ZAMBOANGA CITY, 26 Feb. (PIA 9) - - Resilient and vibrant amidst trials and tribulations, Zamboanga City today celebrates a triumphant milestone marking the day when the first set of appointed officials of the city were formally installed into office 75 years ago.
Spanish Ambassador Jorge Domecq will be the City’s honoured guest during a commemorative program that will be highlighted by a drum and lyre contest and the competicion de selyo or seal competition participated by various schools and government and private agencies.
Ambassador Domecq arrived in Zamboanga Saturday morning where he was afforded planeside honors by city officials headed by Mayor Celso Lobregat and District I Rep. Beng Climaco.
Barely an hour after arrival, the envoy, accompanied by First Secretary Sr. Antonio Garcia and Zamboanga Consul to Spain Ramon Balaguer stopped over City Hall for a courtesy call where he was met by Mayor Lobregat, members of the City Council and members from the Diocese headed by outgoing Archbishop Romulo Valles and Claretin priest Max Rodriguez.
The ambassador’s visit to Zamboanga renews a long history of friendship and ties with Zamboangueños that began with the laying of the cornerstone of Fort Pilar in 1635.
Mayor Lobregat, speaking in chabacano, which is a Spanish derivative language, made a comprehensive power point presentation of Zamboanga’s history tracing back the city’s bond with Spain. A thorough presentation was also made on the city’s competitiveness.
The 75th Dia de Zamboanga celebration today kicks off at 1pm with a parade from the City Hall premises to the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex where the drum and lyre tilt, participate by 5 elementary and secondary schools and the seal competition participated by 5 government and private groups will be held simultaneously.
The activities will culminate with a commemorative program where Ambassador Domecq will address Zamboangueños at 3pm, also at the Baliwasan grandstand.
The Dia de Zamboanga activities initially reeled off February 9 with the Dia Roseller Lim and will end Feb. 29 with the awarding ceremony of various competitions held in line with the local celebration of National Arts Month 2012.
A featured highlight in the Dia de Zamboanga celebration is the 2012 Zamboanga International Film festival, a joint undertaking of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the City Government.
Mayor Lobregat said celebrating the Diamond Anniversary of our declaration as a Chartered City “renews appreciation of the struggles and sacrifices of our founding leaders who took the challenge to steer our beloved City in 1937.”
“Since 75 years ago, Zamboanga, now Asia’s Latin City remains resilient and vibrant amidst the trials and adversities”, the mayor emphasized.
He called on Zamboangueños to continue the tradition of achievement and growth that have become the mark of Zamboanga City. “Let us chart the way forward in the years ahead, stronger as a City in fulfillment of the aspirations of those who set our legacy.” (JPA/ SC/CIO/PIA- ZBST)