Zambo City gov't stops DAP-funded projects

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The city government has stopped the implementation of a number of projects funded under the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), which has been declared by the Supreme Court (SC) unconstitutional.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said they have to abide by the mandate of the high court by suspending the implementation of the projects under DAP. She said the local government would have to look for other sources to continue the projects.

Among the city projects affected by the high court’s declaration against DAP were the Climaco Museum and the milk feeding program for children.

Climaco could not immediately disclose how much was earmarked under DAP for projects in the city.

The Climaco Museum was supposed to honor democracy fighter, former Mayor Cesar Climaco.

The city will be celebrating the former mayor's 30th death anniversary. Clima, who fought against the dictatorial regime of late strongman former President Ferdinand Marcos, was ambushed on Nov. 14, 1984 after responding to a fire incident in the city.

“I think we have to look for other sources to ensure that Mayor Cesar Cortez Climaco, aside from being my uncle, is given tribute," the lady mayor said.

Salazar, meanwhile, said that the National Milk Dairy has coordinated with the local milk farm here to provide the milk for the feeding program.