of the
vaccines, apart from the Provincial and BARMM
allocation. The allocation will cover vaccination of

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around 60-70% of the target population. Currently, we are
on the initial stages of our Covid Vaccination Plan for
Lamitan, preparing and capacitating our health personnel
to see through implementation of the vaccination.

Our social services are also at the heart of our governance

with burial assistance now at P830,300 for 145
beneficiaries, medical assistance in partnership with Dr.
Jose Maria Memorial Hospital reached 1.66M for 275
beneficiaries and financial assistance in crisis situation at
16.9M for 1519 beneficiaries.

On Infrastructures.

Growth and development is not only felt in the Tourism

sector but is also shared in infrastructure development.
For 2020 we have completed the following projects:

…. Distribution of 14 generator sets…. Malo-ong San

Jose.

My thank you goes to the City Planning and Development

Coordinator and City Engineering Office under the
leadership of Engr. Arnold Yap and City Motorpool
headed by Engr. Manuelo Manzan for making sure we
accomplish these infrastructures as planned.

I have a dream for Lamitan City. It is a big dream. But

someone else has an even bigger dream than me. That
someone is no other than this visionary man who once
said “pasong pe bang sumu, labi pe bang sumudde!”
“More tomorrow, how much more the day after
tomorrow.” We have accomplished so much today, we
can be so much more tomorrow. He has foreseen the great

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potentials that we have in Lamitan City. He worked so
hard for the realization of our dream of being a City. He
has tirelessly worked with development partners and
investors to let them see Lamitan City’s true potentials.
His dreams may be bigger than him, but he has not
faltered. He knows that you are all behind him to support
the dreams he have for Lamitan City. To this man, Thank
you. We can see how Lamitan City has changed for the
better, with all these infrastructure projects left and right.
We are in awe. You are awesome Vice.

And, allow me congratulate our City Councilors for a

productive year as you have enacted 26 Ordinances and
adopted 314 resolutions this 2020. Let us continue to
work hard and fight for change to make the lives of our
people better and more dignified.

My heartfelt gratitude to all honest and hardworking City

Government officials, barangay officials, SK officials,
heads of offices and employees of the City, Provincial,
Regional, National Government Agencies, and countless
private donors who lift me up as your local chief
executive.

My gratitude and appreciation goes to Governor Jim

Hataman-Salliman and Provincial Officials for the well
managed covid-19 situation in the province, the balik
probinsya program and Cong. Mujiv Hataman for the aid
to barangays. I am also grateful for all the help and
support extended by Gov. Jim and Cong. Mujiv to the
people of Lamitan not just in the time of COVID but way
back when Lamitan City was just starting out as a new
city in 2010 until today.

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And to my City Mayor’s staff, thank you for always
sticking it up to me through all these years that I have
been testing your limits and capabilities, meeting my
impossible deadlines, always not falling short of my
expectations. May you consider your experience with me,
rewarding and motivation enough for you to continue to
better yourselves.

With them, I also thank all the Lamitenos who help us

become better servants with their support and constructive
feedback. COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable
future. We should expect that it would be a difficult
stretch. My heart and prayers go to all frontliners who
continue their battle against covid-19.

Megsukul. Thank you very much. Mabuhay po tayong

Lahat!

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